WORKPLACE SAFETY

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETYOHS WORKCOVER AUSTRALIA

A Safe Workplace Occupational hygiene exposure assessment

(dust, vapour, mist, fumes), Noise assessment including, dosimetry

sound level measurements, review of signage and hearing protection devices,

Workplace Hazardous Substances and/or Dangerous Goods Assessment,

Ventilation Assessment, Review of Material Safety Data Sheets, Ionising and non ionising (EMF & ELF)

radiation assessment, Ergonomic and Manual Handling

Assessment, Lighting Assessment, Cooling Tower Risk Assessment, Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Confined Space Risk Assessment and/or gas

monitoring, Heat Exposure Assessment Vibration Assessment.

The new work health and safety laws may change the way work health and safety is managed in the workplace, but the basics of keeping your workplace safe will remain.

The basics of keeping your workplace safe include: management commitment consultation management of risk training and supervision reporting safety return to work and workers compensation

Occupational hygiene exposure assessment (dust, vapour, mist, fumes),

Occupational Hygiene is a broad technical area that forms a vital link in the University’s comprehensive occupational health and safety program. Occupational hygiene is the application of scientific, technological and managerial principles to the protection of the health of persons at the University, through the prevention or reduction of risks to health which are presented by chemical, physical or biological agents. Such agents can include harmful dusts, gases and vapours, occupational noise, vibration, lighting, ventilation issues, and biological exposures.

Noise assessment including dosimetry, sound level -measurements, review of signage and hearing protection devices,

dosimeter [dəʊˈsɪmiːtə], dosemeter [ˈdəʊsˌmiːtə] n (Physics / General Physics) an instrument for measuring the dose of X-rays or other radiation absorbed by matter or the intensity of a source of radiation dosimetric [ˌdəʊsɪˈmɛtrɪk] adjdosimetrician [ˌdəʊsɪməˈtrɪʃən], dosimetrist ndosimetry nNSW WorkCover statistics Bulletin 08/09 indentify industrial

deafness accounting for approximately 36 % of all occupational injuries. Industrial deafness is irreversible and is preventable. The NSW OHS regulation requires that appropriate controls measures are in place if people are exposed to:85 dB(A) average equivalent for 8 hours140 dB(C) peak

Ventilation Assessment,

Ventilation—particular risk control measures(1) An employer must ensure that:(a) mechanical ventilation appropriate for the work being carried out is used to control atmospheric contaminants and that the ventilation is maintained regularly, and(b) if a mechanical ventilation system is used to control exposure to a contaminant, the system:(i) is located as close as is practicable to the source of the contaminant to minimise the risk of inhalation by a person at work, and(ii) is used for as long as the contaminant is present, and(iii) is kept free from accumulations of dust, fibre and other waste materials and is maintained regularly, and(iv) if the system is provided to control contaminants arising from flammable or combustible substances—is designed and constructed so as to prevent the occurrence of fire or explosion, and(c) if a ducted ventilation system is used, an inspection point is fitted at any place where blockages in the ventilation system are likely to occur.(2) This clause does not apply to the underground parts of a mining workplace or a coal workplace.

Entry protection—contaminated atmosphere or unsafe levels of oxygenAn employer must ensure that any place of work at which there is a risk of exposure to atmospheric contaminants or unsafe levels of oxygen is isolated and that appropriate warning signs are provided at the place. Atmospheric monitoringIf a risk assessment under Chapter 2 indicates that monitoring of atmospheric contaminants should be undertaken at an employer’s place of work, the employer must ensure that:(a) appropriate monitoring is undertaken in accordance with a suitable procedure, and(b) the results of the monitoring are recorded, and(c) any employee or other person working at the employer’s place of work who may be or may have been exposed to an atmospheric contaminant that has been monitored is provided with the results of the monitoring, and(d) the monitoring records are readily accessible to any such employee or person.

