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UNDERGRADUATE
INTRODUCTORY
SAFETY MANUAL
This Safety Manual is a summary of important OH&S information. To find out more about the Faculty of Engineering OH&S procedures, please visit:
http://www.eng.monash.edu.au/ohs/
More information about Monash OH&S procedures can be found at:
http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
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CONTENTS
Emergencies 1
Evacuation procedures
Safety aids
Safe lab practices 6
Chemical Safety 8
Electrical Safety 9
Working with biological or radioactive material 9
Hazard reporting 10
Computer use & ergonomics 11
Health and welfare 12
Other safety-related information 14
Building and Faculty OHS information 15
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EMERGENCIES
Call SECURITY on 9905 3333 (333 from a campus phone) or use a red emergency phone – simply pick up the handset and it will connect automatically to security. Make sure you state: → Nature of the emergency → Building number → Nearest room or lab Number
If the situation is life threatening, call 000, and then inform
security using the red emergency phone, or by dialling 9905 3333 (333 from a campus phone) Security will coordinate the emergency response. If hazardous substances, radiation or biological materials are involved during normal working hours, also contact the relevant Safety Officer.
Fire: activate the nearest fire alarm. If a serious accident occurs involving fire, toxic gas or chemicals, it is important to activate the nearest fire alarm immediately. After activating the fire alarm, close the door and evacuate.
Injury: contact your supervisor
and/or the nearest first aider. You can find a list of first-aiders at the end of each corridor.
Emergency procedures and plans are posted at the end of each corridor in every building (see image)
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Evacuations On hearing:
BEEP-BEEP-BEEP
This is the ALERT tone – no action required! A warden will instruct you. You do not need to evacuate yet – if you do, you might be running straight into the danger! You should:
- LISTEN for announcements over the P.A. system or from your building warden. - OPEN your office/lab/room door - PREPARE to leave (save files, turn off equipment, secure your personal items, etc)
Then, when you hear:
WHOOP-WHOOP-WHOOP
This is the EVACUATE tone. Time to get out!
FOLLOW all instructions given by Floor Wardens (Yellow Hats) You should:
1. LEAVE the building by the nearest safe/emergency exit. 2. WALK, not run 3. DO NOT use the lift!!! 4. PROCEEED to the designated Assembly Area (AA)
STAY in the Assembly Area until a warden gives the all-clear, even if the alarm has stopped sounding.
A full list of each Engineering building’s designated Floor Wardens and Safety Officers can be found in the back of this manual, on pages 15 & 16.
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After hours evacuation If the emergency evacuation system is activated outside normal working hours, an ALERT tone is sounded. If no intervention occurs within 2 minutes the evacuation signal is automatically activated and Security is alerted. If this should occur, you should follow normal evacuation procedures and evacuate to the Assembly Area.
Safety Aids Fire extinguishers can be found throughout the laboratories and
corridors. Please see below for a reference guide for which extinguisher to use for which situation.
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First aid kits, like fire extinguishers, are placed throughout the
labs and corridors. Do not use the kits yourself – find a first aid officer. You can find a full list of first aid trained staff at the end of each corridor.
Safety showers/eye washes are available to
be used if you get chemicals on yourself or in your eye. In the case of chemicals in the eye, immediately irrigate with running water (including under the lids) for at least 20 minutes and then seek medical attention. You must also report the incident to your supervisor.
SAFE LAB PRACTICES
Firstly: appropriate footwear is mandatory.
Appropriate footwear is solid and is fully enclosed. No thongs, sandals, ballet flats, heels, etc.
YES! NO!!
Safety inductions will be provided for each laboratory – different labs can have different specific safety practices. Make sure you are familiar with the safety policies and procedures of the lab that you are working in.
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Lab coats, safety glasses and other such personal protective equipment must be worn in designated laboratories. When wearing lab coats, make sure that it is clean and is fastened down the front – do not leave it open like a jacket, that defeats the purpose! Also make sure you do not wear your lab coat outside the lab. Safety glasses are also vital - an estimated 90% of eye injuries can be prevented with the proper use of protective eye wear! Prescription glasses are not sufficient protection – you need to put safety glasses on top.
If only Carol had known...
Other general lab safety rules
No eating, drinking, or chewing gum.
Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back.
Do not sit on the benches.
Keep bags in defined areas
Remember to turn off all gas/water/electrical outlets before leaving!
In the case of spills and breakages, let your supervisor know immediately.
Do not work in isolation - ensure a second person is within call.
Label all your samples, solutions, etc. with exact contents, your name and the date. Unlabelled items will be thrown out.
Use equipment only for its designated purpose.
Wash skin areas which have come into contact with chemicals, irrespective of concentration.
If disposable personal protective equipment is being worn (e.g. gloves), make sure to dispose of them before leaving the laboratory
Once you are finished, all supplies, equipment, etc. must be returned to its original location.
All Monash University buildings are smoke-free environments.
Make sure to tidy up after yourself and keep your area clean - good housekeeping prevents accidents.
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CHEMICAL SAFETY When working with chemicals, it is very important to use, store and label them accurately. The management of chemicals is regulated by three legislative acts:
i. Dangerous Goods Act
Deals with the physical properties of the chemical – flammable, corrosive, explosive, etc.
ii. Hazardous Substances Act
Deals with the health effects of a chemical – toxicity, irritation, etc. iii. Controlled Substances Act (Drugs and Poisons)
This category covers a wide range of chemicals including prescription medicines, illegal drugs, herbicides and pesticides, etc.
The classification of a chemical according to one or more of these Acts determines how we use, store and dispose of the chemical.
Make sure you read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) before you use each chemical – it has all the information you need!
Your supervisor will also instruct you on the safe usage of each chemical. For example, some chemicals may be used only in a fume hood, or can only be disposed in certain buckets.
Listen to your demonstrators! In the event of any splash or spill, don’t clean it up yourself. Contact your supervisor who will clean it up using a spill kit (see pictures). In the event of chemicals on skin or eyes, use the emergency shower! First aid measures need to be applied quickly if they are to be effective. Any incident must be reported at once to the demonstrator.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for every chemical in every lab. They can also be found on the Computer Safety Stations in each lab. You must consult them before beginning any experiment. They provide:
- Detailed information on a dangerous or hazardous substance
- Information on the preferred way to handle the substance - Specific safety precautions and first aid details.
More detailed information on chemical safety and storage can be found at:
http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/topics/chemical-safety.html
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ELECTRICAL SAFETY
o Switch off all electrical equipment when not in use. o Do not attempt to do any electrical repairs or investigations - refer your problem to
the appropriate qualified staff. o If equipment is to be left on for a specific reason then a ‘LEAVE ON’ sign needs to be
displayed, with name and date. o All Monash equipment should undergo regular electrical testing as per the
University’s TAGGING AND TESTING requirements. o Ensure only tagged and tested equipment is used in any work that you undertake.
Report to the Safety Officer any untagged items for appropriate action to be undertaken.
Good practice encourages all your personal equipment (e.g. laptops) to be tested and
tagged as well – ask your supervisor.
Never use untested electrical equipment.
Never touch equipment isolated with a black and
yellow ‘CAUTION’ tag, or a red and white ‘DANGER’
tag – and don’t remove the tag either!
WORKING WITH BIOLOGICAL OR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
Some departments in the Faculty of Engineering work with biological or radioactive materials. There are specific procedures that need to be followed with regards to working with these materials. Specialist training is required. For comprehensive OH&S information on working with these materials, more information can be found at the following links:
Biosafety: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/topics/guidelines/using-biologicals.pdf
Radiation: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/topics/radiation-safety-manual.pdf
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HAZARD REPORTING
It is essential to report all accidents, incidents and hazards to your supervisors so the Faculty and the University can take action! The Faculty asks all staff and students to be proactive in this. No matter how insignificant it seems to you, please do not be hesitant about reporting an incident. Instead, please think of it as a way of fixing a hazard or a problem BEFORE anyone gets hurt! The report form can be downloaded from the OHS&E website at:
http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/ohse/assets/forms/hazard-incident-report.pdf A copy of the form can also be found at the back of this manual. In the case of an incident, please give this form to the relevant Safety Officer or your supervisor as soon as is practical. In Jan 2012 the University will soon be transitioning to an electronic OHS reporting system. The Incident Prevention System (IPS) is an online tool which is integrated with Monash’s HR system and will be accessible through the Employee Self Services (ESS) portal for staff and the my.monash portal for students. IPS will replace the current paper based Hazard and Incident reporting procedure and will make it easier for all staff and students to report Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental hazards and incidents, allegations of unacceptable behaviour, and facilitates more accurate reporting.
