EKAS 2.18.1

Occupational Health & Safety Principles

UEE31307 Certificate III in

Refrigeration and Air ConditioningStage 2A

Units: UEENEEPOO1B, UEENEEPOO2B, UEENEEPOO3B

Chris HungerfordWednesday, April 19, 2023

Basic Legal Requirements

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 sets out the laws about health and safety requirements affecting most workplaces, work activities and specified high risk plant in Queensland. It seeks to protect your health and safety and the health and safety of everyone at a workplace, while undertaking work activities or using specified high risk plant.

It specifically seeks to reduce the risk of a person's death, injury or illness as a result of a workplace or work activity

2.18.1 A.1

Workers rights and responsibilities• You have a workplace health and safety obligation to yourself

and to others.• You must: comply with instructions given for workplace

health and safety • Use personal protective equipment if the employer provides it

and if you're properly instructed in its use • Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything

provided for workplace health and safety at the workplace • Not wilfully place others at risk • Not wilfully injure yourself

Basic Legal Requirements

2.18.1 A.2

People who conduct a business or undertaking• A person who conducts a business or undertaking is considered a relevant person and

can include:• employers • self-employed people • volunteer organisations

A relevant person has an obligation to ensure the workplace health and safety of:• all workers carrying out work for the business or undertaking • volunteers who perform work activities for the business or undertaking • all other people including customers, visitors to the workplace, passers by and

neighbours • themselves

Meeting your workplace health and safety obligations involves:• providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment; • providing and maintaining safe plant; • ensuring the safe use, handling, storage and transport of substances; • ensuring safe systems of work; • providing information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure health and safety.

Basic Legal Requirements

2.18.1 A.2

Employer Obligations

Electrical Safety Act 200230 Obligation of employer or self-employed person(1) This section applies to an employer or self-employed person.(2) A person to whom this section applies has an obligation to ensure that the

person’s business or undertaking is conducted in a way that is electrically safe.

(3) Without limiting subsection (2), the obligation includes—(a) ensuring that all electrical equipment used in the conduct of the person’s

business or undertaking is electrically safe; and(b) if the person’s business or undertaking includes the performance of

electrical work, ensuring the electrical safety of all persons and property likely to be affected by the electrical work; and

(c) if the person’s business or undertaking includes the performance of work, whether or not electrical work, involving contact with, or being near to, exposed parts, ensuring persons performing the work are electrically safe.

2.18.1 A.2

Employee ObligationsElectrical Safety Act 200239 Obligations of workerA worker at a place where electrical equipment is located has the following

obligations—(a) to comply with the instructions for the electrical safety of persons and property at

the place given—(i) by the worker’s employer; and(ii) to the extent the instructions are not inconsistent with instructions given by the

worker’s employer, by the person in control of the electrical equipment;(b) to use personal protective equipment, if—(i) the protective equipment is provided by the worker’s employer or the person in

control of theelectrical equipment for electrical safety purposes; and(ii) the worker is properly instructed in the use of the protective equipment provided;(c) not to wilfully interfere with or misuse anything provided for electrical safety at the

place;(d) not to wilfully place any person, including the worker, at the place in electrical

risk.

2.18.1 A.2

Personal Protective Equipment

Incorrect

Thongs

Nylon clothing

Reduced protection against burns

Non insulated tools

No facial protection

2.18.1 A.2

Personal Protective Equipment

Leather upper steel cappedRubber sole shoes

Full body flame retardantClothing (high vis)

Safety glasses1000v ratedInsulated tools

Insulated gloves

ExtrasHelmetFace shieldDust maskEtc.

2.18.1 A.2

Workplace health and safety officers (WHSO)Any workplace with 30 or more employees is required by law to have a workplace health

and safety officer (WHSO).Workplace health and safety officers are appointed by employers and principal contractors

to:• advise the employer on health and safety issues • implement workplace health and safety related initiatives • perform workplace inspections • help with the functioning of the health and safety committee Workplace health and safety officers appointed under the Workplace Health and Safety Act

1995 must conduct an assessment of the workplace at least once every twelve months to identify any unsafe work practices. The WHSO must follow the assessment criteria set out by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, or the one agreed to by the workplace health and safety committee at the workplace.

The WHSO must record and submit the results, and any recommendations to rectify unsafe work practices, to the employer or principal contractor and the Workplace Health and Safety Committee at the workplace, within 30 days of completing the assessment.

Employers and principal contractors must:• provide resources to allow the WHSO to conduct the assessment during normal working

hours • take appropriate action to rectify any unsafe work practices identified in the assessment • Assessments and recommendations, and other matters recorded must be kept by the

employer or principal contractor for five years.

Basic Legal Requirements

2.18.1 A.3

Workplace health and safety representatives (WHSR)Workers may elect a workplace health and safety representative themselves, or

at the employer's suggestion.Elected workplace health and safety representatives (WHSR's) are entitled to:• undertake workplace inspections • report hazards • review incidents • issue provisional improvement notices (where the WHSR has completed

the approved training) After conducting an internal investigation a WHSR may: • make recommendations in via a hazard report (WPH&S Act form 2003) • provide the form to the employer - WHSRs must keep a copy • issue a provisional improvement notice depending on the circumstances

surrounding the issue being investigated.  • If the issues are not satisfactorily resolved by the Workplace Health and

Safety Officer, the employer or self-employed person, the WHSR may notify a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspector.

Basic Legal Requirements

2.18.1 A.3

Workplace health and safety committeesHealth and safety committees help workers and employers work together to make

a workplace healthy and safe.A worker can ask for a health and safety committee. Once a worker has asked for a

committee, the employer is required by law to appoint one. Employers can also establish a health and safety committee without a worker asking for one.

In some larger workplaces, there can be more than one health and safety representative. There may also be more than one committee. Major employers may have different health and safety representatives, and committees, at different offices.

Their role includes:• encouraging and maintaining an active interest in workplace health and safety • considering training and education needs to address workplace health and

safety issues • keeping workers up-to-date with new standards, rules and procedures • reviewing the circumstances surrounding workplace incidents • helping resolve issues about workplace health and safety • providing the employer with advice on how to address workplace health and

safety issues • requirements in relation to workplace health and safety committees.

Basic Legal Requirements

2.18.1 A.3

Workplace Health and Safety inspectorsUnder the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 inspectors have particular

legal powers. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors are appointed primarily to assist employers develop and improve systems of work, to prevent people from being injured or becoming ill as a result of their daily work activities.

The main areas of focus for inspectors include:• high risk industries - manufacturing and construction • work-related fatalities - falls from heights or electricity incidents • occupational injury black spots - where evidenced based analysis reveals

an occupation is over-represented in terms of severe injuries.

All inspectors may enter a workplace and exercise their powers while they are in the workplace. Inspectors also have the right to enter any place where:

• demolition work or asbestos removal work (prescribed activities) is being done by a person who holds a certificate for that work, and

• there is specified high risk plant, for example lifts, amusement devices, cooling towers, air conditioning units, escalators, LP gas cylinders

Basic Legal Requirements

2.18.1 A.4

Workplace Health and Safety inspectorsAfter entering the workplace the inspector has the power to:• search any part of the place • inspect, measure, test, photograph or film any part of the workplace or anything at the workplace • take samples • copy a document at the workplace • make enquiries or conduct surveys to assess the degree of risk at the workplace or the standards

of health and safety existing at a workplace • inquire into the circumstances and probable causes of workplace incidents • take any person, equipment or materials into the workplace to assist the inspector to exercise a

power • require a person to give reasonable help • require a person to produce certain documents or ask other people to provide these documents,

for example maintenance records kept by a mechanic contracted by an employer to do the work. An inspector may seize:• evidence of an offence against the Act • a thing that has been used to commit an offence against the Act • a dangerous place or thing Most of the time inspectors carry out their role without the need to formally exercise their powers.

However, their authority to use these powers is necessary, particularly when they are investigating incidents and intervening where there are dangerous work practices.

It is an offence to obstruct, threaten or interfere with an inspector who is exercising their powers under the Act.

Basic Legal Requirements

2.18.1 A.4

Personal SafetyGeneral • Ensure work method statements prepared, signed off and available • Ensure workers have general safety induction card • Display appropriate site signage • Use appropriate safety gear Tools/equipment • Make sure maintain insulated tools • Ensure tools and equipment maintenance in good condition • Use tools and equipment for intended purpose • Make sure guards are in place when used Work at heights • Keep controls in place if risk of fall = 2 m for commercial and 3 m for domestic.• Provide and use adequate work platforms • Ensure no gaps in perimeter protection • Make sure penetrations covered/secured Falling objects • Do not throw tools and materials • Make sure brick guards/mesh are in place in scaffold • Use exclusion zone and/or catch platform • Ensure controls implemented for loads being lifted over adjoining areas e.g.

adjoining area closed/gantry erected

2.18.1 B.1

Access/housekeeping • Keep working area clear/tidy • Manage trip hazards e.g. material neatly stacked • Dispose excess waste & scraps appropriately e.g. designated areas Noise : Ensure controls implemented to minimise exposure e.g. hearing protection. Amenities • Provide sheltered meal area • Ensure workers have access to toilets (1 toilet for each 15 workers or part thereof) • Provide hand and face washing facilities (separate from toilets) • Ensure workers have access to potable, clean and cool drinking water • Make sure first aid equipment provided is hygienic and appropriate for the size and complexity of the project Hot or cold environments • Recognise illnesses caused by heat exposures e.g. heat stress and heat collapse, dehydration, salt depletion and

cramps • Ensure workers have adequate fluid intake • Recognise cold stress through low air temperatures, wet and windy conditions • Ensure workers take precautions e.g. wear cloves, warm dry clothing Occupational stress • Monitor work demands and control over work • Provide support systems for talking about tough situations at work • Provide clear work structures, particularly through times of change Occupational violence • Use design or engineering measures to change the physical characteristics of the workplace, to reduce the risk,

where possible. • Change the systems of work or work practices to help reduce risks. For example, train workers in aggressive

behaviour management, including the recognition and diffusion of potentially volatile situations; ensure sufficient number of appropriately trained staff, where possible; provide for emergency communication; implement a system of communication and support for home visits.

Personal Safety: Industrial house keeping

2.18.1 B.2

Hazardous substances • Make Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available for substances

classified as hazardous.• Store hazardous substances safely and securely when not in use • Train workers in safe handling of hazardous substances.• Label hazardous substances (includes safety and risk phrases) • Do not store hazardous substances in food and/or drink containers (e.g.

hydrochloric acid not stored in drink bottles)

Emergency preparedness and response • Use an effective safe system of work • Ensure emergency actions should be taken that suit the work being

undertaken • Keep fire extinguishers available and testing current • Make sure cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid including treatment

of burns. • Brief workers on emergency evacuation plan

Personal Safety: Pollution

2.18.1 B.3

Workplace Safety Checks

2.18.1 C.1

To assist in identifying risks, they may be categorised as follows:

• The obvious risk is apparent to the senses (e.g. visibly damaged electrical equipment).• The concealed risk is not apparent to the senses (e.g. electricity supply infrastructure inside walls).• The developing risk cannot be recognised immediately and will develop overtime (e.g. fraying electrical extension cords due to surface contact).• The transient risk is an intermittent or a temporary risk (e.g. use of liftingequipment near overhead lines or intermittent electrical defect).

Lucky

2.18.1 C.2

Workplace Safety Checks The five step risk management process

Unsafe work practices• Unauthorized electrical work.• Inadequate work practices.• Live work.• Disregarding earthing circuits.• Untested test equipment.• Lack of tool maintenance.• Laziness & fatigue.• Workplace fool.• Untested work before commencing work.• Untested work connected to a supply.• Disregard to Australian Standards.

2.18.1 D.1

Physiological effect of an electric shock

There are four ways in which electric shock may be directly fatal.

1. respiratory arrest

2. asphyxia

3. ventricular fibrillation

4. high voltage burns & cuts.

2.18.1 D.1

Dangerous electrical voltages are low as 15v AC. 5v AC in a pool does kill.

Circuit breakers & Fuses

A circuit breaker is a type of switch that opens automatically if the current through the breaker exceeds its maximum load current rating.

A safety factor of a CB is the ‘trip free action’, if a fault is still present in the circuit, the CB cannot be reset and switched on. Even if you hold the toggle in the ‘on’ position, the contacts will not close.

A fuse (from the Latin "fusus" meaning to melt) is a type of sacrificial over current protection device.

Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows, which interrupts the circuit in which it is connected. Short

circuit, overload or device failure is often the reason for excessive current.

2.18.1 D.2

2.18.1 D.2

2.18.1 D.2

A residual-current device is an electrical protection device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor.

Residual-current device (RCD)

2.18.1 D.2

2.18.1 D.2

2.18.1 D.2

2.18.1 D.2

10.3 Circuit breakers

2.18.1 D.2

Safe Isolation of a Supply

• Test before you touch, this protects you physically, so you can have a good day!

Procedure to isolate a Supply1. Notify all persons likely to be affected by the isolation.2. Determine the method to isolating the supply.3. Test the supply availability.4. Isolate the supply.5. Danger tag the isolation device.6. Test that the supply is isolated.7. Test the testing device.

2.18.1 D.3

Rescue kit

• Rescue kits must be checked prior to commencement of work.

• The rescue kit should be placed in a suitable position which is accessible to the work area.

2.18.1 E

Low voltage rescue

Rescue Kit contents

• High Visibility Carry bag containing the following:

• Insulated crook

• Gloves in protective cover 1000v rated

• Sign “Isolate Here In Emergency”

• Fire blanket

• Torch with fresh batteries

• Burns dressing.

Low voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

General principles for a rescue

1 Isolate supply if possible

Low voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

2 Avoid becoming another victim due to the risk of electrical shock, extreme heat, toxic fumes or smoke.

General principles for a rescueLow voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

3 Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with the victim- use the insulated crock and 1000V long rubber gloves.

General principles for a rescueLow voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

4 Assess the situation and rescue the victim as quickly as possible.

General principles for a rescue

Wrong

Wrong

Correct

Low voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

5 Move the victim to a clear, safe area to allow for assessment/treatment.

6 Assess the victim’s condition

7 Perform resuscitation/treatment of injuries

8 Place the victim in the recovery position.

9 Rescuer to remain with the victim.

General principles for a rescueLow voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

Should the victim be touched by the rescuer?

General principles for a rescueLow voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

Yes, the gloves are rated at 1000Va.c therefore to perform a rescue you may need to adjacent touch conductive items or the victim.

In the event of an electric shock the victim’s grip is very intense. Break the grip with a sharp blow against the open palm.

General principles for a rescueLow voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

When using other non conductive rescuing items, don’t swing and hit, use as a lever in a controlling manner.

General principles for a rescueLow voltage rescue

2.18.1 E

Send for help as soon as the situation allows

General principles for a rescueLow voltage rescue

2.18.1 F

Treatment while awaiting medical assistance

• Use fire blanket if victim is on fire.• Keep victim under constant observation, breathing

circulation, etc.• If flash burns of eyes, close both eyes.• Flood burnt area with cold water, 10min.• Cover burnt area with sterile dressing, Continue to

irrigate the dressing and burnt area.• Apply pressure to bleeding.• Elevate the injured part.• Monitor for the onset of shock.

Low voltage rescue

2.18.1 F

Accident

Isolate Supply

Free victim

Rescuer’s safety Rescue kit, Gloves & crook

Correct PPENo

Yes

FireUse fire blanket

Yes

Unsafe area

No Use drag method Yes

Clear area

No

Assess victim’s conditionResuscitate, treat burns & injuries

Await medical assistance

Send for help as soon as the situation allows

Low voltage rescue

2.18.1 E2.18.1.F

Bazz

Further reading: • Workbook: Occupational Health & Safety.

Questions:•Workbook: Topic 1 Workplace health & Safety Q1-Q99