Workplace Hazardous Substances and/or Dangerous Goods Assessment,

Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Assessments and Audits The handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and dangerous goods are required identified, assessed and controlled to ensure workplace health and safety SWE, (safe work environment) can carry out workplace and construction site audits for both.Hazardous Substances are materials that have the potential to harm employees during handling, storage or disposal of them at a place of work. Any type of chemical or other substance that can be classified as a Hazardous Substance has the potential to cause harm to persons exposed to these by either causing acute health effects or long term chronic illness. Worst case scenario acute exposure to a hazardous substance may cause a fatality or severe injury. Employees may become exposed to hazardous substances through inhalation of a gas, vapour, mist, aerosol, dust or fume caused by use of the substance. (insert link to gas, vapour, dust and fume), ingestion (eating, drinking) of substance, eyes, throat or skin exposure.

Review of Material Safety Data Sheets,

What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely with the chemical product. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program. It also contains information on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures all related to the hazards of the material. The MSDS contains much more information about the material than the label. MSDSs are prepared by the supplier or manufacturer of the material. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur.

Ionising and non ionising (EMF & ELF) radiation assessment,

Non-ionising radiation is made up of low frequency, long wavelength and low energy electromagnetic waves. It includes ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, radiofrequency, very-low and extra-low frequency radiation. Manufactured sources include photocopiers; welding equipment; TV, radio and telecommunication transmission towers; mobile phones; microwaves; visual display units; power lines. Where does it occur? Workers may be exposed to high magnetic fields if they work near electrical systems that use large amounts of electric power (eg large electric motors, general motors, generators, or the power supply or electric cables of a building). High magnetic fields are also found near power saws, drills, copy machines, electric pencil sharpeners, and other small electric appliances. The strength of the magnetic field depends on equipment design and current flow, not on equipment size, complexity or voltage. Workers exposed to sources of EMR above normal levels include those in the power industry, telecommunications, offices and the construction and metal industries.

Non-ionising Radiation SpectrumLong waves/low frequency ---------> shorter

waves/higher frequency

Extra Low(EL

F)

Very Low(V

LF)

Low Radio Freque

ncy

Infrared(IR)

Visible Light

Ultraviolet

Lasers

Ergonomic and Manual Handling Assessment,

Manual handling and ergonomics Manual handling is any activity that involves lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, holding or restraining. It may also include stretching, bending, sustained and awkward postures, and repetitive movements.

Manual handling is one hazard that arises in the majority of workplaces. It occurs in numerous activities and is indentified as a problem across most industry sectors.

Every year in New South Wales, approximately 17,000 people are seriously injured or suffer from illness related to manual handling.

This represents about 37 per cent of all injuries in NSW and costs NSW workplaces $373 million with an average cost of $22,000 per injury. When the hidden costs of injury are considered that figure is more than $1,491 million.

Manual handling injuries are preventable.

Manual handling needs to be considered and integrated as part of the overall management of OHS. You can find out more about how to prevent manual handling injuries at the Smart Move website.

Lighting Assessment,

Why is lighting important?Whether in industrial or office settings, proper lighting makes all work tasks easier. People receive about 85 percent of their information through their sense of sight. Appropriate lighting, without glare or shadows, can reduce eye fatigue and headaches. It highlights moving machinery and other safety hazards. It also reduces the chance of accidents and injuries from "momentary blindness" while the eyes adjust to brighter or darker surroundings.The ability to "see" at work depends not only on lighting but also on:the time to focus on an object. Fast moving objects are hard to see.the size of an object. Very small objects are hard to see.brightness. Too much or too little reflected light makes objects hard to see.contrast between an object and its immediate background. Too little contrast makes it hard to distinguish an object from the background

What are basic types of artificial lighting?There are three basic types of lighting:• general,• localized-general, and• local (or task).General lighting provides fairly uniform lighting. An example would be ceiling fixtures that light up large areas.

Direct-indirect light fixtures distribute light equally upward and downward. They reflect light off the ceiling and other room surfaces. Little light is emitted horizontally meaning direct glare is often reduced. They are usually used in "clean" manufacturing areas.