Risk management To comply with Victorian OH&S regulations, Monash University undertakes risk assessments on all of its activities which may impact the health and safety of the employees, visitors, contractors and students. The risk assessment process of Identification, Assessment and Control for all potentially hazardous activities is essential to maintain a safe environment. Anyone conducting activities should do a formal risk assessment before beginning the process. More information about risk assessments and risk management can be found by contacting the OH&S department, or at the following link:
http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/forms/risk-management-program.pdf
Students can also play a part by applying these general principles to their activities.
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Computer Safety Stations are being introduced in early 2012 throughout the Faculty of Engineering. Each computer will contain all OHS documentation and safety procedures, to replace the hardcopy versions that already exist. On the computer safety stations, you can find Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Risk Assessments (RA), Safe Work Procedures (SWP) and Safe Work Instructions (SWI). A safety station will be made available in the laboratories required.
COMPUTER USE & ERGONOMICS
To avoid aching muscles and tired eyes while working at a desk or a computer, try the following:
Check your posture
Take short breaks regularly – try the exercises on the next page.
Adjust the chair height so that your arms are approximately parallel with the floor
If the front of the chair is causing pressure on the back of your thighs or behind your knees, readjust the chair.
Adjust the chair backrest to support the lower back while you sit in the typing posture
Locate the computer screen approximately one full arms length away and position it so that your line of sight to the screen is slightly below horizontal.
Relax those muscles!
As muscles tire from holding the keying posture they need to relax regularly during the day. 2-3 minute breaks are recommended every 15-20 minutes
A total of 4 hours (not including breaks) of intensive keyboard work is the maximum time recommended each day.
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Are your eyes tired?
The eyes need to
relax from working at a fixed focal
length hence look away during the day.
2-3 minute breaks are recommended
every 15-20 minutes.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Monash University and the Faculty of Engineering are committed to providing a safe space for all students and staff – and that does not just mean a physically safe environment. The health and wellbeing of everyone is just as important.
Health & wellbeing The Health and Wellbeing Hubs at every campus can help you with everything from counselling, physical health, accommodation, to financial aid. If you feel like you need help and support, ask for it. It is never a matter of just needing to ‘toughen up’. Everybody needs help sometimes. The Clayton Health and Wellbeing hub is located at Building 10, first floor, western extension. A full list of campus hubs can be found on the Monash website.
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If you are experiencing a welfare crisis or emergency, you can contact the After Hours emergency counselling service on 1800 350 359, or Campus Security on 9905 3333.
Monash contact numbers
Clayton Health & Wellbeing Hub 9905 3156
After Hours Emergency Counselling service 1800 350 359
Campus Security 9905 3333
24 hour emergency contacts
Emergency 000
Lifeline 13 11 14
Monash Medical Centre 9594 6666
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292
Victorian Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26
MensLine 1300 789 978
Bullying and inappropriate behaviour Monash University is committed to providing employees, students, contractors and visitors with a healthy and safe environment for work and study that is free from behaviours, practices and processes that may constitute bullying or occupational violence. The University does not condone bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, victimisation, vilification or violence under any circumstances. All staff and students are required to treat other staff members, students, visitors and contractors with dignity and respect, and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. If you feel you have been subject to bullying or other inappropriate behaviour, please go directly to the director of OH&S.
Medical Health The Monash Medical Service provides low-cost or free medical service to all staff and students. The Medical clinics at Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses are open 9am-5pm every weekday. You can contact the Clayton clinic on 9905 3175 – it is located on the ground floor of the Campus Centre (building 10) next to STA travel. A full list of medical services on other campuses can be found on the Monash website.
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OTHER SAFETY RELATED INFORMATION
Field trip safety Field trips may be part of your degree program. Your supervisor will supply you with instructions, equipment and any documentation required. It is essential that you follow your supervisor’s instructions, and that you behave appropriately.
