SCHOOL OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES S H
SCHOOL OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES SAFETY AND HEALTH HANDBOOK As at 13 December 2006 These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the UWA Safety & Health Office guidelines at http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook Contents 1 GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT .............. 3 2 THE ORGANISATION FOR CARRYING OUT THE POLICY .............................................. 4 2.1 3 SCHOOL SAFETY AND HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES SCHEDULE .............................................. 5 THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH ....................................................... 7 3.1 REPORTING & INVESTIGATING SAFETY OR HEALTH ISSUES .................................................. 7 3.1.1 INJURY REPORTING .................................................................................................... 7 3.1.2 HAZARD REPORTING .................................................................................................. 7 3.2 CONSULTATION FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH .......................................................................... 8 3.3 SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING.......................................................................................... 9 3.3.1 NEW STAFF & VISITORS ............................................................................................. 9 3.3.2 STUDENTS ................................................................................................................. 9 3.3.3 SPECIALIST TRAINING............................................................................................... 10 3.4 FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES – UWA MAIN PROCEDURE ...................................... 11 3.4.1 AINSLIE HOUSE........................................................................................................ 11 3.4.2 FREMANTLE ............................................................................................................. 12 3.4.3 HOLLYWOOD............................................................................................................ 13 3.4.4 MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION............................................................................ 14 3.4.5 QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEDICAL CENTRE..................................................................... 15 3.4.6 CCRN .................................................................................................................... 16 3.4.7 FIRE WARDENS ....................................................................................................... 17 3.5 ACTION IN THE EVENT OF AN INCIDENT - FIRST AID PROCEDURES ...................................... 17 3.6 RISK ASSESSMENTS – UWA MAIN PROCEDURE ............................................................... 17 3.6.1 SUMMARY OF HAZARD AND RISK REGISTER .............................................................. 18 PERSONAL SAFETY ................................................................................................................. 18 CHEMICAL HANDLING .............................................................................................................. 18 BIOHAZARDS .......................................................................................................................... 19 3.7 SMOKING POLICY ............................................................................................................ 19 3.8 ELECTRICAL SAFETY ....................................................................................................... 19 3.9 PURCHASING POLICY ...................................................................................................... 20 3.10 CHILDREN IN THE WORKPLACE ..................................................................................... 20 3.11 VISITORS AND CONTRACTORS ...................................................................................... 20 3.12 SERVICES AND FACILITIES ............................................................................................ 21 3.13 GENERAL OFFICE SAFETY............................................................................................ 21 3.13.1 ERGONOMIC HAZARDS ............................................................................................. 21 3.14 SAFETY OFF UNIVERSITY PREMISES ............................................................................. 22 3.15 MANUAL HANDLING ..................................................................................................... 22 3.16 SAFETY IN THE USE OF COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS...................................................... 23 3.17 WORKING ALONE......................................................................................................... 23 3.17.1 AINSLIE HOUSE........................................................................................................ 24 3.17.2 FREMANTLE ............................................................................................................. 24 3.17.3 HOLLYWOOD............................................................................................................ 24 3.17.4 MRF ....................................................................................................................... 24 3.17.5 QE2........................................................................................................................ 24 3.17.6 CCRN .................................................................................................................... 