Localized-general lighting uses overhead fixtures in addition to ceiling fixtures to increase lighting levels for particular tasks.

What are different types of light fixtures?The complete lighting unit (also called the light fixture) controls and distributes the light. (Light fixtures are often referred to as "luminaires" in technical publications.)Various types of light fixtures are designed to distribute light in different ways. These fixtures are known as:direct,direct-indirect,indirect andshielded (various types).No single type of light fixture is appropriate in every situation. The amount and quality of lighting required for a particular workstation or task will determine which light fixture is most suitable.Direct light fixtures project 90 to 100 percent of their light downward toward the work area. Direct lighting tends to create shadows.

Indirect light fixtures distribute 90 to 100 percent of the light upward. The ceiling and upper walls must be clean and highly reflective to allow the light to reach the work area. They provide the most even illumination of all the types of fixtures and the least direct glare. Indirect light fixtures are usually used in offices.

Shielded light fixtures use diffusers, lenses and louvers to cover bulbs from direct view; therefore, helping to prevent glare and distribute light.Diffusers are translucent or semi-transparent (see-through) covers made usually of glass or plastic. They are used on the bottom or sides of light fixtures to control brightness.Lenses are clear or transparent glass, or plastic covers. The lens design incorporates prisms and flutes to distribute light in specific ways.

Cooling Tower Risk Assessment,Cooling Tower Registration The General Manager Asset Services shall ensure that each existing cooling tower system is registered with the Department of Health at all times that it is in operation.The General Manager Asset Services shall ensure that all new cooling tower systems are registered prior to operation.

Risk management of cooling towers - OHS information sheet number 16BAugust 2002What is a cooling tower?Cooling towers are used in air conditioning systems or for refrigeration. They use surrounding air to cool water, which in turn will cool the target area. A cooling tower system includes any machinery, tanks, pipes or valves connected to the system, and will contain one or more cooling towers depending on how extensive the system is.How does a cooling tower system spread Legionella?When air is drawn or forced through a cooling tower, it collects air borne particles and as it leaves the tower these particles is carried into the environment. Sometimes these particles may be contaminated with Legionella bacteria. If the Legionella bacteria is inhaled by susceptible* people, these people may develop legionnaires' disease.Registration of cooling tower systemsThe Building (Legionella) Act 2000 requires all cooling tower systems to be registered with the Building Commission. For cooling tower systems in operation before 1st March 2001, an application to register must be lodged before 1st September 2001.For Cooling Tower Systems that are commissioned on or after 1st March 2001, an application to register must be lodged before the system is tested and commissioned. Registration is for a period of twelve months and the application for renewal must be lodged before the expiry of the previous registration.

Risk management plansWorkcover has initiated a comprehensive risk management strategy for all of its cooling tower systems. This strategy will involve carrying out risk assessments of all cooling tower systems and formalising existing risk management activities in accordance with the Department of Human Services Standard Operational Program. Risk management plans are required to be completed within 12 months of the registration of the cooling tower system. The program specifies activities that are to be carried out at predetermined intervals. These activities include:Regular inspectionsRegular servicingMonthly HCC testing to identify bacterial levels in systemLegionella testingProfomas for the risk management plans can be found on the Workcover web page

Indoor Air Quality Assessment

There is more information in the Australian Standard AS1668.2: The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings - Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control. Australian Standards can be purchased on-line through the Standards Association shop website. Other contact details are also on the website. Local or educational institution libraries may have copies of Australian Standards, so check these. Often the problem is that the airconditioning units need servicing, or that the rate and direction of air flow are unsatisfactory. There is a booklet called Officewise available (free) from WorkSafe (03 9641 1555). It can also be downloaded from the website. Officewise recommends the following to improve thermal comfort: Regulate air conditioning for temperature and humidity; Avoid locating workstations directly in front of or below air conditioning outlets;

Install deflectors on air vents to direct airflow away from people. These measure will prevent staff being annoyed by draughts; Control direct sunlight (radiant heat) with blinds, louvres and the like; Minimise draughts and thermal differences between the head and the feet (thermal gradients); Ensure adequate air flow. Feelings of stuffiness can result when air flow is low, and draughts result when air flow is high. An air flow rate of between 0.1 and 0.2 metres per second is desirable.

