Safe Work Environment

Any workplace can be hazardous.  Be aware that any factory, workshop, industrial or mining site, and any building or construction site may have several dangerous areas at any time.

At these work places assess risks and undertake safety induction to introduce workers to the conditions, and alert them to the dangers and precautions necessary to prevent accidents.  Immediately report all safety issues to your Supervisor.

Aspect’s that all workers need to be aware of include:

Access and egress

Ensure that all work areas have good and clear access and egress, and with adequate lighting before commencing work.

Do not run – WALK.  Do not take shortcuts.  Use appropriate paths, gangways, ramps, stairways and ladders.

An access way should be well lit and clearly defined with signs to indicate safe use.  Always check access/egress conditions before proceeding in ceiling voids or similar work areas.

Lighting

Reduce energy requirements by using efficient lighting and natural lighting where practicable, however, adequate lighting must be provided to supplement low levels of natural light to ensure tasks can be conducted safely.

The level of illumination should match the demands of the job and the location.  Typical lighting levels at the workplace:

• general access ways and base lighting to rooms, stairways: 40 LUX
• typical building work (e.g. bricklaying, plastering, gyprock and electrical): 160 LUX.

If lighting is inadequate for the task, arrange for temporary lighting.

Where practicable, lighting installations should avoid the risk of electric shock, burns and glare.  For example, high intensity lighting such as halogen and metal halide fittings should be installed at a sufficient height and angle so as to prevent glare and contact burns and have sufficient clearance from combustible materials so as not to create a fire hazard.

Lighting at construction sites should be checked regularly to ensure it remains appropriate for the work as it progresses.  Any defective globes, lamp guards and fittings should be replaced or repaired promptly, by the responsible party.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is an essential safety requirement for a safe workplace.  An untidy work area causes accidents, inefficiency, and creates trip, fire and other hazards, including environmental.  Use receptacles provided, and keep in mind that there is a place for everything, and everything belongs in a place.

Do not throw rubbish, materials or equipment of any kind down from elevated work areas.  Protruding nails must be pulled out or hammered over.  Do not leave any tools, wire, cable, conduit, offcuts, packaging or other waste lying around work areas, as it may cause someone to trip and sustain a serious injury.  Housekeeping is especially important when working with fibre optic cable because glass splinters present an unseen hazard and can be difficult to find and remove.

Where cabling is laid out for installation ensure that general pedestrian access is appropriately restricted, e.g. with signs and barricades.

Everything has a place, including documentation, tools, materials, PPE, recyclables and general waste.

Cleanliness and hygiene

You must play your part in keeping the workplace and amenities clean and tidy.  Place all scraps of food, all empty and partly empty drink bottles, cartons and cans in the bins provided.  Do your bit and report any ongoing issues to your supervisor.

All relevant hygiene standards must be maintained at identified locations such as amenities, toilets and ablution buildings, lunchrooms, lift lobbies etc. that are provided for workers – to uphold cleanliness and any directed infection control requirements at workplaces.

UV radiation

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and sunburn will cause skin damage and may ultimately result in skin cancer.  It is important for everyone to cover up prior to working/spending time in the sun.

Some possible control measures may include using shade, wearing shirts with collars and long sleeves, long trousers, wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and use SPF 30+/50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen regularly on any skin that can’t be covered by clothing.  Also, program work situations for minimal exposure to the outside working environment at the maximum exposure times of the day and always use sunscreen in combination with other sun protections measures: clothing, hat, shade and sunglasses.

Those that have extensive exposure to the sun should have regular routine checks for skin cancer.

Electromagnetic radiation

At close range, radio, TV and telecommunications transmitters are a major source of high levels of electromagnetic radiation.  The Australian communications authority has established standards in relation to limits for continuous exposure.  Should a worker be required to access an area where RF levels exceed the general public limits, the worker must have EMR awareness training.

Sites that have high RF levels are usually signposted by the owner of the equipment.  A site RF safety document is usually available.  All signs and recommendations in the documentation must be followed.  If you are required to work in or pass through a high RF area for periods exceeding the recommendations, have the equipment owner lock out or turn down the antenna output to an acceptable level.  Unless it has been confirmed by a RF monitor all antennas should be assumed to be transmitting.  To avoid accidental RF over exposure and possible interruptions to the service, never pass directly in front of antennas.  If you are not required in an area that contains operating antennas move well away.

