Safety Induction School of Plant Biology

University of Western Australia

Updated Feb 2012

Today’s Aims

• Demonstrate UWA’s commitment to safety.

• Impart safety knowledge to you.

• Introduce key personnel in the School of Plant Biology.

• Ensure your time at UWA is a safe, productive and

enjoyable experience.

Topics To Be Covered Today

• General safety information

– UWA safety policy

– Some specific policies

– Employee Assistance

Program

– Safety notes

– Other work locations

• Emergency procedures

• Safety Personnel

– Head of School

– Building Wardens

– First Aid Officers

– Safety Personnel

• Specific workplace

procedures and requirements

• Objectives: provision of a safe and healthy

work environment for employees, students,

contractors and visitors is not just a moral and

legal responsibility but also a prerequisite for it to

achieve its primary mission of conducting teaching,

research and scholarship at the highest international

standards.

Occupational Safety and Health Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health

Occupational Safety and Health Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health

Occupational Safety and Health Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health

Occupational Safety and Health Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health

Occupational Safety and Health Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health

• Objectives

• Responsibilities

• Application

• ‘Duty of Care’

Occupational Safety and Health Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health

Occupational Safety and Health Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health

• ‘Duty of Care’

• Do not put yourself or others at risk

• Follow all safety policies & procedures

• Report all known or observed incidents, injuries & hazards

Policies, Procedures and Guidelines http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/induction?p=6859

• Management

• Incidents & emergencies

• Waste management

• Hazard management

– Chemical

– Biological

– Physical

– Ergonomic

Policies, Procedures and Guidelines http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/induction?p=6859

Smoking Policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/health/uwa_is_smoke_free_2012

– As of Jan 1ST 2012, UWA is smoke free

– Smoking is prohibited in, or at, all of the University’s

buildings, properties and workplaces.

– The ban on smoking applies to staff, students, visitors and

contractors.

Safety and Health

Issue Resolution Process Issue develops

Notify immediate supervisor

Issue unresolved

S&H Rep and HOS notified

Issue unresolved

Safety and Health Office notified

Issue unresolved

Referred to the University Safety Committee

Issue unresolved

WorkSafe WA may be notified if there is a risk of

imminent injury or harm

Hazard Report Forms http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/forms/hazard_identification_report_form

• Presents an official means of documenting a hazard

• Help to prevent possible incident or injury resulting from

the hazard

• Can be filled in by anyone, staff, student or visitor

Incident Report Forms http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/forms/incident

• MUST be completed when an incident of any description has occurred. Injury does not have to have happened.

• The first page MUST be filled in and sent to Safety and Health office within 24 hours of the incident.

• Part 2 is to be completed by the supervisor or SSO or S&H Rep or a combination. This then is to be forwarded to the Safety and Health office as soon as completed.

• For electrical incident, you must ring UWA electricians immediately 2036

Workers Compensation http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/workers_compensation

• A policy outlining workers compensation is

available on the SHO website.

• We hope you will never need this policy.

Employees Assistance Program http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/eap

• Counseling is available from PPC Worldwide for staff

members

• Counseling available from the Student services for

Undergraduate and Postgraduate students.

Employees Assistance Program http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/eap

The EAP provides assistance for issues such as:

• difficulties in relationships with work colleagues;

• coping with organisational change;

• mediation;

• harassment;

• stress with work;

• career issues;

• alcohol and substance misuse;

• relationships and family issues;

• emotional stress;

• concerns about children;

• financial and legal problems;

• grief and bereavement;

• health and lifestyle issues;

• trauma and critical incidents;

• coaching and mentoring for managers and supervisors.

Equity and Diversity Services UWA http://www.equity.uwa.edu.au/

• Equity and Diversity Services promotes and supports

UWA's vision to provide an equitable and inclusive

environment for all staff, students and the broader

community

• Individual staff or students seeking advice about the

University equity and diversity policy environment, or

who wish to discuss a matter of concern that may fall

within policy or the law, should initially make contact with

an Equity and Diversity Adviser

Electrical Safety http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/electrical_safety

• Please try not to bring in electrical equipment from

home.

• All equipment MUST be inspected by FM ($) or a

competent person before use.

• Bar heaters are not permitted due to the fire risks.

• All heaters must have 1 hour timers fitted by FM.

• Testing and tagging program.

Screen Based Equipment http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/working_comfortably_with_computers

• Ensure your computer is set up in the

best possible way.

• Make sure you have a break every 20

minutes.

• Have a stretch.

• Screen glare due to window directly

behind computer.

• UWA Safety Office can assist in

workstation setup.

Screen Based Equipment http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/working_comfortably_with_computers

Plant Biology Safety Notes

• Located on the School’s staffnet web page

http://www.plants.uwa.edu.au/staff/safety_and_inductions

• A copy of the safety notes should be available in every

lab.

• These are for your safety, if there is something you think

should be added, please bring it to our attention (make

note at end of hardcopy manual; refer to School

Manager or Safety and Health Representative, SHR)

Work Site Specific Inductions • For your specific work area at

UWA, you must undergo a site

specific safety induction, e.g.,

laboratories, Plant Growth

Facilities;

• When working in conjunction

with another department or

institution, please follow their

safety instructions. They are

the experts in their field.

Examples: UWA Field Stations; CSIRO; Hammersly Iron, DAFWA;

Straits Resources; other UWA School’s, even Antarctica!

Just covered: UWA OHS policy

UWA Safety Policies & Procedures

Resolving Safety Issues

Hazard Reporting

Incident Reporting

Workers Assistance

Workers Compensation

School Safety Notes

Site Specific Inductions

ANY QUESTIONS??

Emergency Evacuation Procedures http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/emergency_fire_and_evacuation

• Make sure you know the quickest way out of the

building.

• Then find the next quickest way. The first path

might be the path into danger.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

• If YOU activate the alarm, YOU must meet with

the Building Warden.

• YOU are the one with the most information

about the situation.

Emergency Assembly Points

• Botany building, meet INSIDE the taxonomic gardens

• Agriculture Central Wing building, meet either at the

East muster point (Thurling Green) or in front of the

CLIMA building

Fire Extinguishers • DO NOT use unless you are very confident that you’re not

going to hurt yourself in the process.

• Use caution when operating the carbon dioxide extinguishers, your hand could freeze to the nozzle.

• Always point at the base of the fire.

• Practical training in the use of fire extinguishers is periodically offered by the Safety and Health Office.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Three types available in Plant Biology;

– Carbon dioxide, to be used on flammable liquids and electrical fires

– Water, to be used on paper, wood, textile and fabric fires

– Dry chemical powder, to be used on flammable liquids, flammable gases and electrical hazards

Fire Extinguisher Use

The use of the wrong type of extinguisher can

be VERY dangerous. Please do not use

them unless you are VERY sure of what to

do.

First Aid Kits http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/first_aid

• First aid kits in each of the labs

• Both field and snake bite first aid kits available from the

first aid officer, Hai Ngo in Botany building

• First Aid officers are: Hai Ngo (Botany); Natalie Jagals

(Central Wing); Elizabeth Halladin (Teaching Labs) and

Bill Piasini (PGF)

School Safety Committee http://www.plants.uwa.edu.au/staff/safety_and_inductions/safety_committee

School Manager and Safety Officer: Alan Luks (2541)

Safety & Health Rep.: vacant

Radiation Safety Officer: Guijun Yan (1240)

Research Safety Rep.: Matthew Nelson (3671)

Postgrad. Safety Rep.: vacant

AHRI Safety Rep.: Mechelle Owen (1512)

Kings Park Rep.: Rowena Long

PGF Safety Rep.: Robert Creasy (8549)

Diving Safety Officer: Warren (Starry) Starr (7314)

Biological Safety Rep.: Patrick Finnegan (8546)

Field Safety Rep.: Hai Ngo (3598)

Chemical Safety Rep.: Greg Cawthray (1789)

UWA Safety Office Rep.: Peter Carlyon (7934)

Safety Management Structure

Head of School

Prof Hans Lambers

*Safety Rep.

Vacant

*School Manager

*School Safety Officer

Alan Luks

All Supervisors

All Staff & Visitors All Students Safety Committee

Members

PB Safety Personnel

Mr. Alan Luks

*School Manager

*School Safety Officer

*Building Warden (Central Wing)

Prof. Hans Lambers

*Head of School

Mr. Greg Cawthray

*Chemical Safety Officer

*Field Safety Officer

*Building Warden (Botany)

PB Safety Personnel

Dr Guijun Yan

*Academic Rep

*Radiation Safety Officer

Dr Patrick Finnegan

*Biological Safety Officer

Mr Robert Creasy

*Plant Growth Facilities rep

Mr Bill Piasini

*PGF First Aid Officer

PB Safety Personnel

Mr. Hai Ngo

*Field Safety Officer

*First Aid Officer (Botany)

Ms. Mechelle Owen

*AHRI Safety Rep

Dr Matthew Nelson

*Research Safety Rep.

PB Safety Personnel

*Postgraduate Safety Rep.

(Vacant) Ms Natalie Jagals

*First Aid Officer (Central Wing)

Mr Warren (Starry) Starr

*Diving & Boating Safety Officer

Just covered:

Emergency Procedures

Evacuation Assembly Points

Fire Extinguishers

First Aid

Safety Personnel

QUESTIONS??

Specific Work Place Hazards

• Each specific work area will have its own specific hazards. These

SHOULD be discussed with you by your supervisor.

• Specific lab hazards are indicated by signage on laboratory &/or

office doors.

• The PB Site Specific safety Induction covers these hazards and

should be conducted with your supervisor as soon as is practicable.

http://www.plants.uwa.edu.au/staff/safety_and_inductions

Specific Work Place Hazards • Some broad issues will now be covered

– Biological Safety – Radiation Safety – Chemical Safety – Laboratory and Hazardous Substances – Field Work Safety – Dive Safety – Machinery and equipment – Vehicle usage – PPE – Manual Handling

Biological Safety http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/biological_safety

PB Biological Safety Officer: Patrick Finnegan

Biologicals of concern

• Plant infectious / pathogenic agents

• Animal infectious / pathogenic agents

• Genetically modified / transgenic organisms

Radiation Safety http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/radiation

PB Radiation Safety Officer: Guijun Yan

•All radioisotope users at the University are required to have attended and

passed the Unsealed Radioisotope Handling Course within the first year of

using radioisotopes, and preferably prior to starting such work.

•Neutron Moisture Probe (Nuclear moisture density gauge).

•Personal radiation monitors are required to be worn by all persons handling

radioisotopes.

•Please see Guijun Yan, to find out which laboratories are registered for use of

radionucleotides.

•All procedures involving radioactive materials at UWA requires the user to

have completed a protocol application before commencing the work.

Chemical Safety

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/about_chemical_safety

PB Chemical Safety Officer: Greg Cawthray • Comprehensive Lab Safety covered by compulsory UWA one day

course

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Safety and Risk Phrases (R&S phrases)

• Chemical labelling

• Chemical spillage

• Waste disposal

Labs and Hazardous Substances

What Is an MSDS? http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/about_chemical_safety/chemalert

• It is a document that contains all the information you

would need on any particular chemical.

– Includes PPE, storage, handling, lethal dose, safety

hazards.

• Can be obtained via ChemAlert, from the supplier if you

are purchasing the chemical from them for the first time,

or upon request.

• Hard copy should be kept in the laboratory where used.

Labs and Hazardous Substances

Labeling Chemicals http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/about_chemical_safety/labelling_chemicals

• Full information on chemical labels is required by

WorkSafe WA.

• Required for decanted chemicals.

• Diamond labels can be obtained from Safety and Health

Reps or the School Safety Officer.

• Labels can also be generated with ChemAlert.

Chemical Hazard / Spill / Gas Leak

Raise the alarm

Ensure immediate safety of everyone

Treatment of serious injuries takes precedence over containment and decontamination

Evacuate immediate area

Report to supervisor and safety personnel

Restrict unnecessary movements

Turn off air conditioning (gases, vapours)

Barricade and label

Clean up / decontaminate (two persons)

Report incident

Labs and Hazardous Substances

Waste Disposal

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/about_chemical_safety/chemical_waste_collection

• UWA now has campus wide waste collection coordinated bi-annually by the Safety Office, usually in Feb and June

• Use of this service consolidates costs associated with overheads of collection, please make use of this service

• Many waste chemicals can not to be disposed of down the sink. They should be treated or labelled fully and stored in an appropriate place to await disposal.

• When in doubt ask the Chemical Safety Officer

• Dispose sharps, biological hazards as per policy.

Field Work Safety http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/field_work

PB Field Work Safety Officers: Hai Ngo and Greg Cawthray

•All people who undertake field work are required to submit a field work plan

for approval by the HOS one week before the trip. (Field Work Procedures in

Rural and Remote Areas)

•If the use of a 4WD is required for off-road use, people must undertake the

UWA 4WD course or similar course approved by UWA (e.g., Worsley on-site

training; Shawsett).

•Use of any UWA vehicle requires the user to be conversant with the

appropriate policy (Use of University Vehicles).

•Driving in remote locations is covered by UWA policy, and again people

undertaking this work must be familiar with the policy (Driving in Remote

Locations).

Dive Safety http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/diving_and_boating

Diving and Boating Safety Officer: Warren (Starry) Starr

•All people who undertake diving and/or work with boats must converse with

the Diving and Boating Safety Officer to assess your qualifications.

Machinery and Equipment

• No matter what you are

asked to use in the course

of your study, please

ensure you are given full

instructions for safe

operation.

Vehicle Use http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/use_of_university_vehicles

• Many vehicles types are utilised.

Please ensure that you have the

correct training and licenses

before you operate any vehicles.

• e.g., 4WD, boats, tractors

• Use of any UWA vehicle

requires the user to be

conversant with the appropriate

policy (Use of University

Vehicles)

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

• PPE includes:

– Gloves – Safety glasses – Fully enclosed footwear (especially in laboratories) – Lab coats – Ear protection

• Please ensure your PPE is maintained and USED

Manual Handling http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/manual_handling

• Assess the load you are about to lift

• Get help, or a trolley, if you need it

• Bend your knees and lift with your legs

• Keep your back in a neutral position (not straight)

• Keep the load close to your body

• Don’t twist while holding a heavy load

• Free course offered by UWA SHO

Manual Handling http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/manual_handling

Security http://www.security.uwa.edu.au/

• Botany building is locked outside the hours of 8am to 5.15pm

Monday to Friday.

• FNAS Central Wing building is locked outside the hours of 7:30am

to 6pm.

• Please ensure you keep the doors locked if you are here outside

these hours.

• Personal items are not covered by UWA insurance for theft from

offices

• Security staff can escort you to vehicle after hours, call X: 3020

Insurance http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/insurance

• Volunteer Workers Insurance

• Corporate Travel Insurance

• Student Personal Accident Insurance

• Motor Vehicle Insurance

• 457 Visa Insurance

• Industrial Special Risk (University Property) Insurance

• Marine Hull Insurance

• Transit Insurance

• Public Liability

After Hours Register • NO chemical procedures &/or handling hazardous goods to be done

after normal work hours

• If you are here outside the hours of Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm, please fill in the after hours register

• Also to be filled in at all times on weekends

• The information is there to assist emergency personnel after hours, as they will know where to look for you

• The information required is

– Name – Location – Time in – Time out

Staff ID Cards

• If you are here outside of

business hours, please carry

staff ID card. Security can ask

for this at any time on their rounds.

• Staff or student cards are also the swipe card you need to

get into certain buildings. It is also your library photocopy

card.

Certificates and Qualifications

• Do you need any specific training?

– Manual handling (on demand, free) – First Aid (external, $90 to $140) – 4WD (Full Day, internal $150 to external $270pp) – Lab Safety (Full Day, $40pp) – Gene Technology (see Patrick Finnegan) – Radiation and Moisture probe, (3 days, see Guijun Yan) – Laser Safety (1/2 day, $20) – Boat Handling (see Gary Kendrick) – Fire awareness and extinguisher training – Anything else you can think of?

Safety Related Training 2012 http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses

• Laboratory Safety Course (1 day) (Compulsory for all lab based research)

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/lab

• ChemAlert General User training (2 hr, on demand)

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/chemalert_basic_training

• Unsealed Radioisotope Handling Courses (3 days)

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/radioisotope

• Warden Training Course (3 hours, Monday 12th March 2012)

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/warden

• Warden Refresher Training Course (1 hour, Monday 12th March 2012)

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/warden_refresher

• Senior First Aid Course (2 day, TBA)

http://www.osds.uwa.edu.au/about/programme?workshop_id=499

• Safety and Health for Managers and Supervisors (2*1/2 days, over 12/13 April; 23/24 July & 11/12 Oct 2012)

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/Safety_and_Health_for_Managers_and_Supervisors

• 4WD Driver Training (refer to website)

http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/4wd

Health • A healthy body is less prone to injury

• Some suggestions to help you on your way

» Walk on campus, don’t use a vehicle.

» Use the stairs, not the lift.

» Join the gym.

» Go for a stroll along the river in lunch break.

» Join Plant Biology Yoga classes!!

» Go fishing at lunchtime on the river…beautiful!

» Attend Friday Morning Tea and meet other staff & students in the School.

Final Thoughts

• “DUTY OF CARE”

• Think about what you are about to do.

• Develop good housekeeping habits.

• Observe and be aware

• In all areas at all times take notice of (and obey) all signs

and directives – they are there for your safety.

Just covered:

WAY TOO MUCH!!!

ANY QUESTIONS??