OHS General SiteInduction

Compiled by the Division of Facilities Managementfor instruction of Contractors to the University

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Contractor General Site Safety Induction Package Introduction Charles Sturt University is committed to ensuring that its campuses remain a safe environment for its staff, students and visitors. An important aspect of this objective is working with contractors to the University to ensure that a high level of occupational health and safety is achieved. This is driven not only by legislative requirements, but our value of all persons that form part of the University community. The following information is a summary of key aspects from the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, relevant University OHS policies and other relevant information that will support you while working on University properties. The material is general in nature, and as such is not intended to be an inclusive list. Site specific assessments are still required to be undertaken before works commence. This is vitally important due to the large area and the diversity of buildings, operations and other activities performed on the respective campuses. As contractors to the University, you are required to ensure that your work practices and those of your staff or other sub contractors under your control, are safe systems of work that are compliant with the relevant statues, codes of practice and university policies. It is important to realise that OHS responsibilities can not be delegated. It is an obligation of employers to ensure that all reasonably practicable measures are taken to control workplace hazards and ensure the health and safety of persons that may be affected by your work or work processes. At the end of this material is a declaration stating that you have read, understand and will comply with the relevant regulatory requirements and university policies. This signed page has to be returned to the University prior to performing work at the University. As part of our ongoing commitment to health and safety, we will perform ongoing compliance audits. These will be used to ensure compliant work practices and also as a performance indicator for the continuing engagement of services. Evidence of documentation, which may include training records and safe work method statements, may also be requested during these audits. The University will work with you to achieve our desired benchmark. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate member as listed in the contacts section of this document.

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1. Arriving on campus

Each campus has a designated location for all Contractors to report to before commencing work and to log out when the job is complete or at the end of the shift. These locations will be identified on your first visit, but are also available by contacting the relevant campus on the details listed in the “contacts” section of this document. You will be directed to complete the Contractor log book information and will be issued with a visitor’s pass that will be valid for the day of issue.

2. Site Specific Induction and Foreseeable Hazards Before commencing work, your staff must be provided with information that covers specific site safety risks and procedures. This also involves the identifying of any foreseeable hazards that have the potential to harm the health or safety of any person accessing, using or egressing the premises. You must risk assess the job, controlling any identified foreseeable risks and, this must be documented before commencing work. The extent of this process will be site and job dependant.

3. Instruction, training and information A Contractor must not undertake any task until they have the relevant information, instruction and training necessary to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. Evidence of training and/ or induction is required to be maintained.

4. Eliminate or control risks Risks identified must be eliminated. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, then the risk must be controlled using the following hierarchy:

1. substituting the hazard with a hazard that gives rise to a lesser risk, 2. isolating the hazard from the person(s) put at risk, 3. minimising the risk by engineering means, 4. minimising the risk by administrative means, 5. using personal protective equipment.

A combination of the above measures may be required to minimise the risk if no single measure is sufficient for that purpose. The use of personal protective equipment should be the last control measure employed to reduce the risk.

5. Personal protective equipment If measures taken to control a risk include the use of personal protective equipment, then:

• the employer or supervisor must provide the equipment and ensure the equipment is worn, and

• the equipment must be designed to control the particular risk, and • the person is informed of any limitations of the equipment, and • the person is provided with the necessary instruction and training, and • the equipment is properly maintained.

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6. Emergencies The University has adopted the emergency control organisational structure as described in AS3745 “Emergency control organisation and procedures for buildings, structures and workplaces”. This consists of a Chief Warden on each campus and a defined Emergency Control group within each building or area. You should avail yourself to these site emergency plans within the individual building before commencing work. Copies of these plans are available within each building or from the Division of Facilities Management. If an emergency service has been called to the campus, ensure you notify the respective campus security immediately so they can implement the appropriate ECO response.

7. First Aid facilities The university has a number of qualified senior first aid officers on each campus. The names and contact details of these officers form part of the site emergency plans. In many cases there is a first aid kit with the nearest first aid officers contact details within each building. All accidents, incidents and near misses shall be reported to the University preferably on its standard report form or by contacting the campus Services Manager or the Facilities OHS Manager. The report form can be downloaded from http://www.csu.edu.au/division/healsafe/textdocs/forms/AccIncReport05.xls

8. Amenities Amenities are available throughout each campus. Please ensure your use of these is respectful of other users and the facilities are maintained in a clean order. The use of facilities located within student accommodation areas is limited to the residence use only.

9. Dress, language and harassment An appropriate dress code is expected at all times while on campus. This includes the wearing of suitable closed in footwear. Inappropriate language or any form of harassment of staff or students will not be tolerated.

