CITY OF KWINANA

SAFETY AND HEALTH HANDBOOK

Volunteers & Contractors

September 2012

D10/50829 V2 Reviewed 18/9/2012

CITY OF KWINANA

COUNCIL OFFICES

WELCOME TO CITY OF KWINANA CONTENTS.................................................................................................…............…….……

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................….....................3

CITY OF KWINANA OCCUPATION AND HEALTH POLICY...............……………... 3

SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS...........................................................................4

DUTY OF CARE…………………………………………………………………….……….…5 CITY OF KWINANA SAFETY AND HEALTH SYSTEM………………………………...6

SPECIFIC POLICIES………………………………………………………………………..…6 HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT (HARM)……………………………………….…….7

MANAGEMENT OF VOLUNTEERS&CONTRACTORS………….…………………..……8

MONITORING AND REVIEW…………………………………………………………………10

REPORTING, HAZARDS,………………………………………………………...............….10

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES………………………………………………………………..10

5.6 HOUSEKEEPING……………………………………………………………………. ……10 5.7 BARRICADES…………………………………………………………………………. …..11

5.8 MANUAL HANDLING………………………………………………………………….…..11

5.9 MACHINE GUARDING………………………………………………………………… …12 TAGGING………………………………………………………………………………………..12 SAFETY SIGNS………………………………………………………………………….…...…13 VEHICLES AND MOBILE EQUIPMENT, COMUTMUTER VEHICLES...................…....14

FALL PREVENTION…………………………………………………………………………....15 NOISE CONTROL............................................................................................................15

FIRST AID................................................................................................................….....15

ELECTRICAL SAFETY……………………………………………………………………..….16

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES…………………………………………………………………16

FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL…………………………………………………….…..17

OFFICE SAFETY............................................................................................…...............18

HOT ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................18 GENERAL INFORMATION ……………………………………………………………..…..…19

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT……………………………....22

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS...........................................………...............................22

SMOKING…………………………………………………………………………….………......22

CHILDREN AND PETS……………………………………………………………….……..…..22

COMMONLY USED TERMS..............................................................………………………23

EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION CPR.............................................................................24

INTRODUCTION

This Handbook contains the CITY OF KWINANA Safety and Health Policy Statement and Management System plus general information about the safety and health in the working environment. This information applies to CITY of Kwinana employees, contractors and volunteers.

Safety is the core value in everything we do at the CITY of Kwinana. Our Policy and System, which has been developed with the input of team members from all levels of the organisation, requires a commitment by all Volunteers & Contractors.

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The City of Kwinana is committed to meeting its obligations and responsibilities according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 1984, and the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996.

This commitment ensures that, as far as is practicable, the highest standard of occupational

safety and health is established and maintained. This will be achieved by ensuring that appropriate resources are effectively utilised in the areas of accident and injury prevention.

The Chief Executive Officer regards safety and health as the core value for all aspects of the organisation and will not accept any work practice that could compromise the safety of Team Members, Volunteers & Contractors.

SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

There are various laws, regulations and documents that guide City of Kwinana operations. These can be grouped into five broad areas:

⇒ LEGISLATION: Legislation means all laws and rules that have been passed and gazetted by an Act of Parliament, and which address safety, health and hygiene issues within the workplace. They include the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 and the Dangerous Goods Regulations 1992.

⇒ CODES OF PRACTICE: Codes of practice provide detailed guidance on how to meet the legal

requirements or acceptable standards. They are advisory documents that become part of the law when approved by state authorities.

⇒ STANDARDS: Standards are advisory or technical documents that set out minimum acceptable levels of performance or quality in relation to a specific hazard, work process or product. They become law when they are quoted in legislation.

⇒ GUIDANCE NOTES: These are documents prepared by a government agency to provide information or technical guidance on a safety and health issue.

⇒ CITY OF KWINANA PROCEDURES/ GUIDELINES: These are procedures/ guidelines

developed and implemented specifically for CITY OF KWINANA operations and can be site specific or encompass all operations. These include Permit to Work system, Field Instructions, Eye Protection guidelines, working in Hot Environment guidelines.

Copies of all relevant and current documents are available on the City of Kwinana Intranet for reference purposes.

DUTY OF CARE

All EMPLOYERS have a duty of care: • to provide and maintain safe systems of work; • to provide information, instruction, training and

supervision; • to consult and cooperate with employees and safety

and health representatives; • to provide protective clothing and equipment and

appropriate training in its use; • to arrange for the safe use of plant and substances. You, as the Volunteer or Contractor also have a duty of care: • to take care and protect the safety and health of yourself and others; • to record unsafe situations and report every accident and incident which may have had

the potential to cause injury; • to follow work procedure or permit instructions and cooperate with the employer; • to take good care of equipment; • to use at all times the protective clothing and equipment provided. If you are concerned about a safety and health aspect of your job, don’t start work. Speak to your supervisor about your concern.

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All visitors who wish to enter workplaces or specified locations of a workplace shall obtain the prior permission of the Supervisor. Visitors are not permitted to wander around Council’s sites unaccompanied. All visitors are to be advised to report to the front counter (where applicable) or to the office closest to the point of entry. Prior to being authorised to enter a workplace, all visitors and Contractors must be provided with specific induction on the nature of hazards within the workplace and must be instructed of emergency evacuation procedures. It is essential to ensure that the work environment allows safe access/egress of visitors and contractors at all times. This can be achieved by ensuring that all walkways remain clear of obstacles.

CITY OF KWINANA SAFETY AND HEALTH SYSTEM

The Safety and Health Policy Statement and the sections in the Safety & Health Procedures and Policy Manual set the strategic direction for safety and health management in the organisation. The policy statement and the sections of the manual are set out in this handbook. The aim of each section is described in a simple statement of intent. Each section is also underpinned by a list of implementation requirements. These implementation requirements represent the basic safety and health management processes and standards expected across all CITY of Kwinana sections. The Safety and Health Manual is designed to assist the CITY of Kwinana’s supervisors and their teams to meet these requirements.

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City of Kwinana has developed specific guidelines and policies on a number of safety and health issues. If these guidelines and policies cover issues relevant to your work as a employee/contractor/volunteer on site, you must make yourself aware of City of Kwinana’s requirements.

� Accident/incident/injury and hazard reporting � Hazard Management Programme � Control of Specific Workplace Hazards � Fire and emergency evacuation procedures � Personal protective equipment � Written Safe Work Standards � Asbestos safety � Roof safety management plan � Skin Protection Policy

HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT (HARM) Intent Hazard and Risk Management (HARM) is the fundamental strategy for the prevention of personal injury or illness, damage to property and environment. HARM processes ensure that hazards are identified, risks are assessed and appropriate risk control measures are implemented. HARM processes will be employed for all stages of work, from planning and design through to implementation and review.

Implementation • HARM processes will be used in the development of documented work procedures and

practices and reviewed at appropriate intervals. • Risks associated with proposed changes to critical equipment, structures and processes

will be evaluated using formal HARM methodology. • Workplaces will be inspected at frequencies dependent on the level of risk. Checklists

derived from team-based workplace risk assessments will be used. • Timely completion of necessary corrective actions will be supported by an appropriate

action tracking system. • All incidents that result in, or have the potential to cause damage to people, property or the

environment will be formally reported, investigated and recorded. • The potential consequences of all reported incidents will be evaluated using the CITY of

Kwinana risk assessment process. Incidents rated as “VERY HIGH” (VH) risk or have resulted in a Lost Time Injury will be reported to the Managing Director.

Risk Assessment Matrix

Likelihood Consequences

Insignificant 1

<$2500

Minor 2

$2500-$25000

Moderate 3

$25000-$100000

Major 4

$100000-$250000

Severe 5

>$250000

A Almost Certain

Medium Medium High Extreme Extreme

B Likely Low Medium Medium High Extreme

C Possible Low Medium Medium Medium High

D Unlikely Low Low Medium Medium Medium

E Rare Low Low Low Low Medium

MANAGEMENT OF VOLUNTEERS & CONTRACTORS

Intent

The CITY OF KWINANA requires the Safety & Health management of Volunteers or Contractors to be consistent with the application of its Safety & Health Management System.

Implementation

• Contract specification documents will contain safety and health requirements appropriate to the risks within the specific contract works.

• Tenders, pre-qualification submissions and quotes will be systematically evaluated for evidence of appropriate safety and health capabilities, values and management practices.

• Volunteer & Contractor safety and health performance will be monitored and supervised by City of Kwinana for the duration of each contract.

• Performance measures will include contractor safety and health processes and outcomes. • All volunteer & contractor incidents will be reported, investigated and recorded.

City of Kwinana employees that manage volunteers & contractors have the skills required to effectively manage contractor compliance and safety.

MONITORING AND REVIEW

Intent

Regular monitoring and review processes will be implemented to measure performance against plans and ensure continuous improvement in safety and health management in CITY of Kwinana.

Implementation • Annual Safety and Health management plans will be developed based on the Safety &

Health Management System. • Regular reports to the Human Resources Manager will include current information on safety

and health processes and outcomes, including measured progress against the Safety & Health plan.

• Safety and health audits will be conducted in accordance with the CITY OF KWINANA safety and health audit process.

• Audit recommendations will be formally reviewed for implementation.

RReeppoorrttiinngg HHaazzaarrddss aanndd IInncciiddeennttss You must report all hazards, near hits, injuries and illnesses involving safety, health and environment issues, no matter how small, to your supervisor. For occupational safety and health matters a “Workplace Accident/Injury Report” form must be filled out for any occurrence involving an employee, contractor, volunteer or visitor, as soon as possible. Environmental matters must be reported to the Manager of Environmental Health Services, Ext 207. HHaazzaarrddoouuss AArreeaass YYoouu MMaayy CCoommee AAccrroossss

Due to the variety and nature of activities carried out at CITY of Kwinana, each specific work area will have its own specific hazard. In many cases these areas can be hazardous if the correct controls are not followed. These SHOULD be discussed with you by your supervisor as you may need to undergo specific induction procedures before carrying out work in those work locations. WWoorrkkeerrss’’ CCoommppeennssaattiioonn,, RReehhaabbiilliittaattiioonn aanndd PPuubblliicc LLiiaabbiilliittyy IInnssuurraannccee

The City of Kwinana has a Workers Compensation and Public Liability Insurance cover to protect employees, visitors, volunteers or students who might become ill or injured as a result of the work they are performing for the team. For claims to proceed quickly, it is very important that all incidents and injuries are reported and recorded in full as soon as possible after the incident.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Each CITY OF KWINANA site has an emergency response procedure, which will be discussed at induction. All volunteers and contractors should familiarise themselves with these procedures and in particular the exit points and assembly areas. All personnel working on any CITY OF KWINANA site are expected to participate in emergency evacuation exercises. In the case of an emergency let other people know. If a fire use fire extinguisher or have somebody else use the extinguisher and contact the emergency services by telephoning 000 or by pressing a break glass fire button.

HOUSEKEEPING

Good housekeeping means well-organised and clean work sites: • Keep access ways clear at all times. • Remove or cover any sharp edges of structures or barricades. • Roll up hoses and extension cords after use. • Tools and equipment must be stored correctly. • Clean up spills as they occur. • Return all tools and equipment to their correct storage location

after use. • Place scrap materials in appropriate rubbish bins. • Keep flammable liquids in closed containers in correct storage

locations. • Guard, signpost or barricade an area that cannot be made safe. • Keep amenities' rooms clean and hygienic.

BARRICADES

Barricades and covers will be placed around and over areas that constitutes a hazard; e.g. excavations and overhead lifting areas. An appropriate sign identifying the hazard will be used. Barricades will be highly visible and will comply with appropriate standards, e.g. tape, ropes, flags or chains. Illumination may be required at night or in dark areas. No person is permitted to enter a barricaded area unless authorised to do so. Barricades must be removed when the job is complete and the hazard no longer exists.

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ESSENTIAL LIFTING STEPS

� Wherever possible use a mechanical aid to assist you. � Get additional help if necessary (don't risk it!). � Plan the lift. � Check the weight of the load. � Is the route you are planning to travel free of obstructions? � Is the place you are planning to put the load free of obstructions? � Stand close to the load. � Place feet apart so as to establish a wider stability base. � Bend at the knees. � Pull the load close to your body. � Get a firm grip. � Lift smoothly. � Keep your back in the natural position. (3 curves) � Let your legs provide the force for lifting. � Look where you are going. � Don't twist your upper body when turning, move your feet. When depositing the load once again

bend at the knees and keep your back in the natural position.