Confined Space Risk Assessment and/or gas

monitoring,Define confined spaces relevant to the participants’ workplace environment and the underpinning legislation

Define confined spaces hazard analysis and demonstrate atmospheric testing and monitoring proceduresIdentify and demonstrate the procedure for isolating confined space hazards and the protecting of confined space personnelDefine and demonstrate confined spaces risk assessment and response requirementsDemonstrate the operation and wearing requirements for self contained breathing apparatusDescribe and demonstrate the operation of first attack firefighting equipment, and identify operational safe working practicesDemonstrate basic first-aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for confined space personnel

PracticalSelf Contained Breathing ApparatusSafe Entry and Exit from Confined Spaces Atmospheric Gas MonitoringOH&S Policies and Procedures

Risk AssessmentConfined Space ExerciseFirst-Aid

Suitable attireWork clothing and workboots must be worn.

Heat Exposure Assessment

What are the health effects of exposure to heat? When the body is exposed to more heat than it can cope with, this leads to heat stress. The body tires to cope mainly by evaporation - sweating. As the temperature in the work environment increases, so too does the body's temperature. This triggers sweating and a flow of blood to the skin where it can be cooled by evaporation. Excessive sweating leads to loss of water from the body, dehydration and loss of salt, resulting in potentially serious health effects. Possible consequences of excessive heat: Increase in the likelihood of accidents due to reduced concentration; slippery, sweaty palms; increase of discomfort of some personal protective gear, resulting in reduced protection and unsafe conditions, etc Skin Rashes: "prickly heat" Heat Illness: Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms as a result of heavy sweating without restoring the body's salt/water balance. Heat Exhaustion: Dehydration following heavy sweating causes clammy, moist skin, weakness and fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache and giddiness. Reduced blood flow to the brain may lead to fainting. Heat Stroke: Hot, dry skin and rapidly rising body temperature can lead to collapse, loss of consciousness, convulsions, even death Aggravation of other medical conditions and illnesses: e.g. high blood pressure or heart disease due to increased load on the heart Aggravation of the effects of other hazards: through interaction with other workplace hazards such as noise or exposure to toxic substances heat can compound their effects Reproductive Disorders: may affect sperm count or the health of the foetus.

Vibration Assessment.The criteria presented in Building Safety Regulations Section 2 are expressed as (or in the case of Table 2.4, based on) rms acceleration. Overall weighted rms acceleration values are used to assess compliance with the criteria. Building vibration may also be measured in rms velocity or peak velocity. Appendix C contains equivalent criteria presented in these terms. Sufficient

justification should accompany whichever approach is used in an assessment.

a As far as is practical, vibration measurements and assessment criteria should refer to the place at which the vibration affects people, which, for this guideline, is inside buildings.Depending on whether occupants are standing, sitting or lying down, vibration may enter the body in the x-axis, y-axis or z-axis. People are more sensitive to z-axis vibration than to x- and y-axis vibration. However, human exposure to vibration should usually be measured in all three axes, so that the results can be combined and compared to the criteria.

management commitment consultation management of risk training and supervision reporting safety return to work and workers

compensation

SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT a safe work environment accommodation for workers, if

provided, is appropriate safe use of plant, structures and

substances facilities for the welfare of

workers are adequate notification and recording of

workplace incidents adequate information, training,

instruction and supervision is given

compliance with the requirements under the work health and safety regulation

effective systems are in place for monitoring the health of workers and workplace conditions

Managing Risks To Health And Safety

Training And Instruction

Personal Protective Equipment

First Aid

Emergency Plans