10. Workplace consultation The University has been active in adopting an OHS consultation process as required under the OHS Regulation. As such, in instances where the work you will be undertaking may effect or cause changes to the work premises, the systems or methods of work, the plant or substances used at work, that may affect health, safety or welfare; consultation is required. In these instances, a mechanism will be employed to ensure that staff (or other persons) of the building or area are appropriately consulted about any proposed changes and kept informed throughout the works.

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11. Working at heights Work performed at heights must be considered as part of the site induction and risk assessment. Particular control measures must be provided to ensure that the work area and access to the work area, is safe and will prevent falls. This also includes the provision of a safe means of movement between different levels if applicable. Particular risk control measures include:

• a stable and securely fenced work platform (such as scaffolding or other form of portable work platform); or if not reasonably practicable

• secure perimeter screens, fencing, handrails or other forms of physical barriers that are capable of preventing the fall of a person; or if not reasonably practicable

• other forms of physical restraints that are capable of arresting the fall of a person from a height of more than 2 metres,

If a fall arrest device is provided for use by persons at work:

• all anchorage points for the device are inspected before their first use and then on a regular basis, and

• all persons using the device have received training in the selection, assembly and use of the system, and

• adequate provision is made for the rescue of a person whose fall is arrested by a fall arrest device.

Particular care must be undertaken when working on or near brittle or fragile roofs. The risk of falls must be controlled by use of the following measures:

• permanent walkways; if this is not practicable • an adequately secured temporary walkways or • other means to prevent the fall of persons working on or passing across the

roof.

12. Falling objects Any work at heights must ensure that the risks associated with falling objects are controlled by use of the following measures:

• provision of safe means of raising and lowering plant, materials and debris, • provision of a secure physical barrier to prevent objects falling freely from

buildings or structures in or in the vicinity of the place of work. The wearing of an appropriate head protection is required when:

• there is the risk of falling objects, • when work being conducted overhead, • in instances were there is the possibility of head injury arising from the particular

work being performed. • the potential of the hazard is identified during work safety assessment.

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13. Scaffolding Only approved scaffolding that meets the relevant Australian Standards may be used at the University. The use of any ad hoc structures or devices to aid working at heights is prohibited. Scaffolding above the nominated height must show certification of its compliance and must be erected, inspected and dismantled by a competent person in accordance with AS/NZS 1576.

14. Electricity Safe work practices include ensuring:

• all electrical installations, electrical articles and associated equipment are safe to use.

• all electrical equipment is regularly inspected, tested, tagged and maintained in accordance with the relevant standards.

• any unsafe items are immediately repaired or taken out of service. • any unsafe electrical appliance is disconnected from the electricity supply and

secured by an appropriate tag with the identifiers name and date. • that plant or other equipment is not used in conditions likely to give rise to

electrical hazards. • that all electrical installations containing live electrical components (such as

control panels, switchrooms, switchyards and substations) are suitably secured to prevent inadvertent access.

• controls must be in place to ensure that all work is performed at safe distances from any overhead electrical power lines or live electrical installations.

• if excavation work is to be carried out, all available information concerning the position of underground electrical cables is obtained and disseminated to persons before work is commenced.

• any electrical cord extension sets, flexible cables or fittings are located where they are not likely to be damaged (including damage by liquids) or are protected against any damage, and are not laid across passageways or accessways unless they are suitably protected, and adequate signs to warn of the hazards are provided at the area.

15. Asbestos Any work that involves asbestos or asbestos-containing material or material suspected of containing asbestos must undergo a risk assessment before work is commenced. Control measures must be carried out in accordance with the “Guide to the Control of Asbestos Hazards in Buildings and Structures” published by the NOHS Commission and other relevant applicable codes. The University has a register of identified areas with asbestos or asbestos containing materials. This register may not include some other areas that, at the time of initial the inspections were inaccessible. These areas must be accessed prior to commencing work to confirm the absence or presence on asbestos containing materials.

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16. Noise management Appropriate control measures must be undertaken to prevent persons from being exposed to noise levels that exceed the Workcover guidelines. This also includes university staff and students that may be subjected to noise during the conduct of particular works. Please be mindful of the teaching and residential environment of the University campus. Appropriate consultation is required in the event that noise from works may disrupt Universities activities prior to commencing the works.

17. Fire and explosion Contractors must ensure that the risks associated with fire or explosion at a place of work are controlled. The University has defined hot work procedures. Approval for hot work is required in the form of a permit, which is available from the campus office of the Division of Facilities Management. Each building on campus has an established set of emergency procedures. In the event of the activation of an emergency alarm or the declaration of an emergency, you will be instructed to evacuate the building to the nominated assembly point. You must follow the directions of the buildings wardens who have the delegated responsibility during emergency situations.