THE KEY TO GOOD LIFTING IS TO KEEP THE 3 CURVES OF

YOUR BACK IN THEIR NATURAL POSITION

MACHINE GUARDING

Machines and equipment that are not adequately guarded should be immediately isolated and reported to the supervisor responsible so that appropriate action can be taken to control the hazard.

If a machine or piece of equipment has a guard removed, it shall be taken out of service and tagged.

Tagging

These tags are typical of the tags used by the CITY of Kwinana. You must not remove anybody else’s tag. If you find a faulty piece of equipment discuss with your supervisor.

TYPICAL SIGNAGED USED BY THE CITY OF KWINANA

VEHICLES AND MOBILE EQUIPMENT

Personnel who drive vehicles on site must have undergone appropriate training and hold the appropriate license. All drivers must adhere to displayed speed limits both on the public roads and the City of Kwinana’s work sites. Personnel operating plant and equipment must ensure: • All mobile equipment and motor vehicles are operated and maintained as required by

established standards and manufacturers’ specifications. • All cranes, hoists, motor vehicles and mobile equipment are inspected prior to use.

Operators of such equipment are required to complete inspection records as required. • Rated load capacity charts, recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings or

any other essential information is posted in all mobile equipment and followed by all operators.

• Seat belts are used at all times. Volunteers or Contractors shall not ride as a passenger on

forklifts, EWP’s or other mobile equipment rated for a single operator.

• All mobile equipment such as front-end loaders, dozers, backhoes, forklifts etc. must have keys removed, blades and buckets lowered onto the ground.

• Where a vehicle is required to be driven to a work site along pedestrian access ways, the

speed of the vehicle must not exceed pedestrian walking pace.

The driver is responsible for the safety of all passengers, the vehicle and the stability of materials being hauled.

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All state laws must be obeyed. Only authorised volunteers are allowed to travel in any Council vehicle used in operation or used to deliver materials or products. Mobile/Cellular Phones may not be used while driving and you are prohibited from smoking in all vehicles. Any item that could became a missile in the event of an accident, i.e. laptops, briefcase, luggage etc, should be carried in the boot. You must notify your Supervisor/Manager should you cease to hold a driver’s license for the classes specified when you are appointed.

FALL PREVENTION

Where an individual is required to work at a height where no fall protection is provided, or the individual must work outside of the existing protection, a suitable fall arrest system MUST be used at all times.

Ensure ladders are long enough for the job and set at the ratio of 1 in 4. Ladders must be tied in at the top and have a good footing. NOISE CONTROL

The wearing of approved hearing protection is mandatory for all personnel in locations where the noise level is such that prolonged exposure could affect hearing. The locations within CITY of Kwinana sites where hearing protection MUST be worn are identified by safety warning signs. When operating some equipment used to undertake specialised tasks, hearing protection may also be required - i.e. various hand tools, stubbing machines and chain saws.

FIRST AID

All work areas have appropriate first aid facilities and trained first aiders in accordance with Code of Practice: First Aid, Workplace Amenities and Personal Protective Equipment. All Employees, Contractors and Volunteers have access to first aid facilities. All first aid incidents must be reported using CITY OF KWINANA Incident Reporting form or Hazard Reporting form. Know ahead of time, who are the qualified First Aiders in your area. Make sure you know where the first aid equipment is kept.

A fall arrest harness and lanyard must be worn at all times while working on elevated work, 3 meters and over. All personnel required to use fall arrest equipment must be trained in the correct fitting and use of the equipment. A competent person MUST inspect all fall prevention equipment on a regular basis. Fixed scaffolds must only be erected (and dismantled) by competent and experienced people.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

All electrical equipment and installations shall comply with AS 3000 or CITY of Kwinana installation rules. Only qualified personnel may carry out work on electrical wiring or apparatus. All electrical cords and portable hand held power tools shall be inspected and tagged in accordance with AS3760 and OS&H Regulations 1996 Division 6 - Electricity.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

CITY OF KWINANA will, so far as is practicable, provide an environment in which volunteers, contractors and the general public are not exposed to chemical hazards or other hazardous substances. Where Hazardous Substances are used, the following strategies will be implemented:

• A Hazardous Substances Register. • Material Safety Data Sheets are required for all hazardous substances brought onto any

CITY OF KWINANA site and must be made available to all volunteers and contractors. • Contractors must inform City of Kwinana of the type and quantity of hazardous

substance brought onto site. • Hazardous substances are to be stored in compliance with the Dangerous Goods

Regulations 1992. • Hazardous Substances are managed in accordance with Part 5 of the Occupational

Safety and Health Regulations 1996.