24 3.18 WORKING FROM HOME ON UWA BUSINESS .................................................................. 24 3.19 SAFETY IN WORKSHOPS AND LABORATORIES ................................................................ 25 3.20 SAFETY OF EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................... 26 4 MONITORING OF THE POLICY ......................................................................................... 27 Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 2 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 1 GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT The School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences fully endorses the UWA OSH policy http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/occupational_safety_and_health. This handbook supplements the main UWA policy to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all its staff, students, contractors and visitors. To this end, information, instruction, training and supervision is provided as necessary. Responsibility is also accepted for the safety and health of other people who may be affected by the schools activities, as far as reasonably practicable. The allocation of safety-related duties, the particular arrangements made to implement this policy and the way in which the policy is to be monitored is set out below. A copy of this statement will be made available to all staff and students via the School’s website. The policy will be kept up to date to take account of changes in the Schools activities. To ensure this, the policy and the way in which it has operated will be reviewed when necessary and confirmed by the Head of School. Following review, a copy of the policy will be sent to the UWA Safety & Health Office (SHO). Professor Aleksandar Janca, Head of School 13th December 2006 Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 3 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 2 THE ORGANISATION FOR CARRYING OUT THE POLICY Ultimate responsibility for safety & health in the School lies with the Head of School. Successful management of safety and health can only be effectively achieved when the participation of staff at all levels in the school is built into all its processes for identifying and controlling risk. For routine safety and health matters the line of responsibility follows the normal managerial lines in the School. Head of School School Safety Officer School Manager Supervisor Staff Students Visitors All members of the school have a responsibility to co-operate with their colleagues to achieve a safe and healthy workplace, and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. They are required to work in accordance with this policy and associated procedures. Responsibilities extend beyond minimum compliance with statutory obligations; there is a responsibility to encourage good practice and due concern. Whenever a member of this School notices a safety or health problem that he or she is not able to put right, it must immediately be reported a person in authority. To assist the Head of School in managing safety and health, there are key roles with specific duties as described below. Role Chair, Safety Committee School Safety Officer Area Wardens Ainslie House MRF Building Fremantle QEIIMC Hollywood CCRN Chemical Safety Officer Last updated 13 December 2006 Person Responsible Helen Moran Helen Moran Contact 9346 2446 9346 2446 Cheryl Ackoy Stephanie Gee Christine Toase Robert Tait Matthew Howard Alan Bland Matthew Howard 9224 2855 9224 0290 9336 5555 9224 2281 9346 6656 9347 6440 9346 6656 Page 4 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook First Aid Ainslie House MRF Building Fremantle Fremantle (T Block) QEIIMC Safety & Health Representative Dr Roland Kaiser A/Prof Mohan Isaac Ms Valerie Grange Dr Hans Stampfer Matthew Howard 9224 0287 9433 0322 9431 3230 9346 2394 9346 6656 Responsibility and Accountability Specific duties of these roles, which include Heads of School, School Managers, Supervisors, Safety Officers, Safety and Health representatives, First Aid Officers, Building Wardens etc, can be found at: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/responsibility_and_accountability Duty of Care For any event for which you have responsibility for the safety and health of others, you should familiarise yourself and those within your care with basic domestic safety arrangements, for instance, location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits. 2.1 SCHOOL SAFETY AND HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES SCHEDULE ONGOING Procedure Safety Procedures Recurrence Upon commencement in the School Training Upon commencement and ongoing Hazard Report Forms Ongoing and for each new item of equipment Annually for each lab/area Electrical Equipment Testing Ongoing Emergency Exit Checks Workplace Safety Monthly Last updated 13 December 2006 Quarterly Details Safety Induction Checklist to be completed, signed and forwarded to the School Manager within one week of new staff, visitors or students commencing in the school. Training requirements should be ascertained upon commencement in the School and undertaken as required when refreshing skills or operating new items of equipment. A Hazard Report Form should be completed as soon as hazards are identified as well as each time a new piece of equipment is introduced to the school. Forward to School Manager. Identification of hazards should be addressed during the annual safety information refresher session. Forward to School Manager. Each item of electrical equipment in the School is required to be tested for safety on a regular basis. (The due date for testing each item is written on the tag.) All emergency exits and exit routes should