18. Confined spaces Identified confined spaces on campus are appropriately signed and the required controls (that may include a permit) must be complied with prior to entry. An assessment must be made of other areas, that by there nature and/ or the work being performed, may have the potential to become a confined space. Examples include excavations or voids combined with applications that may reduce the available oxygen levels. A safe oxygen level (definition from OHS Regulation, 2001) means a minimum oxygen content in air of 19.5% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure and a maximum oxygen content in air of 23.5% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure. If work is required within an identified confined space or a potential confined space, the following must be available in case of an emergency.

• emergency procedures that are planned, established and rehearsed in relation to the presence of persons in a confined space.

• emergency equipment (including rescue and first aid equipment) appropriate for the particular circumstances are available.

• must ensure that the openings for entry to and egress from a confined space are of adequate size to permit the rescue of all persons who may be in the space, and the openings are not obstructed by fittings or equipment that could impede the rescue of persons or, alternatively, if this cannot be done, that another suitable means of rescue is provided.

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19. Manual handling The definition of manual handling (OHS Regulation, 2001) includes any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object. It is not limited to heavy articles. Contractors must ensure that:

• work practices used are designed so as to eliminate risks arising from manual handling, and

• the working environment is designed to be, as far as reasonably practicable, consistent with the safe handling of objects.

• if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate a risk arising from manual handling, an employer must design the work activity involving manual handling to control the risk and, if necessary, must:

o provide mechanical aids or, make arrangements for team lifting, or both, and

o ensure that the persons carrying out the activity are trained in manual handling techniques, correct use of mechanical aids and team lifting procedures appropriate to the activity, and

o as far as reasonably practicable, achieve risk control by means other than team lifting.

In carrying out a risk assessment in relation to manual handling, you must take into consideration (where relevant) the following factors: actions and movements (including repetitive actions and movements), workplace and layout, working posture and position, duration and frequency of manual handling, location of loads and distances moved, weights and forces, characteristics of loads and equipment, work organisation, work environment, skills and experience, age, clothing, and special needs (temporary or permanent).

20. Hazardous substances A risk assessment must be undertaken prior to hazardous substances being brought onto the site and you must ensure that:

• a suppliers MSDS for the substance is obtained before or on the first occasion on which it is supplied, and that the MSDS is readily accessible to any employee who could be exposed to the substance, and.

• that a container that holds a hazardous substance, including one supplied to or produced within the place of work, is appropriately labelled and that the label is not removed, defaced or altered.

• the label clearly identifies the hazardous substance, and provides basic health and safety information about the substance, including any relevant risk phrases and safety phrases.

• the register includes a list of all hazardous substances used at the place of work, and the relevant MSDS for each of those hazardous substances.

• the records of the risk assessment relating to the use of a hazardous substance are kept and available on site.

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21. Working with plant When work involves the installation, erection and commissioning of plant, the following must be observed:

• that the plant is erected, installed or commissioned having regard to the instructions of the designer and manufacturer, or to instructions developed by a competent person.

• a competent person undertakes the installation, erection or commissioning and is provided with all information necessary to enable plant to be installed and commissioned so as to eliminate risks to health and safety or, if this is not practicable, to control them.

• that there is sufficient clear space around the plant to allow the plant to be used and repaired.

• there is sufficient space for access to and egress from parts of the plant that require cleaning and maintenance.

• interim safeguards are used during testing, if the final means of safeguarding are not in place.

• if safety features or warning devices are incorporated into plant, the features or devices are used as intended.

• the immediate operating area of the plant is designated as a restricted space and access to it is controlled at all times.

• pipes and other parts of plant that may become hot or cold are adequately guarded or insulated.

22. Powered mobile plant The use of powered mobile plant may involve a number of risks due to the size of the plant, the noise generated by the plant and potential of limited vision around the plant. These potential risks must be taken into account when planning the work. Other responsibilities include:

• ensuring all persons working around mobile plant are wearing appropriate PPE that includes high visibility clothing.

• ensuring that the plant is used so as to minimise the risk of overturning or a falling object coming into contact with the operator.

• ensuring that appropriate controls are implemented to eliminate or minimise the risk of the plant colliding with pedestrians or other powered mobile plant.

• ensuring that the plant: o is fitted with warning devices that are appropriate to effectively warn

persons who are at risk from movement of the plant. o is not used to carry, lift or lower a person other than the operator unless

the plant was specifically designed to carry persons. • ensuring that industrial lift trucks are equipped with appropriate lifting

attachments specifically designed for the load to be lifted or moved.