Forklift safety
Forklifts operate in the Engineering precinct. It is essential that all students and staff behave safely around forklifts – they can be very dangerous. Pedestrians and forklifts do not mix – be careful! If there are designated pedestrian zones, stay in them. Do not walk anywhere near a forklift in motion. These areas are for restricted personnel.
Insurance Cover
All enrolled students at Monash University are automatically members of a personal accident insurance scheme, which is funded through the Amenities Fee paid by all students. Refer to your Safety Officer for more details on insurance policies and how to file an incident report. Students involved in fieldwork or other approved activities as part of their studies are covered by the University’s public liability and general indemnity insurance policies.
OHSE training & department contact Training in a variety of OHS areas is available for all staff and students. Depending on your position or department, some training sessions may be compulsory. For more information on OHSE training, or any other OHS questions, please contact your supervisor or department Safety Officer.
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BUILDING & FACULTY INFORMATION
Faculty Safety Officers Wayne Cook
Materials Engineering Ron Graham
Chemical Engineering Mike Leach
Civil Engineering
Engineering building wardens Building Warden Name Phone Email
19 Paul Blaich 59963
27 Mark Easton 53895
31 & 33 Juliann Pavlekovich-Smith 53566
60 & 32 Martland Rao Singh 54981
35 & 36 Daryl Gaspero 52447
37 Hugh Venables 53515
59 Janette Anthony 53456
69 Paul Curcio 31978 [email protected]
72 VACANT
Geoff Binns Electrical Engineering
Stelios Konstantinidis Mechanical Engineering
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Faculty of Engineering OHS & Environment personnel
John Hayman Engineering OHSE Advisor Ph: 9902 4215 Mob: 0408 220 438
OHS Role Chemical Civil Electrical Materials Mechanical Biological Faculty
Safety Officer Ron Graham 53434
Mike Leach 54960
Geoff Binns 53498
Wayne Cook 54926
Stelios Konstantinidis 53430
Simon Higgins 24439
VACANT
Deputy Safety Officer
Jill Crisfield 53538
Chris Powell 54955
Daryl Gaspero 53498
Ian Wheeler 50001
Hugh Venables 53515
Andreas Fouras 53493
N/A
OH&S Rep. Kim Phu 53433
Richard Williamson 55567
VACANT Silvio Mattievich 51823
Nat Derose 53515
VACANT VACANT
Resource Manager
Jill Crisfield
Chris Powell
Geoff Binns
Ian Wheeler
Stelios Konstantinidis
Stelios Konstantinidis
Brenda Fortington
Head of Department
Karen Hapgood
Jeffrey Walker
Jamie Evans
George Simon
Chris Davies
Kerry Hourigan
Tam Sridhar
Chemwatch Coordinator 1
Ron Graham 53434
Mike Leach 54960
Geoff Binns 53498
Ian Wheeler 50001
Stelios Konstantinidis 53430
Simon Higgins 24439
N/A
Chemwatch Coordinator 2
Kim Phu 53433
Richard Williamson 55567
Daryl Gaspero 53498
VACANT
Jayson Waddell 0400 822 500
Simon Higgins 24439
N/A
Radiation Safety Officer
Rod Mackie 53601
Mike Leach 54960
VACANT Rod Mackie 53601
N/A Simon Higgins 24439
N/A
Laser Safety Officer
N/A N/A
VACANT N/A Josie Carberry 59646
Andreas Fouras 53493
N/A
Biosafety Officer
VACANT Catherine Osborne 54976
N/A N/A VACANT Karla Contreras 59486
N/A
Environmental Officer
Karen Hapgood 53428
VACANT Geoff Binns 53498
Ian Wheeler 50001
Hugh Venables 53515
Andreas Fouras 53493
Brenda Fortington 53188
Dept. OHS Chair Warren Batchelor 53452
Zhao Xiao Ling 54972
Ahmet Sekercioglu 53503
Wayne Cook 54926
Chris Davies N/A N/A
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The Faculty of Engineering considers safety to be part of your professional practice.
This safety manual is only an introduction. You will receive specific information when
required.
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