be kept clear at all times. There is a requirement under UWA Responsibility Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Rep in each unit Fire Wardens Supervisors Page 5 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook Inspections School Safety Committee Meetings Safety Information Refresher session Fire Warden Training Fire Drill Quarterly (minimum requirement) Annually Annually Annually Responsibilities and Accountability for supervisors to carry out regular workplace inspections. S&H Reps should be invited to attend. Complete relevant checklists as per the Lab/Workshop S&H Schedule and forward to the School Manager. Official forum through which individual and School safety issues may be raised and addressed. Each lab and work area should hold a refresher safety information session annually to discuss changes to safety and health within that area over the previous 12 months and offer the opportunity for new concerns to be discussed. Fire Wardens to undertake training through the Safety and Health Office Annual fire drill Chair, Safety Committee Supervisor Review of School Safety Plan Annually Testing of Emergency Equipment Update of: • S&H Handbook • Roles & Responsibilities of Safety Officers • School Safety Plan Annually Annually Annual updates of the following should be performed by the School Safety Committee: • The Safety & Health Handbook • Roles and responsibilities of all safety officers & other committee members • School Safety Plan Safety Committee First Aid refresher training Annually First aid officers are required to undergo annual first aid refresher training. First Aid Officer First Aid kits to be restocked. Annually Restocking of all first aid kits, along with update of first aid officer list displayed with the kits. First Aid Officer Risk Register Annual Review of risk register Safety Committee Last updated 13 December 2006 A School Safety Plan, including risk management schedule should be reviewed annually and acted on throughout the year. Regular testing of emergency equipment should be undertaken. Building Fire Warden S&H Office / Hospitals units attached to Safety Committee S&H Representative Page 6 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3 THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH 3.1 REPORTING & INVESTIGATING SAFETY OR HEALTH ISSUES A member of the School noticing a safety or health problem that they are not able to put right themselves should immediately tell someone in authority, following the University’s, “resolving safety issues” policy (http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/resolving_safety_&_health_issues). 3.1.1 INJURY REPORTING In the event of an injury the person involved should; • seek first aid or medical attention as required; • inform their supervisor as soon as possible; • complete Part 1 of the Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form (http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/9678/Incident_Report_ Form.pdf) and fax it to the Safety and Health Office on 6488 1179; and • Assist their supervisor in the investigation and reporting on the incident or accident. The Supervisor of the person(s) involved in the incident is required to; • ensure that any injured person is promptly attended to; • conduct an initial investigation into the cause of the incident; • complete Part 2 of the Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form (http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/9678/Incident_Report_ Form.pdf) and ensure that it reaches the Safety and Health Office within five (5) working days; and • Notify and liaise with the local Safety & Health Representative and line management in relation to the incident. • Ensure that all serious injuries are reported to the Safety and Health Office immediately by phone on 6488 3938 or Security (6488 3020) for after hours assistance. A list of serious injuries as defined by WorkSafe WA is provided below. A Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form (http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/9678/Incident_Report_For m.pdf) should be completed for every incident and faxed to the Safety and Health Office on 6488 1179. 3.1.2 HAZARD REPORTING On identifying a hazard, staff must act as quickly as possible to eliminate it. This may mean a simple alteration, substitution or removal of the hazard or even talking to the people involved to enlighten them of their hazardous practices. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 7 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook If staff are unable to make a hazardous situation safe they are required to notify the Safety and Health Office on 6488 3938 or by reporting the Hazard. (http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/incidentinjury_and_hazard_notification_a nd_investigation_procedures) 3.2 CONSULTATION FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH All members of the School are encouraged to raise concerns about safety and health with appropriate managers or supervisors. Additional formal consultation will take place through the School Safety Committee. The membership of the School Safety Committee shall consist of the Head of School, School Safety Officer, Safety and Health Representatives, Student Representative, and those people with specific responsibilities for aspects of safety and health indicated in the policy. The primary role of the School Safety Committee is to advise the Head of School on the implementation of matters relating to safety and health in the local area. Role To develop a universal safety culture in the School in conjunction with the UWA Safety and Health Office. The Safety and Health Committee will meet every three months. Membership Head of School (or delegate) School Manager Representative from each of the units within the school Terms of Reference 1. Provide a mechanism for consultation and cooperation between School and staff members concerning all occupational safety, health, welfare and fire issues affecting the workplace including induction and ongoing education. 2. Consider reports and complaints and assist in the resolution of workplace occupational safety, health and welfare issues in accordance with an agreed resolution procedure. 3. Organise, implement and monitor workplace hazard inspections, consider recommendations and arrange appropriate follow-up action. 4. Review accident and incident reports generated at the workplace, consider action taken and make appropriate recommendations to the Safety and Health Office. 5. Formulate and review policies, programmes and procedures (including proposed changes to practices and processes) which may affect occupational safety, health and welfare at the workplace. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 8 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 6. Obtain and maintain information on workplace hazards in places that are readily accessible to staff. Keep informed about health and safety standards, roles and procedures. 7. Liaise with external agencies and other School’s on safety issues, when necessary 8. Consider, evaluate and make recommendations concerning occupational safety, health and welfare implications associated with the introduction of new plant, equipment, processes or substances into the workplace and the training and promotional materials associated with such introduction. 9. Review and evaluate occupational safety, health and welfare performance indicators for the workplace. Current membership of the School Safety Committee HOS delegate / School Manager Ainslie House Fremantle Hollywood MRF QEII CCRN Postgraduate Student Rep 3.3 Helen Moran (School Safety Officer) Cheryl Ackoy Christine Toase Matthew Howard (Health & Safety Representative) Stephanie Gee Robert Tait Alan Bland Llewellyn Saggers-Gray SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING 3.3.1 NEW STAFF & VISITORS The immediate manager or supervisor will ensure that all new members of staff (including Visitors to the School) are inducted for safety and health as soon as practicable, by using the UWA guidance, Safety and Health Office checklist and School Safety Induction Checklist as a framework. All induction sheets should be forwarded to the School Manager for record keeping purposes. 3.3.2 STUDENTS New students (graduate and honours) will be informed about the same points as part of their introduction to the School. Students should also be made aware of the student guide to safety and health produced by the SHO. Part-time students will be briefed by their course tutor and supported by written briefing materials. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 9 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook Undergraduate students undertaking clerkships in hospitals and clinics should familiarise themselves with the Safety and Health requirements of the organisation to which they are attached. All induction sheets should be forwarded to the School Manager for record keeping purposes. 3.3.3 SPECIALIST TRAINING The need for specialist training should be identified by managers and supervisors, and all requests for such training should be directed to either the Head of School or the SHO. Members of the School will not be expected to undertake any procedure for which they have not been adequately trained. All proof of specialist training should be forwarded to the School Manager for record keeping purposes. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 10 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.4 FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES – UWA MAIN PROCEDURE The UWA Main Procedure can be found at http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/emergency_fire_and_evacuation 3.4.1 AINSLIE HOUSE EMERGENCY NUMBER: 55 As Ainslie House is a part of the Royal Perth Hospital complex, the procedures for Fire and Emergency of Royal Perth Hospital should also be consulted. The evacuation assembly point is the Lawn area between Kirkman House (East) and Nicolay Block. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 11 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.4.2 FREMANTLE SECURITY – ALL EMERGENCIES: 0418 956 223 As the PCMHU and NU is a part of the Fremantle Hospital complex, the procedures for Fire and Emergency of Fremantle Hospital should also be consulted. The evacuation assembly point for 16 The Terrace is: Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 12 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.4.3 HOLLYWOOD EMERGENCY NUMBER: 55 As the Alzheimer Unit is a part of the Hollywood Private Hospital complex, the procedures for Fire and Emergency of Hollywood Private Hospital should also be consulted. The evacuation assembly point is: Rear of Security – Assembly Area 3 on the map below. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 13 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.4.4 MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION EMERGENCY NUMBER: 55 As the MRF is a part of the Royal Perth Hospital complex, the procedures for Fire and Emergency of Royal Perth Hospital should also be consulted. The evacuation assembly point is: Lawn area in front of Ainslie House Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 14 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.4.5 QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEDICAL CENTRE EMERGENCY NUMBER: 55 As QEII is a part of the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital complex, the procedures for Fire and Emergency of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should also be consulted. The evacuation assembly point is: Car Park 5 (Corner or Gairdner Drive and Verdun St) Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 15 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.4.6 CCRN EMERGENCY NUMBER: 55 As CCRN is a part of the Graylands Hospital complex, the procedures for Fire and Emergency of Graylands Hospital should also be consulted. The evacuation assembly point is: Car Park Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 16 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.4.7 FIRE WARDENS Site Ainslie House CCRN Fremantle Hollywood MRF QEII 3.5 Warden Cheryl Ackoy Alan Bland Christine Toase Kathy Lucas Stephanie Gee Robert Tait Contact 9224 2855 9347 6440 9336 5555 9346 6312 9224 0290 9346 2811 ACTION IN THE EVENT OF AN INCIDENT - FIRST AID PROCEDURES Please see the University policies and guidelines on incidents and emergencies at the following website: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies#incidents In this area, there is nothing exceptional to bring to light, other than pointing out the use of an MSDS to assist when a substance is involved in the injury. Sharps should be standard for all and in terms of Genetically Modified Organisms this is all covered in the OGTR Act and Guidelines. First Aid Kits are located in the following places Ainslie House – Level 6 – Cheryl Ackoy’s Office Fremantle – Christine Toase’s Office Hollywood – See Kathy Lucas MRF – Tea Room (room 335) QE2 – Ante Room of Helen Moran’s Office (room 1.38) 3.6 RISK ASSESSMENTS – UWA MAIN PROCEDURE There is a legal requirement to assess risks. Where these are found to be significant, the assessment must be written. It is the responsibility of managers and supervisors to satisfy themselves (while not necessarily examining every assessment) that risk assessments: • • • • • are conducted; are completed to a consistent and reasonable standard; relate to the actual work being undertaken; are reviewed; and are supported by adequate and appropriately maintained records It is the responsibility of persons in control of areas or activities to ensure risk assessments are carried out. A general risk assessment form is available from the SHO website. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 17 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook There are five principal steps in the process of carrying out a risk assessment. These are to: 1. Look for the hazards, ignoring the trivial and concentrating only on significant hazards, which could result in serious, harm or effect several people. 2. Decide who might be harmed and how, thinking about people who may not be in the workplace all the time, e.g. cleaners, visitors and contractors. 3. Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done. 4. Record your findings. 5. Review your assessment on a regular basis. For example: If a laboratory procedure is carried out frequently the risk assessment only needs to be undertaken once. A single risk assessment will cover the procedure being repeated over and over again. However, sooner or later you will need to review your assessment in the light of changes in substances and procedures that could lead to new hazards. In an office environment, changes may be made to the layout and/or introduction of new electrical equipment i.e. kettle, heaters. You will want to consider these sorts of changes in their own right and do whatever you need to reduce the level of risk. 3.6.1 SUMMARY OF HAZARD AND RISK REGISTER Three major hazards have been identified for the School in the following areas: • Personal Safety • Chemical handling • Biohazard Staff are required to acquaint themselves with the procedures in place to deal with incidents related to each of these areas. PERSONAL SAFETY has been identified as a high risk in this School. Although it is considered to be highly unlikely, the consequences of a serious event could result in a fatality. Personal duress alarms should be used whenever it is considered appropriate to do so. Staff should always advise their supervisors when they embark on home visits and report back on completion of the visit. A log of this activity should be kept in the local area. Policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the area of Physical Safety can be found at: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/physical Further information can be found in item 3.17. CHEMICAL HANDLING should be carried out in line with established procedures and the Health and Safety Officer consulted whenever clarification is required. This activity is considered by the School to be high risk and although unlikely the consequences of an accident could have major implications. Policies, Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 18 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook procedures and guidelines relating to Chemical Safety can be found at: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/about_chemical_safety Further information can be found in item 3.19. BIOHAZARDS including incidents associated with venepuncture and the collection of other bodily fluids is considered a high risk activity in the School. The appropriate procedures should be strictly followed, i.e., the use of protective clothing, relevant training, use of sharps containers etc to minimise any mishap. Policies and procedures relating to Biological Safety can be found at this site: http://www.research.uwa.edu.au/welcome/research_services/Ethics/biological/P olicies_Procedures_Guidelines Further information can be found in item 3.19. 3.7 SMOKING POLICY The University is committed to ensuring that its staff, students, contractors and visitors are not exposed to tobacco smoke in its workplaces including its building and vehicles. In the interest of having a healthy workforce, staff who smoke are provided with assistance to quit smoking. Accordingly, managers and supervisors shall promote and ensure compliance with the Smoking Policy. The School follows the University’s smoking policy. 