All containers holding hazardous substances must be labeled and be used according to the label. If a substance is to be decanted into a smaller container before use, then that container must be labeled as well.

FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Fire fighting equipment is located throughout all CITY of Kwinana sites and is identified by distinguishing signs. You should only use the equipment if adequate training has been provided. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring:

• Fire extinguishers are of a type suitable for potential fires. See below. • All fire defence systems are inspected regularly and maintained. • Fire response equipment and doorways are kept clear at all times. • Spills of flammable materials are promptly cleaned up. • The correct storage of all flammable liquids in compliance with the Dangerous Goods

Regulations 1992.

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

All personnel are to:

• Know the location of the fire response equipment and how to raise an alarm. • Use the hot work permit systems, were required. • Advise the supervisor responsible for the area were a fire extinguisher has been used

and complete CITY of Kwinana’s Hazard/Incident Reporting and Investigation Form. All discharged or partly discharged extinguishers must be removed from service. If a fire occurs, attempt to extinguish the fire only if it is safe to do so and you have been appropriately trained.

OFFICE SAFETY

While hazards in the office may not be as obvious as hazards in working in the field or workshop, office workers face a range of safety and health issues. They could include repetitive work, lifting, poor lighting, cluttered work areas inadequate instructions, tripping hazards and hot components of photocopiers. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that appropriate first aid, fire prevention, manual handling, housekeeping and emergency procedures are developed and maintained. Fire wardens and first aiders must be trained at regular intervals.

“EVERYONE’S EFFECTED WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY”

HOT ENVIRONMENT

Hot working environments and heat stress can affect CITY OF KWINANA Volunteers & Contractors.

There are a number of ways in which heat induced injuries can be prevented:

⇒ Wearing the appropriate personal protective clothing, this includes long sleeved shirts and long trousers or overalls, wide brim hats, gloves and sunscreen.

⇒ Taking regular rest breaks and having a cool drink at frequent intervals.

Individuals vary widely in their ability to tolerate heat. All personnel need to have some awareness of their personal risk factors: such as, age, health status, weight, fitness and diet, as these can have a direct impact on the body's ability in tolerating heat. Remember the sun does not need to feel hot to damage your skin. The damage is done by the ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is not related to temperature.

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DO NOT ACCESS ANY ROOFTOP WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING AN ACCESS PERMIT AND FOLLOWING THE ROOF SAFETY PLAN FOR THE ROOF YOU ARE ACCESSING. Roofs should only be accessed at the access point stipulated on the Roof Survey Report. Contact Facilities Management for details.

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This section includes scabblers, water/air jets, impact wrenches, grinding tools etc. Always use care when working with compressed air. If compressed air enters the blood stream through a break in the skin it can be fatal. Wear suitable eye protection to guard against airborne substances; ear protection where excessive noise is likely to occur; respiratory protection where dust is present and under no circumstances should a jet of air be directed towards another person.

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Like many buildings built before the early 1980s, a number of buildings at CITY of Kwinana used asbestos-containing products at the time of construction. These products include floor tiles, asbestos cement piping and sheeting, insulation around heater banks in air conditioning duct work, old electrical switchboards etc.

A register of existing asbestos materials and asbestos products is held by Facilities Management team. Volunteers and contractors must adhere to the requirements of the OSH Act whenever dealing with asbestos. CCaabblleess aanndd SSeerrvviicceess

There are numerous underground services throughout CITY of Kwinana, including electrical cables, pipes, gas and telecommunication services. Check for locations before you dig. CITY of Kwinana has maps documenting service locations throughout Council’s jurisdiction.