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23. Spray painting outside spray booths If the work involves the use of spray painting outside of a designated spray booth then you must ensure that the work:

• is carried out in the open air at least 6 metres from every building and from every other thing that might obstruct ventilation, and

• is effectively isolated from every other process in which persons are employed and that is within 6 metres (measured in any direction) from the place at which the spray painting substance is being applied, and

• is effectively isolated from all plant, machinery and equipment that is, or may become, a source of ignition and that is within 2 metres, measured vertically above, and 6 metres, measured in other directions, from the place at which the spray painting substance is being applied.

If it is not reasonably practicable for an employer to ensure that the spray painting is carried out in the open air, then you must ensure that:

• the place where the spray painting is carried out is adequately ventilated (by natural or mechanical ventilation), and

• the spray painting is effectively isolated , and • there is no risk of ignition.

24. Welding – Hot work and possible exposure to atmospheric contaminants In addition to welding requiring a hot work permit, the following factors must be taken in account before work commences:

• that exposure of persons to atmospheric contaminants arising from welding, including fumes, gases and vapours, is controlled by use of one or more of the following measures (in descending order of priority):

o substituting a less hazardous process, material or procedure, o using appropriate ventilation.

• ensuring that persons directly involved in welding are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and that adequate signs to warn of the hazards are provided at or near any area in which there is a risk of exposure of persons to hazards arising from welding.

25. Lead – lead processes and lead risk work If the work involved uses lead or lead products, the follow must be observed:

• the lead process area is kept as clean as is practicable, and • no person eats, drinks, chews gum, smokes or carries smoking materials in a

lead process area, and • persons working in a lead process area wear appropriate personal protective

equipment, and • that hands are thoroughly washed after working in this environment, even if

protective gloves are worn. • an assessment for the need of biological monitoring and health surveillance

forms part of the risk assessment. • that no product contaminates the environment.

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26. University policies and other relevant information: The University has a number of OHS policies to ensure a safe place of work and study. While working at the University it is a requirement that you will comply with these. A complete listing of the University’s OHS policies can be accessed at http://www.csu.edu.au/division/healsafe a) Campus Speed Limits: The University has signed and enforced speed limit of 40

km/h. A 5 km/h limit applies to service roads and areas shared with pedestrians. Pedestrian traffic has the right of way on all non-deemed roadways.

b) Contractor and Work Site Vehicles: All contractors attending the site must be aware of the volume of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic on our campuses.

c) Parking on campus: The University has a campus parking policy. Failure to park in the designated parking areas may lead to the issue of an infringement notice issued under the authority of the NSW Police. Restricted parking areas are clearly sign posted.

d) Smoking in the Workplace: Smoking is not permitted in or within a distance of

4m of any building. Smoking is also prohibited at any other place that may allow smoke to enter a building, such as via an air intake facility.

e) Residential accommodation: No contractors are to enter any residential

accommodation without prior approval. Unaccompanied access to student residences is not permitted.

f) Harassment: The University is a multicultural community with students of all ages

and nationalities. Any derogatory, sexist or racist actions will not be tolerated. g) Noise and hours of work: Please respect the learning & teaching environment of

the campus life and keep noise to a level that does not interfere with residences or the University’s operations. Hours of work will be agreed upon prior to starting of the works.

h) Emergency Control Organisation: Buildings across the University have an

established ‘Emergency Control Organisation’ consisting of wardens. These wardens have the authority to control and direct the evacuation of buildings, and you need to comply with their directions if requested. Observe evacuation plans within the building and notify the unit of your presence.

i) Protection from Solar Ultraviolet Radiation: Persons that may be exposed to

UV radiation must undertake a risk assessment and if no other control methods are available, appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing shall be worn.

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j) Utility/ service disruptions: Any planned disruption to services, requires a

nominal 48 hours notice, to ensure that critical University services are not unexpectedly interrupted.

k) Use of ‘Caution-Unsafe Do Not Use’ Tags: Any appliance that is unsafe to use (eg faulty or under repair) must be labelled with a “do not use” tag that contains the name of the person that has attached the tag and their contact details. The use of electrical tape or other non standard tags is prohibited.

l) Clearance procedures: There is special clearance procedures required prior to

the access to some facilities at the University. Examples include Radiation facilities and some Biosafety facilities. All of these facilities are appropriately sign posted with contact details and other requirements.

m) Accidents, incidents and near misses: Any accident, incident or near miss

must be recorded on the University’s Accident report form. This is to enable us to document and action as appropriate, and forms a vital component of our SMS. The form can be found at the web link below or from one of the Divisions offices. http://www.csu.edu.au/division/healsafe/textdocs/forms/AccIncReport05.xls

n) Hot work: If any procedures involving “hot work” are to be performed, you are

required to gain a hot work permit from an authorised University officer before commencing the work.

o) OH&S induction training certificate. A Workcover approved OHS general

induction certificate is required to gain access to construction sites. p) Certificates, licences and permits: It is a requirement that appropriate and

current licences and/ or certificates are held as required. Applicable permits must also be attained prior to the commencement of work.

q) Record keeping: Please ensure you keep appropriate records. These should

include training, induction, licences, certificates and risk assessments. r) High visibility clothing: When working around mobile plant, machinery,

construction sites, roadways or other instances where dictated; ensure staff are wearing an appropriate form of high visibility clothing.

s) Barricades: Barriers must be erected to prevent access to hazardous or

potentially areas, and these must be constructed of appropriate materials that will endure the designed purpose and environment.

t) Signage: Appropriate signage must be used to alert persons of certain works or

potentially hazardous situations. Consultation with affected persons is also required.

u) Lasers: The use of lasers at the University is covered in section 4, “Laser safety

policy” of the Radiation Safety Manual. A copy of the manual can be located at http://www.csu.edu.au/acad_sec/safety/radiation_safety_manual.htm

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v) Environmental focus: The University strives to show leadership in the area of

environmental sustainability. As such, we prefer to adopt processes that are sympathetic with this approach. Please ensure that your work methods are conducive with this philosophy.

w) General housekeeping: A high level of good housekeeping is expected to

ensure there are no risks to staff, students or other persons. In particular, materials, waste, rubbish and temporary works at the site should be cleaned up or secured at the end of the work. If works extend more than a single day or the site will be left unattended, then it must be made secure at the end of the shift.

x) Underground services: Please confirm the location of underground services

prior to beginning any excavation. Details can be obtained from the Divisions office on the respective campus.

y) University facilities: Contractors are welcome to patronise the various food outlet facilities on campus. Their conduct must be appropriate with respect to dress, language and cleanliness (eg no muddy work boots) when utilising these facilities.

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Declaration Thank you for undertaking the University’s OHS general site induction. Please complete the declaration below to confirm the understanding of your responsibilities. I have undertaken the Charles Sturt University’s general induction package and agree that I will comply with all appropriate OHS legislative requirements, codes of practice and University policies and guidelines while undertaking works for the University. Date of Induction: Company: Name: Signature: Workcover OHS

general induction card number

Please submit this page by Fax 02 – 6933 4346 or by Email ksimpson@csu.edu.au Question? Contact the Facilities OHS Manager Telephone 02 – 693 34321 or ksimpson@csu.edu.au

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Contacts: Charles Sturt University Division of Facilities Management PO Box 588 Wagga Wagga NSW 2678 www.csu.edu.au/division/facilitiesm/ Division of Facilities Management Facilities OHS Manager Ken Simpson ph 02 693 34321 fax 02 693 34346 email ksimpson@csu.edu.au

Dubbo campus Manager, Campus Services Angeline Shoveller ph 02 636 57823 fax 02 636 57590 email ashoveller@csu.edu.au

Albury Wodonga campus Manager, Campus Services Peter Jones ph 02 605 19616 fax 02 605 19739 email petjones@csu.edu.au Security ph 02 605 19888

Orange campus Manager, Campus Services Angeline Shoveller ph 02 636 57823 fax 02 636 57590 email ashoveller@csu.edu.au Security ph 02 636 57522

Bathurst campus Manager, Campus Services Rob Geddes ph 02 633 84191 fax 02 633 84397 email rgeddes@csu.edu.au Security ph 02 633 84999

Wagga campus Manager, Campus Services Terry O’Meara ph 02 693 32925 fax 02 693 32734 email tomeara@csu.edu.au Security ph 02 693 32288

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References and further information NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 Charles Sturt University: policies, guidelines and procedures Workcover NSW: Codes of practice, various publications Standards Australian: Australian Standards as mentioned Web sites Charles Sturt University – Occupational Health & Safety Web site http://www.csu.edu.au/division/healsafe/ Charles Sturt University – Division of Facilities Management http://www.csu.edu.au/division/facilitiesm/ Workcover NSW http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au National Occupational Health & safety Commission (NOHSC) http://www.nohsc.gov.au/ NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fullhtml/inforce/act+40+2000+FIRST+0+N NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/fullhtml/inforce/subordleg+648+2001+FIRST+0+N National Safety Council of Australia http://www.nsca.org.au/dynamic/index.asp