3.8 ELECTRICAL SAFETY The following arrangements for electrical safety apply to all electrical equipment in use in the School, including personal items. • Only electrical equipment that is properly installed and maintained should be used in the School. The indication that equipment has been properly maintained is that a label is attached to each item bearing a date after which it should no longer be used. This also applies to personal equipment held by staff, for example, a lamp, coffee percolator, overhead projector, etc. Items not bearing such a label, or where the date on the label has been passed, should be withdrawn from use and given to the appropriate manager or supervisor. • All portable appliances will be regularly inspected, tested and tagged. All members of the School should routinely check that their electrical appliances are not damaged and that there are no obvious signs of misuse such as damaged or discoloured plug tops and worn cables. • Any item that becomes faulty should be taken out of service and labelled and either discarded or sent for repair. • Equipment and furniture should be sited so as to avoid the need for leads to trail across floors. Where these cannot be avoided, proprietary rubber strips should be used to reduce the risk of tripping. The use of socket adaptors should be avoided wherever possible. Only powerboards are Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 19 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook permitted. Extension leads are seen as temporary measures to be used only until additional socket outlets have been provided. • 3.9 School/Unit equipment held off-site will be included in periodic inspections and the holder being responsible for bringing it into the University. PURCHASING POLICY All materials and equipment acquired by the School, or by individuals for use at work, must comply with the standards, codes and regulations prescribed by law and University requirements. Only those that can be safely accommodated and used within the School may be obtained. The individual wishing to acquire the material or equipment should obtain all necessary information to enable the risk assessment to be undertaken in order to demonstrate compliance with the foregoing. Staff should ensure that any authorisations for the purchase of hazardous or dangerous material are properly completed e.g. radioactive substances, genetically modified organisms, dangerous chemicals. To monitor that the requirements of the purchasing policy are being followed, only staff who are authorised signatories may approve acquisitions. Additional information on the University purchasing policy can be found at http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/16667/Purchasing_safety_procedur es.pdf 3.10 CHILDREN IN THE WORKPLACE If under exceptional circumstances children are brought onto university premises they must be under immediate and close supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. They are not permitted in any workshop or laboratory where experimental or other work is being undertaken or other environment considered by the person in charge to be inappropriate. See the UWA Children in the Workplace policy for further information: (http://www.hr.uwa.edu.au/policy/toc/appointment_and_employment/equal_opp ortunity/children_in_the_workplace) 3.11 VISITORS AND CONTRACTORS Visitors to the School should be asked to report to the relevant unit office. The member of the unit who the visitor wishes to see will be telephoned from the office and asked to report to the office to meet their visitor and subsequently accompany them in the unit. The University policy on visitor safety should be followed. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 20 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.12 SERVICES AND FACILITIES The planning and undertaking of building, alteration and repair work, and the installation and maintenance of plant and equipment, by persons from outside the University needs to be adequately controlled to ensure the safety and health of members of the School. The University has a safety and health policy for contractors. 3.13 GENERAL OFFICE SAFETY For routine office activities, with low risk of injury, no formal assessment of the work is necessary. Non-routine office activities should be assessed, and where any significant hazards are identified, the results of the assessment should be recorded. A copy of the office safety checklist is available from the SHO and individuals should use this to check the safety of their own office accommodation. Problems identified should be reported in the normal way. Falls are the most prolific cause of injury in offices, accounting for almost half of all office injuries. Next come the handling and lifting of goods, materials and equipment, followed by stepping on, or striking against things; falling objects; machinery; transport; and the use of hand tools. Training in safe handling and lifting is available for any staff likely to lift equipment with any regularity. The maintenance of high standards of general housekeeping in offices goes a long way to preventing injuries. Care should be given to the general layout and storage of items to minimise the possible hazards. Particular attention should be given to: the condition of floors and floor coverings; trailing leads; storage of items, particularly heavy ones, on shelves above shoulder height; safe methods of reaching up. 3.13.1 ERGONOMIC HAZARDS The University is committed to preventing injuries associated with ergonomic hazards. Ergonomic hazards may be found in the design of work tasks, equipment used and the working environment. Managers/supervisors, in consultation with employees, should: • ensure ergonomic hazards relating to poor design of tools, equipment, work station or work practices are identified and the associated risks controlled; • ensure that all employees have been provided with adequate equipment for tasks undertaken; • Ensure that employees have had information, instruction or training provided in the use of equipment and work practices; • Encourage and reinforcing proper working techniques; • Encourage early reporting of any injury or symptoms. Employees should: • Ensure they understand information and instructions provided; Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 21 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook • • • • Participate in training as provided; Correctly use equipment provided; Follow proper working techniques; Co-operate in the early identification and reporting of hazards and/or injury symptoms. Training in ergonomics, computer workstation assessment and manual handling can be provided by contacting the Senior Occupational Therapist in the Safety and Health Office on 6488 2784. 3.14 SAFETY OFF UNIVERSITY PREMISES Many School activities take place off University premises, including field trips and supervision in isolated areas. Staff and students have a responsibility to identify foreseeable risks and take appropriate action. Relevant aspects might include: Field Trips - adequate competent supervision, including first aid training, appropriate protective clothing and sensible footwear, sufficient communications arrangements, availability of emergency equipment. Tutors responsible for fieldwork should familiarise themselves with the University guidance on fieldwork. For all field trips a risk assessment must be produced. Members of staff responsible for the placement of students should familiarise themselves with the University guidance on placement of students. 3.15 MANUAL HANDLING Manual handling is one of the most common and costly of workplace injuries. Manual handling involves the use of human effort to push, pull, carry, hold or restrain any object or animal. It does not just relate to the lifting of heavy objects. UWA has a policy on manual handling which requires areas to undertake risk assessment of all manual handling hazards and implement strategies to reduce the level of risk. This includes but is not limited to the provision of training, and ongoing supervision of staff and students involved in manual handling activities. • No one should undertake any manual handling task that they feel that they are unable to manage, if in doubt, do not do the task, and seek assistance. A safety first mentality should be adopted. • Be aware of the risk factors – the safety of the general environment e.g. is it cluttered, is lighting adequate, are there any slip or trip hazards? The characteristics of the load e.g. heavy, awkward, difficult to grasp. Be mindful of your own ability e.g. fatigue, unwell, lacking in coordination. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 22 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook • Where possible use assistive equipment, such as trolleys and lifting devices. • Always use correct manual handling technique – keep the spine neutral, bend with the knees using semi squat and avoid twisting, flexing forward with the spine, or sideways leaning of the spine. Assistance with manual handling risk assessment and training in manual handling technique is provided by the Safety and Health Office, 6488 2784. Staff are encouraged to phone if they have concerns. Relying on training of staff is not as effective in reducing manual handling injuries as proper workplace design and provision of equipment– please keep this in mind! 3.16 SAFETY IN THE USE OF COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS Please refer to the UWA brochure “Working Comfortably with Computers” and note that the same principles of adopting correct posture at the computer applies to lap tops as well as desk based computer monitors. Be aware that if you are working from home, you should also apply the same principles. Most people have difficulty checking whether they have correct posture when set up at a computer, even after reading a pamphlet! If you need assistance, or if at any time you start to develop symptoms, please contact the Occupational Therapist in the Safety and Health Office. Since there are many computer “ergonomic” accessories on the market, the UWA Safety and Health office provides free trial of equipment. It is a myth to think that using all things that are available will prevent problems. Likewise what works for one person may not suit another. A professional opinion from an Occupational Therapist is warranted if you are having any difficulty with comfort at the computer. 3.17 WORKING ALONE The University is committed to ensuring the safety, health and security of staff, students and others who are on University premises and are isolated from other persons because of time, location or nature of their work. Under these circumstances there are special risks due to the lack of immediate assistance in the event of an accident or sudden illness. This policy particularly applies to employees and students whilst performing after hours work (between 6pm and 8am on weekdays, all weekends and university holidays) on University premises. Staff and students must have authorisation in advance from their supervisors to work alone and ensure that they are aware of the emergency procedures in place as well as the availability of a telephone or mobile phone as appropriate. http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/../policies/isolation Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 23 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 3.17.1 AINSLIE HOUSE • Portable duress alarms will be available for staff working alone / after hours that will link in to the hospital security system. 3.17.2 FREMANTLE • • Staff are to inform the security guard when working alone after hours Staff must keep the front door locked 3.17.3 HOLLYWOOD • • Swipe card required for entry into unit Hospital security to be called in case of security event 3.17.4 MRF • • Swipe card required for entry to each floor MRF Building Hospital security to be called in case of security event 3.17.5 QE2 • • Fixed duress alarms are installed on level 1 and 2 of D Block. Hospital emergency procedures (dial 55) include personal threat alarms. Portable alarms linking to security will also be available for staff / students working in isolation / after hours 3.17.6 CCRN • 3.18 WORKING FROM HOME ON UWA BUSINESS Where staff have approval to work from home on a regular and ongoing basis, their manager or supervisor should ensure that they have received all information concerning safety and health and the management of sensitive University information. The same duty of care applies to staff who work at home on University business, as when they work on-site. This arrangement can have significant repercussions on provision of equipment; at the very least the School/Area is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the home based workplace is safe. Staff who work from home on a regular basis should undertake a selfassessment of their working environment in accordance with the UWA working from home policy. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 24 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook It is the managers and supervisors responsibility to ensure that a formal written agreement is in place to delineate who has responsibility for costs and equipment required to support the working from home arrangement. Please refer to the Working From Home policy. The Senior Occupational Therapist in the UWA Safety and Health Office is available to provide assessment of home based workplace environments in the event that there are any concerns. Please phone 6488 2784. 3.19 SAFETY IN WORKSHOPS AND LABORATORIES It is the duty of supervisory academic and technical staff to familiarise themselves with the safety and health legislation and Codes of Practice which are relevant to the work being undertaken in their area of responsibility and to ensure that other members of staff and students comply with these requirements. As part of their day-to-day responsibilities they will ensure that: • safe methods of working exist and are implemented; • staff, students and others under their supervision are instructed in safe working practices; • new employees working within their School are given instruction in safe working practices; • regular safety inspections are made; • positive, corrective action is taken where necessary to ensure the safety and health of all staff, students and others; • all plant, machinery and equipment in the area in which they work is adequately guarded, regularly maintained and in safe working order; • all reasonable practicable steps are taken to prevent the unauthorised or improper use of all plant, machinery and equipment in the area in which they work; • appropriate protective clothing and equipment, first aid and fire appliances are provided and readily available in the School in which they work; • toxic, hazardous and highly flammable substances are correctly used, stored and labelled; • they monitor the standard of safety and health throughout the unit in which they work, encourage staff, students and others to achieve the highest possible standards of safety and health and discipline those who consistently fail to consider their own well-being or the safety and health of others; Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 25 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook • all signs used meet the statutory requirements; • They report, as appropriate, any safety and health concerns to the appropriate person in authority. All work will be conducted in accordance with the University’s Occupational Safety and Health Policy and any specific Codes of Practice relating to particular activities and industry specific standards. 3.20 SAFETY OF EQUIPMENT Where equipment related to safety and health, particularly personal protective equipment is provided by the School, there is a duty to ensure the equipment is appropriate for the intended use, clean, properly maintained and properly stored. The University guidance on personal protective equipment should be followed. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 26 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook 4 MONITORING OF THE POLICY Day to day monitoring of compliance is the responsibility of all those with managerial responsibility. Managers should also use reports of injury, near misses and sickness linked to work to determine whether existing arrangements require modification in order to prevent a recurrence. Monitoring the effectiveness of the policy will be carried out by way of planned School/Unit inspections. This should follow the University policy on inspecting the workplace. Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 27 of 28 School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences - Safety and Health Handbook University Wide Resources for Safety and Health Office of Safety and Health http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/ Training http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses Chemical Safety http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/about_chemical_safety Last updated 13 December 2006 Page 28 of 28
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