Explosive atmospheres

Many gases, vapours and dusts are combustible and potentially explosive and there is a risk of injury from explosion and fire in these areas.  The susceptibility of a given hazardous material to ignite varies with the circumstances, such as quantity, concentration, particle size, etc, but equipment and tools that may generate sparks, arcing or high temperatures may be of particular concern.

Ensure that such areas have been confirmed to be safe by a competent person or appropriately classified and that the plan of work and equipment is certified as suitable for the conditions in the area.  Test lamps and other test equipment will need to be of the correct rating for the area (eg intrinsically safe) and conventional mobile phones and radio transmitters may not be permitted.

Such areas will be assessed for hazardous area classification and electrical equipment will be suitably designated with an Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings (e.g. IP5x, see s13.7) or an Ex-rating such as DIP (Dust-excluding Ignition Proof), or Intrinsically Safe .

If the equipment (for example; switch, relay, contactor or circuit breaker) is not suitably rated then it will need to be located in a sealed housing or area that is appropriately protected, such as a positively pressurised Cabinet, Switch Room or Motor Control Centre.

Battery rooms

• Ensure battery rooms are well ventilated whilst batteries are on charge and gassing.
• Smoking or the use of naked flames is prohibited in battery rooms because of the real risk of explosion.
• Only authorised persons may enter this work area, and all danger and warning signs must be prominently displayed.
• If acid splash is a possibility, wear eye protection and confirm availability of safety shower units or eye/face wash units before commencing any work in these areas.
• Neutralising agents should also be readily accessible with instructions on emergency procedures prominently displayed in case of acid/alkali burns.
• Take particular care when transporting batteries. Ensure they are securely stowed and not susceptible to damage.

Excavations and trenches

Prior to any ground-breaking activity, permission shall be obtained from the client, property owner and any existing underground services must be verified.  Use Dial-1100-Before-You-Dig (www.1100.com.au) and obtain appropriate information and maps of all services and make it available for all involved.

• Note that all service cables and pipes may not be recorded.
• Where the risk is known, it may be necessary to have the electricity supply authority disconnect the supply or the service owner to be in attendance.
• Where the risk is not known, it should be assumed an electrical risk or other essential services could exist. For example, if you cannot determine exactly where an underground cable is, you should use potholing to carefully identify the cable location and avoid accidental contact with the cable. Potholing involves excavating with hand tools to a pre-determined depth to establish if assets exist in the immediate location.  This may mean using insulated hand digging tools appropriate for the voltage concerned when potholing.
• Potholing can also be done using a specialised high pressure water jet and vacuum pump to clear the waste. Use a skilled and responsible operator because the pressures used for the water jet can be sufficient to do significant damage to the underground cable or pipe. The costs for lost service and rectification can be very high.
• Before entering any excavation or trench, ensure you are aware of working conditions and able to identify unsafe workplaces, including a confined space condition and any dangerous ground conditions that may cause the sides to collapse due to vibration, passing traffic or other reasons.
• Where a trench is to exceed 1.0 metre in depth a “competent person” should supervise all the safety issues relating to the trench and ensure that regular inspections of the excavation are undertaken. A standby person stationed at ground level when persons are working in the trench is advisable.
• Work carried out in or near a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5m is ‘high risk construction work’ and needs a Safe Work Method Statement. Key risks to persons are: falling into excavation, trapped under collapse, struck by falling objects, exposed to airborne contaminants and unauthorised access.
• Be aware of possible gas build up in the trench (e.g. carbon dioxide is heavier than air).
• The requirements for safe entry and working in confined spaces must be observed where those conditions apply in excavations 1.5 metres or more in depth.

Remember Life Saving Rule #8

I will always obtain authorisation before entering a confined space

• All excavations 1.5 metres or more in depth must have effective controls in place to prevent the sides collapsing. Without documented geotechnical advice to the contrary, shoring is the preferred method however correctly battered walls or benching are acceptable.
• A ladder or alternative safe means of access to and egress from the excavation should remain in the trench until the trench is ready for filling.
• Secure from unauthorised access when unattended preferably with covers. Barricading and signage is to be implemented where trenches are left open. Lanterns should be placed on barricades at night.
• Warning tape shall be installed 30cm above any electrical cable. If the tape is damaged, it shall be reinstated.