Dial before You Dig 1100 is a one-call operation, funded by utility organisations in Australia who own underground services. It enables you to make one call to determine which organisations have underground facilities in the area you are planning to dig. You must call 1100 two working days prior to excavation. Service operators are available between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

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A number of confined spaces exist at CITY of Kwinana and it is recognised that activities undertaken in confined spaces can be inherently hazardous to the worker’s health and safety. A Confined Space is considered to be any space which, because of its location, contents and the activities performed within it, may be deficient in oxygen or contain flammable/toxic vapours and gases. It may be of any size. Confined spaces usually have limited openings for entry and exit and unfavorable natural ventilation. Examples of common confined spaces include drains, sewer pits, sumps and some lift pits.

Broken Pit Lids Broken or damaged pit lids have been identified as a potentially serious health and safety risk. Pit lids are the access covers for electrical, communications, water, irrigation and sewerage pits and also storm water grates. If, during the course of doing work at any site, volunteers or contractors damage a pit lid or notice a damaged pit lid they should immediately secure the site and report it to the Facilities Management Team.

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All tools are provided by the CITY of Kwinana. Picks, shovels, axes, crowbars, hammers, wrenches, files, screwdrivers, etc. must be inspected regularly by the operator. Where damage or defects are present, the tool must not be used. Proper repair or replacement is the only alternative.

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Boxes, milk crates, chairs and other furniture are not to be used to access heights. Do not use a ladder that is faulty or broken. Tools carried up a ladder must be secured in a tool belt. Do not throw or drop tools from a ladder. They must be lowered /brought up by rope or pulley only. Use an approved wrist-stop or lanyard to secure the tool if there is a risk of it falling and injuring people below. The correct slope for a ladder is about 1:4 i.e. 1 metre out at base, 4 metres up. All ladders must extend at least 1 metre above any landing place or beyond the highest rung from which a person may be working, for adequate handhold. The safest practice is to lash or clamp the ladder near the top to some convenient, secure anchorage and have a good footing. Where a ladder is used in a public place or where there is traffic, an area around the base should be barricaded off (cones etc) and warning notices posted.

WWeellddiinngg && AAlllliieedd PPrroocceesssseess

Aprons, leather sleeves, gauntlet gloves, eye protection, welding spats (or flame-proof overalls) must be worn by welders and assistants where there is danger of injury from hot material. Any person assisting a welder must be competent and experienced in that area of work. Where the job is to be performed at ground level, welding screens must be used to prevent sparks from flying into adjacent areas and to screen nearby workers and others from welding flash. Prior to commencing work, care should be taken to ensure the work area is free from possible ignition sources. Mosquitoes

There is no cure for Australian Encephalitis, Ross River or Barmah Forest virus, so the only action that can be taken is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants especially in the evening. Use an insect repellent on all exposed skin and reapply frequently. Also apply repellents to your clothes. Use a repellent containing at least 15% but not more than 55% DEET (N.N-diethyl metatoluamide). Do not use higher concentrations, as small quantities of DEET are absorbed through the skin and reactions may occur. TTiicckkss

Some sixty species of ticks exist in Australia. The Australian scrub tick, also known as the paralysis tick or dog tick is potentially the most dangerous tick in Australia. On humans they tend to hide in the folds of the skin or above the hairline and have been known to attach themselves to the eardrum. Wear long sleeved shirts and long tucked in plants and footwear that completely cover your feet. Apply DEET insect repellents to yourself and your clothes. Conduct daily checks on your clothing and body for attached ticks. Remove ticks by sliding the open blades of a pair of small, sharp scissors or tweezers, one on each side of the tick, and lever the tick outwards, being careful not to leave the mouth parts in the skin. Cleanse the area thoroughly and apply a mild antiseptic.

Snakes Assume all snakes are venomous and leave them alone. Ninety percent of snakebites in Australia are at the ankle or below. Eight percent occur on the hand and two percent elsewhere. If you wear high length ankle boots and/or thick socks and/or long trousers you are less likely to get bitten. Use gloves when collecting wood. Never put your hand under anything without rolling it over with your boot or a stick. If a person is bitten by a snake use the pressure bandage/immobilisation method of treatment. Using a pressure bandage straight over the snakebite and wind it up the limb towards the body keeping a firm pressure. Apply the bandage tightly enough to compress the tissues, but not so tight as to restrict the flow of blood to the areas below the bandage. Do not wash the wound or elevate the bitten limb. Try to keep the bitten limb as motionless as possible and general activity as low as possible and seek medical attention immediately. If a person is bitten by other venomous insects or marine life i.e. spiders, scorpions, fish etc. use the pressure bandage/immobilisation method of treatment. Syringes and Needles The possibility of finding syringes and needles has increased in recent years and poses a safety and health hazard to those who may encounter them. However, the risk of sustaining an infection through needlestick injuries remains low. What to do if you receive an injury 1. Immediately wash the area with soap and running water. 2. Apply an antiseptic lotion or swab, and cover with a clean dressing. 3. Advise your immediate supervisor and obtain medical treatment/advice from your local doctor or

hospital emergency department, as soon as possible. 4. Place the needle or syringe in a secure container (see below), and take it with you to the doctor or

hospital. Retrieve a suitable container with a tightly secured lid, preferably a Medical Sharps Waste (non-reusable) disposal unit. (see your supervisor or safety representative) or

A suitable rigid plastic container (e.g. Plastic milk, juice or soft drink bottle with a screw top lid). Aluminum cans that can be squashed or glass containers that may shatter are not to be used. Pick up the used needle and syringe by the blunt end, away from the point, preferably use gloves.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

All protective clothing and equipment used shall comply with the appropriate Australian Standards, or where there is no Australian standard, a recognised International Standard. Different CITY OF KWINANA sites have specific requirements for personal protective clothing and equipment that will be advised at induction. The Cityof Kwinana has a skin protection policy. Basically it means that you should have clothing that covers all of your skin or provides shade to exposed parts, i.e a hat that shades the neck, face and ears not a peaked cap, long sleeve shirt and equivalent of long trousers

“YOUR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS YOUR LAST LINE OF DEFENCE - KEEP IT

CLEAN AND WELL MAINTAINED”

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

Volunteers and Contractors are obliged to present themselves for work in a fit state so that in carrying out normal work activities they do not expose themselves, their co-workers or the public to unnecessary risks to safety and health. The use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace – including Council premises, parks, reserves, vehicles, plant or any other Council building or physical asset – is prohibited. The Chief Executive Officer may waive this requirement when circumstances warrant – for example, when Council sponsors a social event, such as an official farewell or a Christmas Party. (Also see Fitness for Work Brochure) SMOKING

A smoke free environment is required for the health of all CITY OF KWINANA volunteers & contractors. THE CITY OF KWINANA policy prohibits smoking in the following areas: • All office buildings • Canteen and lunch rooms • Change rooms and toilets • Public access areas • Control rooms or other rooms with sensitive equipment • Laboratories • All City of Kwinana vehicles.

Volunteers and contractors can only smoke in designated ‘smoking areas’ provided and they must not expose others to the effects of passive smoke.

CChhiillddrreenn aanndd PPeettss

Children and Pets pre prohibited at all work locations.

COMMONLY USED TERMS • ACCIDENT: An unplanned and unexpected event that may result in injury to people and

damage to property. • ACCIDENT NOTICE: The Accident Notice provides a brief description of an incident, injury details

and occurrence date. Events such as fatalities or hospitalisation are reported. • AUDIT: Systematic search for deficiencies in the OSH management system, hazards in the

workplace and if safety procedures are in place and working. • DISEASE: Damage to the body of a person that shows up only after a period of time from the

first exposure to a hazard. • FIRST AID: Initial care or treatment of an injured or sick person. • FREQUENCY RATE: The number of incidents that occurred in a period of time divided by the

number of hours worked in the same period multiplied by 1 million. • HAZARD: Is a situation with the potential for harm to life, health or property. • HAZARD ALERT: An information summary on a specific hazard. • INJURY: Physical harm or damage to the body of a person caused by exposure to a hazard. • INCIDENT: An occurrence or event • INSPECTION: A process of examining and evaluating specific items and / or locations • LOST TIME INJURY: A work injury or disease where the person is not able to work

for at least one full day or shift. • MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) A document describing the properties, hazards,

emergency procedures and precautions to be taken in normal use of a material or substance.

• MEDICAL TREATMENT: A work injury or disease that requires the person to seek

consultation with a medical practitioner. • NEAR MISS: An event or condition that does not produce an injury or disease to a person. • RISK: The likelihood of a hazard actually causing an injury, disease or other loss. • SAFETY BULLETIN: The Safety Bulletin provides an accurate summary of an incident in which an injury was sustained or there was potential for an injury.

CPR