Working in a confined space

Remember Life Saving Rule #8

I will always obtain authorisation before entering a confined space

A confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:

(a)       is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person; and

(b)       is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space; and

(c)        is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:

(i)         an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level; or

(ii)        contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion; or

(iii)       harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants; or

(iv)       engulfment,

but does not include a mine shaft or the workings of a mine.

“Safe oxygen level” means a minimum oxygen content in air of 19.5% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure and no greater than 21.0% because of the risk of increased flammability (otherwise 23.5%).

Examples of confined spaces may include:

• storage tanks, tank cars, pressure and process vessels, wet wells, boilers, pressure vessels, silos and other tank-like compartments
• open-topped spaces such as pits or degreasers
• pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts and similar structures
• shipboard spaces entered through a small hatchway or access point, cargo tanks, cellular double bottom tanks, duct keels, ballast and oil tanks and void spaces (but not including dry cargo holds).

Where access is required to spaces or vessels that are defined as being “confined space”, the entry into those areas must only be undertaken where safe systems of work are established, starting with a Safe Work Method Statement and confined space entry permit.

A confined space entry permit (which may incorporate the risk assessment) must be issued for each entry into the confined space.  Each permit only applies to one confined space and allows one or more workers to enter that space.

The permit confirms that everything is in place, including all necessary risk control measures and provides a means of communication between site management, supervisors and those carrying out the work.  It ensures that the business has: checked and authorised the entry to the confined space; is safe to sign-on and proceed with ongoing monitoring and control through to safe completion and sign-off; and that emergency response procedures and equipment are in place.

Typically, the business will nominate and authorise a competent person (Controller) to issue the permit, ensures that all workers are appropriately instructed and trained, as well as direct and supervise the work.

A standby person must be assigned to continuously monitor the wellbeing of those inside the space.  If practicable observe the work being carried out and initiate appropriate emergency procedures when necessary.  The standby person must not enter the confined space, even in an emergency.

The confined space entry permit should be signed by all involved.  This may include:  the controller and the workers entering the confined space, their supervisor/s, the gas tester and the standby person.

Areas of reduced mobility

Other areas may not be classified as a confined space but care must be taken where there is reduced mobility because of restricted movement and the inability to readily escape.  Examples include working from ladders, within ceiling and roof spaces and under floors, in pits and trenches and restricted areas in and around plant and electrical equipment.  Confirm through risk assessment or Safe Work Method Statements any requirement for electrical isolation.

Working near traffic

Working near traffic can be a high-risk activity and careful planning should be undertaken to address all potential hazards.  A combination of control measures will apply and the following are some that should be considered:

• isolating vehicles and plant from persons on the site
• using demarcation lines or zones and fencing, barriers, barricades, temporary warning or control signs
• planning the direction that plant moves, so visibility is not restricted
• implementing safe working distances
• using clear communication systems
• minimising amount of plant working at one time
• using audible reversing alarms and sensors (be aware of blind spots)
• using reversing cameras (be aware of blind spots)
• using flashing lights
• using high visibility garments
• using spotters or observers.

Safe Work Method Statements (in the case of high risk construction work) and traffic management plans (TMP’s) are required and will assist in ensuring the safety of workers and the public around moving plant.  Consideration for changing traffic conditions is an ongoing requirement.  Supervisors and workers must consult during the development of the Safe Work Method Statements and plan, and receive instruction on procedures.  These should be updated each time the conditions on the site change in a way that may affect the health and safety of persons at the workplace, or if they are found to be insufficient to effectively control the risks.  Vehicle movement procedures and traffic control plans are particularly important where work is being undertaken on or near public roads.  Ensure compliance with the requirements of the roads and local authorities.

Public safety

Protection of the general public must be addressed where there is a risk of injury.  Where appropriate consult with the client on safety issues and appropriate protection measures for the public both during and after normal working hours.  Some measures may include barricading the work area, adequate signage, additional lighting and installation of security fencing for work and materials storage areas, etc.  Alternatively it may be appropriate to use a spotter to direct persons away from the work area or arrange for work to be undertaken outside normal trading hours.

When road and pedestrian access has been impaired, authorisation and approval for diversion should be obtained from the relevant authorities, if required and appropriate TMP’s and signage implemented before work commences and remain in place until the impairment has ceased.

Safety signs

Australian Standard Safety Signs are required to provide advice of on-site hazards, conditions, directions and emergency information.  Some examples are: