It is well recognised that adverse health effects, including lung cancer and mesothelium, can arise from inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres. The risk of such disease increases as the degree of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres increases. Asbestos-containing building materials have been used in the past in a large number of applications, especially in the 1950s to mid-1970s. Consequently, many buildings contain asbestos products. 

These products do not pose a risk to health unless the material is disturbed, leading to the release of airborne asbestos fibres. 

The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 establishes duties of building owners and other persons in possession of plant or buildings that contain or have asbestos on it. 

Citipointe Church has an ongoing program of asbestos management, that will continue (until as far as reasonably practicable to do so) until all asbestos is eliminated from all Citipointe Church campus occupied buildings. 

Safe Work Procedures

Citipointe has developed a Safe Work Procedure which relates to the training and monitoring, for work undertaken by Citipointe Church personnel and contractors, that has the potential for causing exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

Monitoring Health regarding Asbestos

Citipointe Church will ensure that health monitoring is provided to a worker carrying out work for the business or undertaking if the worker is—

• carrying out licensed asbestos removal work at a workplace and is at risk of exposure to asbestos when carrying out the work; or

• is carrying out other ongoing asbestos removal work or asbestos-related work and is at risk of exposure to asbestos when carrying out the work.

Citipointe Church will ensure that the health monitoring includes consideration of the worker’s demographic, medical and occupational history, records of the worker’s personal exposure as well as a physical examination of the worker, unless another type of health monitoring is recommended by a registered medical practitioner.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Relevant SWMS

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Legislation

AS/NZS: 4801 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems

AS/NZS/ISO: 14001- Environmental Management Systems

AS/NZS: 1715 Selection & Maintenance of Respiratory Equipment

AS/NZS: 4360 Risk Management

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

Model Code of Practice: How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace

Model Code of Practice: How to safely remove asbestos

Purpose

This procedure covers the requirements associated with the safe purchasing, handling, storage and use of hazardous substances and dangerous goods. It includes the use of labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS's), provision of information and training to personnel, risk assessment and control, precautions for safe handling, storage and use, document control and access to information by interested parties.

Definitions

Chemicals - The word 'chemicals' refers to materials or substances that may be handled, stored, used or produced in a workplace.

Dangerous Goods - Dangerous goods are chemicals that have the potential to cause immediate harm to people, property and the environment due to the possibility of fire, explosion, chemical reaction or release of toxic, flammable or corrosive materials during storage or handling.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - An SDS contains important information about a hazardous chemical (which may be a hazardous substance and/or dangerous goods). Labels must be put on all hazardous chemicals containers supplied to workplaces.

Responsibilities

Officers or a person delegated responsibility at a Location

• Ensuring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are obtained for any chemicals used or stored in their area and information is maintained on the chemical management database.

• Ensuring a risk assessment is performed on each chemical for storage and handling and prior to use or used in a process

• Ensuring that all staff who use, handle or are likely to be exposed to chemicals are appropriately trained.

• Ensuring that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment & Controls are provided as identified in the risk assessment.

Procedure

A register of all chemicals used/stored on site shall be kept along with up to date SDS. 

The Chemical Register  must be updated at all Locations when the following elements occur: 

• New chemicals are introduced into the workplace

• Existing chemicals are no longer in use or being stored, must be deleted.

• The details of any revised or updated Safety Data Sheet must be entered.

Chemical hazard identification and risk assessment

It is the duty of the responsible manager or their nominated representative to ensure that all hazards associated with chemicals that are used, and stored, within their area, and transported to and from the area, are identified and assessed for risk. Refer to the SDS for correct storage and transportation.

Staff must receive training in chemical awareness upon local induction. Additionally, staff shall be trained in chemical awareness if, during the course of their work they use or chemical handling or are likely to be exposed to chemicals.

Manufacturer labels

The responsible manager shall ensure that all chemicals purchased are adequately labelled as to provide sufficient information to alert the user of any associated hazards.

The responsible manager should seek additional information from the manufacturer and or supplier if insufficient information is provided. 

The label must be firmly secured to the container. All information on labels must be legible and durable. 

The manufacturer label must be written in English and must contain the following information as a minimum requirement as detailed in the National Health and Safety Council’s, National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances. NOHSC: 2012 (1994) 2:

• Product name

• Dangerous Goods Class and subsidiary risk where applicable

• Signal word(s)

• The name, address and contact telephone number of the Australian manufacturer or importer of the substance.

Additional information may be detailed on external packaging or information leaflets provided with the chemical.

Labelling of decanted substances

All hazardous substances that are decanted and not used immediately shall be labelled with the following information as a minimum requirement in accordance with NOHSC 2012 (1994).

• Product Name

• Risk and Safety Phrase(s)

A container shall remain labelled until cleaned so that it no longer contains any hazardous substance. 

If the container is so small that the label cannot be placed on the actual container, the label can be attached by other means, such as a string around the neck of the container.

Access to Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

SDS must be stored with any chemicals in the workplace. The person purchasing the chemicals is responsible.  

Access to SDSs should be obtained via the supplier and a hard copy being placed in an accessible location where the chemicals are stored and used.  

Waste disposal

Chemical waste should not be allowed to accumulate.  Chemical waste must not be mixed with other chemical waste unless the waste is of the same type. 

Personal protective equipment should be used when handling chemical waste as recommended in the SDS and by the risk assessment.

Supporting Documents  

Chemical Handling JSA 

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Chemical Register

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

SDS

Legislation

Model Code of Practice: Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals

Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals Code of Practice 2011

Model Code of Practice: Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals

Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace Code of Practice 2013

Purpose

This section on Confined Space is to provide direction for managers and workers in the identification, assessment and control of risks for any confined space at their worksite. This procedure seeks to ensure that a competent person, as defined in the legislation, undertakes the required risk assessment and that appropriate systems of work are developed to manage the risks arising from work in a confined space in order to protect all persons who may enter a confined space, or be affected by such work. 

Risk arises largely from the possibility of entrapment and breathing air that is contaminated or deficient in oxygen. The confined space is often isolated which may make communication difficult. 

All confined spaces are placarded with access strictly controlled. Entry requires the issue of a confined spaces permit on each occasion. No worker or contractor will be issued a permit to work in any confined space on the property unless they are trained and supervised. When working in a confined space a trained bystander must be present at all times. A register of identified confined spaces and entry permits is maintained at each Location’s office.

Definitions

Confined Space - confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that— 

• is at atmospheric pressure when anyone is in the space; and 

• is not intended or designed primarily as a workplace; and 

• could have restricted entry to, or exit from, the place; and 

• is, or is likely to be, entered by a person to work; and 

• at any time, contains, or is likely to contain, any of the following— 

  • an atmosphere that has potentially harmful levels of a contaminant; 

  • an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level; and

  • anything that could cause engulfment. 

Responsibilities

Officers or a person delegated responsibility at a Location

• Identify any confined space at the workplace and secure it to prevent unauthorised access.

• Do not allow workers to enter confined spaces that have been assessed as High or Extreme risk by a competent person. 

• Do not modify the space to the detriment of access or egress. 

• Have the space reassessed for risk if it is modified. 

• Ensure that compressed or liquefied gas is not taken into a confined space except for cylinders with self-contained breathing apparatus. 

• Ensure that training requirements for entry into the confined space are met. 

• Ensure that a risk assessment is undertaken by a competent person before any work involving entry into the confined space is undertaken 

Procedure

1. Assign an approved person to oversee entry into and work undertaken in the confined space. 

2. Ensure that all persons entering confined spaces are trained and certified for such work. 

3. Ensure that the appropriate documents and records are maintained. 

4. Ensure that all confined space work is supervised by a standby person(s) throughout the course of the work. 

5. Ensure that all monitoring equipment is calibrated at intervals indicated by the manufacturer. 

6. Maintain current service and calibration records of gas monitoring equipment. 

7. Provide appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment. 

8. Attend an approved confined space awareness course as a minimum. 

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Confined Spaces JSA

Relevant SWMS

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Legislation

Model Code of Practice: Confined spaces

Confined Spaces Code of Practice 2011

Safe Driving

Did you know the speed limit on the Brisbane campus is 10 kph? Other locations will be similar. It's not a race - even if it's late at night or early in the morning we need you to keep to the limit. 

Driving distances or late at night or early morning - Sleepiness

• Ensure schedules allow for rest and work breaks.

• Use good posture – adjust the seat and steering wheel.

• Tilt seat back every 30 minutes to change direction of vibration on your body.

• Be fit for work – don’t work tired or drug/alcohol affected.

• Develop a fatigue management plan – and stop and ret accordingly.

• Cease from operating a vehicle if you feel or are acting sleepy, mentally tired or drowsy inform your Manager.

• Avoid extremes of temperature during rest breaks.

• Take extra breaks in extreme weather conditions.   

Road Safety

• Consider how to manage interaction during loading on footpaths, roads etc.

• Drive to conditions and slow down for wet roads.

• Be aware when unloading that loads may have shifted during transit.

• Ensure all equipment is secured in the vehicle.

• Check rear view mirror before opening door in traffic.

Transporting a person or equipment

• Are there stairs? What is the access like?

• How heavy/bulky is the item (or person)?

• Will you need a mechanical aid/team lifting to unload? – Trolley? Wheelchair?

• Is the boot area adequate in size and shape to safely load equipment?

• Is the destination close to the loading/unloading area?

Purpose

Driving is an intrinsically dangerous and complex activity. Research conducted by Roads and Traffic Authorities has shown that major risk factors associated with driving are fatigue, excessive speed and reduced concentration due to involvement in other tasks whilst driving, typically mobile phone use. Consistent with this policy and in keeping with Citipointe Church’s duty of care obligations, workers who are required to drive in the course of their duties shall comply with the provisions set out in this policy and the accompanying guidelines.

Definitions

Nil

Procedure

1. To maintain all church vehicles in a safe, clean and roadworthy condition in accordance with legislation to ensure the maximum safety of the driver, occupants and other road users at all times.

2. To ensure that staff driving church vehicles demonstrate safe driving and other good road safety habits at all times when driving.

Citipointe Church requires staff to comply with traffic legislation, be conscious of road safety and demonstrate safe driving and other good road safety habits when driving for church activities or business.  

The following actions in church vehicles or in their own vehicles whilst on church business will be viewed as serious breaches of conduct:

• Drinking alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs whilst driving.

• Driving while disqualified, or not correctly licenced.

• Reckless or dangerous driving.

• Failing to stop after a crash.

• Driving whilst under demerit point suspension.

• Driving whilst using a mobile  phone either hands free or otherwise. 

• Any other actions which warrant suspension of licence.

Responsibilities

Citipointe Church

Citipointe Church will not require workers to drive under conditions which are unsafe and/or likely to create an unsafe environment, physical distress, fatigue etc. 

Citipointe  will do this by:

• giving priority to safety features when selecting new vehicles such as ABS braking systems, visible colours, air conditioning and load barriers for commercial vehicles; 

• ensuring that all vehicles are well maintained and serviced at recommended intervals;

• maintaining service records of the vehicle;

• notifying the vehicle custodian of an impending service due;

• collecting, investigating and analysing data collected from injury/incident reports;

• monitoring work schedules to ensure they do not encourage unsafe driving practices; and

• not paying staff speeding or infringement fines.

Worker

Workers driving church vehicles or driving their own car in the course of their employment will:

• ensure that they hold a current drivers licence for the class of vehicle they are driving;

• ensure that themselves and all passengers wear a seat belt when the vehicle is in motion on a public road or at a workplace. It is a legal requirement that seat belts are worn at all times in a moving vehicle;

• immediately notify their Managers if their drivers licence has been suspended or cancelled, or has had limitations placed upon it;

• be responsible and accountable for their actions when operating company vehicles;

• display the highest level of professional conduct when driving Citipointe vehicles;

• assess hazards while driving and anticipate ‘what if’ scenarios;

• drive within the legal speed limits, including driving for the conditions;

• wear a seat belt at all times;

• report vehicle defects ( of church cars) to your Manager before the next vehicle use 

• comply with traffic legislation when driving; 

• regularly check the oil, radiator and battery levels, and tyre pressure of church vehicles you regularly use;

• report any near misses, crashes and scrapes by submitting an Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form  including those which do not result in injury;

• ensure that the vehicle is serviced at recommended intervals in line with the service manual or when mechanical attention is required;

• be medically fit to operate the vehicle; 

• not use a mobile phone either texting, hands free or otherwise while driving;

• ensure all loads carried on utilities, trucks and trailers are all securely tied down and do not exceed the load capacity of the vehicle;

• stop, revive, survive - it is recommended that a break should be taken after two hours driving;

• smoking is not permitted in vehicles; and

• spouses, family members or acquaintances are not permitted (unless consent is given) to use church vehicles.

Instructions for mobile phone use

The use of a hand-held mobile telephone while driving is a safety risk and is against the law. Mobile phones can cause distractions in two ways whilst driving:

• Taking your hands off the wheel

• Becoming engrossed in a conversation and losing concentration on the road

Reaction times increase and concentration levels reduce with the use of mobile phones whilst driving. There is also very little difference between the use of hand held and hands free in this regard.

Workers should adopt the following policies:

• Do not use mobile phone when driving (turn off and divert to voicemail and check messages regularly when it is safe to pull over)

• Do not make calls, dial numbers or text when driving

• Pull over to the side of the road when it is safe before making or answering a call.

Driving long distances

Up to 25% of road accidents are caused by driver fatigue, which may manifest itself in the form of slow reactions to emergency situations or it may result in the driver falling asleep. Fatigue may be caused by the driving activity itself, work undertaken immediately prior to driving, long work days which combine driving and working, sustained periods of long work hours in the days and weeks prior to driving, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Workers shall not be permitted to drive for more than ten (10) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period.

Workers shall not be permitted to drive where the combined period of driving and working would exceed fourteen (14) hours in that working day or in a twenty four (24) hour period.

Load Restraint in Vehicles 

• All equipment in vehicles must be restrained firmly in order to avoid the risk of the items becoming airborne and causing missile injuries in the case of a vehicle collision 

• The tension in the load restraining straps should be checked regularly during the journey 

• Distribute the load evenly within the vehicle 

• Ensure no loose items are within the passenger area as they may become projectiles in the event of an accident. Do not exceed the load/weight capacity of the vehicle.

Vehicle Operations

Most Locations manage  individual programs such as Work for the Dole and Food Care. Any vehicles used for other programs are subject to all laws pertaining to that type of vehicle. Each Location Pastor and Program Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the correct licencing, vehicle testing and safety of all workers using vehicles for program purposes. 

Supporting Documents

Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Driving JSA

Drugs and Alcohol

Purpose 

To ensure Citipointe Church meets its legal responsibility in regards to providing a safe and healthy work environment for workers, contractors, church members, volunteers, students and visitors.

To ensure that any worker who is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dealt with in a supportive, fair and constructive manner.

Definitions

Drugs - both prescribed and non-prescribed.

Responsibilities

Managers

• Implement and communicate procedures for identifying workers who are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst at work.

• Make available external resources to assist workers who are found to require help.

Workers

Workers have a duty of care to ensure their own safety and health at work and to avoid adversely affecting the safety and health of any other person.  Workers are therefore required to:

• Notify the Compliance Officer in Brisbane or Manager or Location Pastor elsewhere of any concerns regarding their ability to perform their work safely as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or the adverse effects of any prescription medication they may be taking.

• Ensure that they do not operate any machinery if under the influence of drugs, alcohol or prescription medication which may affect their ability to do so safely.    

• The sale or supply of any prescription drugs in the workplace by a worker may result in termination of employment.

• The sale, supply or possession of illegal drugs in the workplace by a worker may result in termination of employment.

• The unauthorised sale, supply or possession of alcohol in the workplace by a worker may result in termination of employment.

Procedure

Citipointe Church has a responsibility and a strong commitment to provide a safe and secure and healthy environment to all of our church members, workers, contractors, visitors, volunteers, students and the public. As such we have a zero tolerance to illegal drugs, substance and alcohol abuse.

Substance abuse is the misuse of both legal and illegal drugs, controlled substances, alcohol and prescribed or over-the-counter medications. At the church or its activities, it is not permitted to bring, or consume alcoholic drinks although exceptions may be made for authorised functions or social activities or within the low cost residential accommodations.

The following are prohibited and may result in immediate termination of employment:

• Possession, distribution, sale, or use of drugs or controlled substances, or other natural or chemical compounds, which purports to mimic the effects of illegal substances. 

• Possession of an implement, which could be used for digestion, smoking or injection of a prohibited substance or other natural or chemical compound which purports to mimic the effects of illegal substances. 

• Alcohol abuse or failure to comply with the conditions imposed under our general alcohol ban at the church.Citipointe maintains the right to refuse work to any worker or contractor who, in the opinion of management, is in an unfit state to perform their work in a safe manner. 

To assist in these requirements, workers, contractors and visitors shall observe that: 

• No alcohol may be consumed or permitted on property at any time unless expressly authorised by management and only when work is completed for the day.

• No illegal drugs shall be consumed or permitted on property at any time or under any circumstances.

• If, in the opinion of management, a worker is unfit to work safely, they will be sent/taken home.

• Workers who are taking prescription medication that may affect their safety at work (that cause drowsiness), are to inform management of the circumstances so that appropriate duties may be assigned. encourages all workers not to smoke. Please do not smoke in any vehicle, tractor or building. 

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Purpose

Under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 an employer has an obligation to ensure their business is conducted in a way that is electrically safe. This includes identifying electrical hazards, assessing the risk of injury or property damage that may be attributed to those hazards and taking necessary actions to minimise exposure to the risks. 

Failure to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition, or to use equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions may result in injury or death to workers or other parties. All electrical equipment must be protected from damage, used safely and checked regularly. In addition, there are other requirements that must also be implemented for ‘specified electrical equipment’. These requirements include combinations of testing and recording and connection to safety switches. 

Regular inspection and testing of in-service electrical equipment by a competent person is a way to ensure this safety duty is met. The WHS legislation requires that electrical equipment is inspected and tested in accordance with Australian Standard 3760: 2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Only authorised electrical personnel are to perform installation, inspection, testing and labelling activities.

Definitions

Nil

Responsibilities

Managers

• Ensure that all electrical equipment is electrically safe and the requirements of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and relevant Australian Standards are complied with.

• Ensure that all workers likely to be affected by electrical work are electrically safe.

• Ensure that only trained, qualified and competent people carry out work on Citipointe Church electrical systems. 

Workers

• Comply with all instructions given by their Manager for their electrical safety. 

• Not to wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for electrical safety.

• Not to wilfully place any person in electrical risk .

• To use PPE if provided for electrical safety and to ensure they have been properly instructed in the use of the PPE.

• Workers must not do any electrical work unless they are a qualified person with the appropriate licence for performing electrical work.

Procedure

Specified Electrical Equipment

1. For the performance of class 2 work – (i) a cord extension set with a current rating of not more than 20 amps; or (ii) a portable outlet device with a current rating of not more than 20 amps; or (iii) electrical equipment, other than portable safety switch, that - (A) has a current rating of not more than 20amps; and (B) is designed to be connected by a flexible cord or plug to low voltage supply; and

2. For the performance of class 3 or class 4 work - (i) a cord extension set with a current rating of not more than 20amps; or (ii) a portable outlet device with a current rating of not more than 20 amps; or (iii) electrical equipment other than portable safety switch, that – (A) has a current rating of not more than 20 amps; and (B) is designed to be connected by a flexible cord and plug to low voltage supply; and (C) is moved during its normal use for the purpose of its use. 

Electrical Safety – Risk Management Process

Ensure that only qualified people carry out work on Citipointe Church electrical systems. 

• Some common electrical hazards include:

• Electrical shock 

• Fire/explosion  

• Toxic gas

To minimise exposure to electrical risks all users of electrical equipment within Citipointe Church will:

• Visually inspect all electrical equipment prior to use to check:

• that there is no obvious external damage, particularly to plugs, sockets, cords or other connectors. Damage or faults should be reported immediately to the manager and the damaged equipment should have an “OUT OF SERVICE” tag attached and be immediately removed from use.

• equipment covers and guards are correctly secured.

• ventilation inlets or exhausts are not obstructed. 

• Use the correct appliance for the specific tasks.  Read instruction manuals and follow the instructions to ensure the appliance is used correctly.

• Ensure that the electrical appliances are dry and clean.

• Do not withdraw a plug from a socket by pulling the cable.

• Always switch off appliances at the powerpoint before removing the plug.

• Keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects.  A damaged electrical cord can cause a fatal electric shock.

• Keep electrical appliances away from water and wet areas.

• Do not use double adaptors to ‘piggy back’ plugs. A power board with individual switches should be used. 

• Ensure that the tools are properly insulated.  Tools with damage to insulation on handles should be replaced.

• Ensure that you use the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires; and

• Fully unwind electrical cords before using it. 

Testing and Tagging

All electrical equipment must be inspected by a licenced electrician / competent person and tagged with the relevant tag in accordance with the Electrical Safety Act 2002,   Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 and AS/NZS 3760:2010 -In-Service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment;  and  Test intervals are dictated by the class of work.  Class of work refers to the following:   

• Class One work is construction work and work done in conjunction with construction work;

• Class Two work refers to assembly, fabrication, installation, maintenance, manufacturing, refurbishment or repair work but does not include class one work;

• Class Three work is any work not covered in class one, two, or four and:

• Class Four work is office work

If testing and tagging is required this shall be performed by a licenced electrician/ competent person.  Tags shall be affixed on the electrical cord within 300mm of the plug and include the date of retesting. A record of the test should be kept. 

If an item of electrical equipment fails a test, an “OUT OF SERVICE” tag should be fitted to the item and the item immediately removed from use.

High Voltage Work

An assessment of all risks involved in undertaking work associated with either live (energised) or de-energised equipment must consider all factors which may have the potential to cause injury or damage. Should this potential exist, precautionary measures may include the use of an independent observer.

Personnel working on live electrical equipment must have appropriate training, be competent and familiar with the equipment and aware of all the potential risks involved. Personnel must ensure that relevant authorisation has been granted, for the duty to be performed, before proceeding with the work. Where practicable, authorisation should be in writing, i.e. from the owner or occupier of the premises, the employer, or the employer’s authorised representative.

Electrical workers and their assistants must wear appropriate protective clothing when working on, or in close proximity to live electrical equipment. Protective clothing worn by personnel must be of correct fit and in good condition. 

Dependent on the type of work and the risks involved, the following safety apparel must be considered:

• Eye Protection Metal spectacle frames should not be worn, eye protection should comply with AS/NZS 1337.

• Footwear Shoes or boots complying with AS/NZS 2210.2 and selected and maintained to AS/NZS 2210.1

• Gloves Gloves insulated to the highest potential voltage expected for the work being undertaken complying with AS 2225.(Note: Leather work gloves may be considered when performing de energized electrical work)

• Noise Protection Ear plugs or muffs to AS 1270.

• Clothing Should cover the full body (including arms and legs), be non-synthetic, of non-fusible material and flame resistant. Clothing made from conductive material or containing metal threads should not be worn.

• Safety Belt/Harness Safety belts and harnesses must be checked and inspected each time before use with particular attention being paid to buckles, rings, hooks, clips and webbing, complying with AS 2626.

• Safety Helmets Headgear complying with AS 1801.

Note: It is strongly recommended that bracelets, rings, neck chains, exposed metal zips, watches, metal spectacle frames, etc. are not worn whilst performing electrical work in the vicinity of live electrical equipment, however, where these are worn, they should be suitably insulated.

No work must be done on or in close proximity to high voltage installations unless appropriate training has been undertaken and an appropriate safe work permit system used.

1. Testing Frequency

The frequency of inspections that are outlined in Section 2 of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760:2010 are recommended but can be varied subject to a risk assessment. The Australian standard includes a table that sets out testing and inspection intervals for various types of equipment from 3 months (for equipment that is high use, high risk, or hire equipment) to up to 5 years (for equipment that is not open to abuse, flexing of cords, etc). In addition to the regular testing and inspection, the standard specifies that electrical equipment is to be inspected and tested: 

• before returning to service after a repair or servicing, which could have affected the electrical safety of the equipment, and 

• before returning to service from a second-hand sale, to ensure equipment is safe. Generally the following should be followed: 

• tools and leads: every 12 months (low use) 

• Safety Switches: monthly 

• Offices: every 3 to 5 year

2. Residual Current Devices

The fitting of Residual Current Devices (RCD) on certain equipment can considerably reduce the risk of electrocution. An RCD (also known as a safety switch) works by detecting a current leakage. When RCD detects this current leakage, it turns the power off almost immediately. Whilst an electric shock may still be received, the duration will be shortened reducing the risk of serious injury. WHS 123a|24.

3. Unsafe Equipment 

Equipment that may be unsafe should be withdrawn immediately from service and have a label attached warning against further use. Arrangements should be made as soon as possible, for such equipment to be disposed of, destroyed, or repaired by an authorised repair agent or competent person. The Electrical Safety Policy provides further information in relation to this workplace hazard and its management. This Policy is included in the WHS Policies and Procedures Manual.

Supporting Documents  

Working around electricity JSA

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Relevant SWMS

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Legislation

Electrical Safety Act 2002

Electrical safety code of practice 2013 Managing electrical risks in the workplace

Purpose

Citipointe Church is committed to ensuring the safety of all workers, and church members and members of the public at all church events and activities as well as compliance with WHS Legislation.

Definition 

Nil

Responsibilities

Citipointe Church 

The Church has a duty of care under the WHS Act to provide a safe working environment and to ensure public safety at all of its events. Under this legislation, Citipointe must ensure that people are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.

Procedure

1. Stakeholders in an event may include: 

• event organisers; 

• Citipointe Church staff, church members, students, volunteers; 

• service and contract providers e.g.: catering, amusement device owners /operators, farm animal companies, emergency services; 

• Facilities Management (re: services, maintenance, rubbish/waste removal and cleaning, space bookings, parking and vehicle movements); 

• Security, transport providers; 

• external regulators (Relevant Councils & WHS QLD);

• the media; and 

• the general public who attend the event. 

2. Proactive planning by event organisers means nothing should be left to chance. Using a systematic process of identification, assessment and control, relevant safety risks can eliminate or minimise the risk of untoward outcome for the event and the organiser. 

3. When planning any event it is important to remember that each event is different; from the type and number of people attending, to the nature of the event.

4. Good planning means being prepared well in advance and ensuring that safety is a priority throughout the event, including initial pre-event set up ( bump in) and dismantle (bump out).

5. These Event Safety and Administrative Checklists will provide a guide to many of the issues to be considered when organising your event. Depending on the nature of your event some of these issues may require more detailed assessment and provision of information prior to going ahead.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Purpose

To prevent or minimise the risk of fatality from hazards associated with fatigue by giving due consideration to all relevant aspects of workplace-related fatigue and identifying and applying controls, as determined during the risk assessment process, that meet all applicable statutory requirements.

Definition

Fatigue - Fatigue is mental or physical exhaustion that stops a person from being able to function normally. 

Procedures

All fatigue-related hazards associated with tasks and/or task-related activities and processes, including new or changed processes, shall be identified and assessed in accordance with Risk Management procedures. 

These procedures require the participation of, or consultation and communication with all relevant stakeholders.

Fatigue Risk Management Principles (where operationally practical and feasible) include:

• Maximum shift length;

• Maximum permissible overtime for an individual worker;

• Maximum number of consecutive shifts;

• Minimum rest between consecutive shifts;

• Shift rotation;

• Time of day; and,

• Minimum annual leave;

• Adequacy of rest periods;

• Cumulative effects of fatigue;

• Circadian rhythm effect;

• Ensuring equity between workers;

• Ensuring coverage to account for training, illness, leave etc.; and

• Shift rotation;

• Active management of shift swapping; and,

• Disruption management/Assessment of fatigue-related risk when shift extension is desired/necessary;

Where fatigue-related risk is determined to be elevated to unacceptable levels, control actions shall be applied. Such controls shall be based on best practice scientific principles.

Where an increase in fatigue exposure is necessary to meet an operational or business need, a risk assessment is to be carried out and controlled as per the risk management process.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Purpose

To minimise the risk of fire and/or explosion, and the resulting potential injuries to people and damage to property by ensuring that work which incorporates ignition sources is properly controlled. 

To provide guidelines for managing work situations, good practices and follow up where hot work has to take place including the issue of permits to ensure adequate communication to all people involved.

Definitions

Nil

Procedure

1. Hot work, including welding, thermal or oxygen cutting or heating and other related heat or spark producing operations, are not to take place on Church premises without a Hot Work Permit.  A Hot Work Permit must be submitted and approved prior to the commencement of any hot work.

2. The correct PPE must be worn for all hot work activities and the appropriate fire fighting equipment must be kept within easy reach of all cutting, welding, oxyacetylene and other open flame jobs and on all work where there is a possibility of ignition.

3. Prior to issuing a Hot Work Permit, the Manager must inspect the hot work area to ensure the site and the equipment requiring hot work is properly prepared to prevent the danger of fire, explosion or exposure to toxic gases.  When the Manager is satisfied the area is satisfactorily prepared for the work proposed, a Hot Work Permit will be issued, signed by that person and the Church worker or contractor responsible for carrying out the work. 

4. On completion of the hot work, the person responsible for carrying out the work will   inspect the area to ensure it is safe, fill in the completion time on the Hot Work Permit and return it to the person who originally authorised the work.  The area must not be left unattended for 30 minutes after completion of the hot work to monitor for any smouldering debris.

5. The Manager must inspect the work area approximately 60 minutes after the job has been completed to check the area is safe and free from smouldering debris.  When satisfied that the area is safe the Hot Work Permit is then signed. 

6. A fire watch is required where hot work is being performed in close proximity to flammable materials and where the area cannot be cleared.  The general duties of the person designated as fire watch are to alert the operator of any fires or dangerous situations which may develop, notify the emergency response team and extinguish the fire, so long as it is safe to do so and within the capacity of the equipment available (fire extinguisher or pressure water hose).  The person designated as fire watch may carry out normal work activities provided they are conducted in the immediate area and do not interfere with watching duties.

Supporting Documents  

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Hot Work Welding JSA

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Hot Work Permit

Legislation

Model Code of Practice: Welding processes

Welding processes Code of Practice 2013

Purpose

Bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence of any form will not be tolerated at Citipointe. Citipointe will investigate all complaints formally made. 

Definitions

Harassment - Workplace harassment is where a person is subjected to behaviour, other than sexual harassment, that is repeated, unwelcome and unsolicited, the person considers to be offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening and/or a reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating, intimidating or threatening.

Responsibilities

Managers 

Ensure they have the appropriate training in handling workplace harassment complaints, including an understanding of both informal and formal complaint resolution options.

Workers

Raise any issues or concerns relating to workplace harassment with the Manager or the HR Manager.

Ensure they have an understanding of the options available to resolve workplace harassment issues.

Procedure

If the complaint is found to be valid, action may include any combination of the following: 

1. Asking for an apology. 

2. Creating an agreement with the offender that will stop the behaviour of concern. 

3. Conciliation/mediation conducted by an independent/impartial third party to seek a mutually acceptable solution. 

4. Disciplinary action in the form of verbal, written or final warning or dismissal. 

5. All violence will be reported to the police. 

6. In determining the action to be taken, the following factors will be considered: 

   • Severity and frequency of the behaviour. 

   • Whether there have been previous incidents or prior warnings.

Complaint Handling System

Any complaints of workplace harassment must be treated seriously and investigated promptly, confidentially and impartially.  Harassment complaints can be lodged informally or formally. The compliant system developed must therefore be capable of managing both types of complaints

1. Informal Complaints

An informal complaint handling system may encourage workers to raise their concerns with an appropriate contact person within the workplace and the matter resolved in an informal and fair manner.  

2. Formal Complaints

The system implemented to manage formal complaints of harassment must include the following: 

• a formal reporting procedure

• an investigation procedure

• a complaint resolution procedure

• an appeals process

Education and Training

Citipointe Church will ensure that all workers are provided with the appropriate training and education on issues of workplace harassment, which will enable them to:

• Understand the behaviours that are or are not workplace harassment.

• Understand the consequences of workplace harassment behaviours.

• Understand the process for lodging complaints of workplace harassment.

Supporting Documents 

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

7.1 Staff - Prevention of Workplace Harassment Policy

7.2 Staff - Grievance and Disputes Policy

7.5 Staff - Rehabilitation Policy

Staff - Grievance and Disputes Procedure

Purpose

To protect workers, contractors and visitors from potential injury whilst carrying out maintenance, installation, inspection, testing or cleaning of plant or equipment. These procedures cover four (4) aspects of isolation:

• Electrical Isolation

• Lock Out System

• Danger Tags

• Out of Service Tags

Definitions

Nil

Procedure

Out of Service Tags

1. Machinery, plant or equipment, which is not to be used, should be identified with an “OUT OF SERVICE” tag.

2. “OUT OF SERVICE” tags should be attached and removed only by authorised persons who have specific knowledge of the operation of the item of plant, machinery or equipment.

3. Only in an emergency situation, and only when it is apparent that the continued use of the equipment, plant or machinery could be dangerous, should another person attach an "OUT OF SERVICE" tag.

4. “OUT OF SERVICE” tags should always be fixed to isolation devices when these devices are in the OFF `` or ''SAFE `` position.

5. “OUT OF SERVICE” tags should always be fixed to the energy source when it is in the “OFF” or “SAFE” position.

6. Prior to attaching an “OUT OF SERVICE” tag:

7. ensure that all required details are filled out clearly and legibly in the spaces provided.  Emphasis should be placed on the reason for placing the tag; and

8. “OUT OF SERVICE” tags should be securely attached to the isolation point and clearly visible.

NEVER use plant, machinery or equipment with an “OUT OF SERVICE” tag attached.

Remember to: 

• switch off;

• isolate circuits;

• fix appropriate tags; and

• test that the electricity supply is isolated.

Danger Tags

1. A Danger Tag must be attached to isolation devices to signify that there could be a danger to a person if they operate the machine.

2. Danger Tags should always be fixed to isolation devices that are locked in the “OFF” or “SAFE” position.

3. “DANGER” Tags must be placed before commencing work on a piece of equipment. The name of the person/s carrying out the work must be printed on the tag.

4. A separate “PERSONAL DANGER” Tag must be added for each person working on the equipment.

5. The only person/s permitted to remove a “DANGER” Tag is the person/s who put it there, except in circumstances where that person is unavailable. 

6. Fill in the “DANGER” tags correctly and clearly;

7. Attach the “DANGER” tags to each isolation device so that it is clearly visible;

8. Always remove “DANGER” tags after completion of the work or prior to leaving work at the end of a shift; and

9. Replace the “DANGER” tag with an “OUT OF SERVICE” tag if work is incomplete. 

10. NEVER use, switch on, manipulate or interfere with machinery, plant or equipment that has a personal “DANGER” tag attached.

Isolation Tag Out

1. Before you start work:

2. plan and discuss the job;

3. ensure that you clearly understand any instructions given; 

4. confirm permission to isolate (use a permit system if relevant);

5. isolate the electrical equipment, plant, machinery or circuit;

6. attach Danger Tags;

7. erect safety barriers if required;

8. ensure that all tools are properly insulated;

9. do not work on “live” equipment; and

10. start work only when authorised to do so.

11. IF IN DOUBT, ASK THE  Manager

When Working:

• use safety observers if required (e.g. working in a confined space);

• Ensure you have followed correct procedures; and

• check that isolation/lock out/tag out systems are in place before resuming work after any break.

On Completion of Work: 

• check that no tools are left on or in the job;

• check the work is complete and the equipment is re-connected to a power  source;

• notify all relevant personnel that the equipment is to be connected or energised;

• have authorised persons sign off work permits (if relevant);

• remove all Danger Tags; and

• remove barriers and store them correctly.

Supporting Documents  

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Ladders are a major cause of injuries in the workplace. Do not underestimate their risks just because they are commonly used. Before using a ladder, make sure it is appropriate to do so. Do not use a ladder if:

• the surrounding area is frequently accessed, such as a doorway, passageway or driveway;

• the work is expected to take a significant period of time;

• it is heavy work; or

• the worker requires both hands to do the work.

Safety tips

Following some simple ladder safety tips can reduce the risk of injury:

• Choose the right ladder for the job.

• Place the ladder on dry, firm and level ground that is clear of power lines and exposed electrical wiring, and engage all locks and braces.

• Secure the top of an extension ladder into position before starting work. The top of the ladder should extend at least one metre over the top of the surface it is resting on.

• Stay in the centre of the ladder as you climb. Never lean out too far from a ladder, always work within arm's reach and be careful when pulling items from shelves, gutters and roofs as this may cause you to lose your balance.

• Only climb to the second rung from the top of a step ladder or the third rung from the top of an extension ladder.

• Two people should never climb the ladder at the same time even if their combined weight is below the maximum weight capacity.

• Don’t work in wet or windy conditions

• Have another person hold the ladder

• Never use a ladder if you are alone and cannot get assistance if you have an accident.

• Know your limits and work to your ability.

Ladder Safety

Purpose

To provide a safe system for access and egress from ladders and to define safe working procedures and set out practical guidance to ensure the safety and health of persons required to work from a ladder.  

Definitions

Nil

Responsibilities

Managers

• Ensure only suitably trained and experienced workers are engaged in working from ladders.

• To provide ladders and associated equipment that is fit for purpose and in good working order.

Workers

• Comply with the CITIPOINTE CHURCH procedures for working from ladders.

• Ensure ladders and equipment are regularly inspected and in good working order.

Procedure

A Ladder Inspection Checklist should be used before using any type of ladder to ensure it is in safe working condition.  If the ladder is found to be UNSAFE it is NOT to be used and must be tagged with an ‘OUT OF SERVICE” tag and referred to your Manager.

General ladder safety

1. Ensure the ladder is the right height for the task. NEVER use a makeshift footing such as drums, boxes or blocks to gain extra height. 

2. Check that footing is secure. NEVER erect a ladder on a slippery, uneven or unstable surface. 

3. Never exceed the industrial use/ load rating of 120kg.  This should be identified by a sticker on  the ladder. 

4. Keep 3 points of contact with the ladder at all times.

5. The top of the ladder should extend at least 900mm above the surface being accessed. 

6. Use a tool belt to keep hands free.

7. Ensure there is a firm level work platform, free from obstructions to step onto;

8. Ensure the ladder is securely fixed; 

9. Ensure the ladder is not too close or far away from the support structure. The distance is 1 to 4.  That is, if a ladder is four metres high the distance from the base of the ladder and the support structure must be at least one metre.

Supporting Documents

Ladder Safety JSA 

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Ladder Inspection Checklist

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to provide information to effectively control risks associated with lighting.

Definitions

Nil

Procedure

Adequate lighting should be provided to effectively illuminate work areas and provide a safe and comfortable visual environment within the workplace.  Although a combination of natural and artificial lighting is preferred, it is not essential to provide sufficient artificial lighting for the work 

areas.

Lighting Effects

Inadequate lighting in the workplace may lead to:

•  increased workplace incidents;

•  a reduction in performance;

•  poor product quality;

•  eye strain;

• workers needing to adopt awkward postures which may lead to conditions such as neck/back pain 

•  general tiredness.

Lighting Requirements

Lighting requirements are subject to the type of work being conducted.  The environment and a worker’s visual preferences and capabilities are considered.  The quality and quantity of light should be appropriate to the task and in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.

Modify Existing Light Systems

• lower or raise the lights;

• increase or decrease the number of lights;

• change the position and type of lights used;

• regularly clean lights and light fittings;

• replace flickering lights and bulbs; and

• provide task specific lighting (e.g. desk lamp) where additional lighting is needed or increasing general lighting is not practical.

Please consider all electrical hazards that  can be inadvertently created when making changes to lighting in an office.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Purpose

Citipointe Church is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment free of aggression or violence for all workers and visitors. This policy is intended to define behaviour that constitutes workplace aggression and violence and to guide workers in the management of aggression and violence in the workplace.

Definitions 

For the purpose of this policy, workplace violence and aggression is defined as actions and incidents that may physically or psychologically harm another person.  Violence and aggression are present in situations where workers and other people are threatened, attacked or physically assaulted at work or church.

Examples of occupational violence and aggression include, but are not limited to, verbal, physical or psychological abuse, punching, scratching, biting, grabbing, pushing, threats, attack with a weapon, throwing objects/furniture, sexual harassment or assault, and any form of indecent physical contact.

Responsibilities

Citipointe Church 

• Promptly, objectively and sensitively review all reports of violence or threats of violence, including a review of all investigations associated with aggressive or violent incidents.

Managers

• Enforce policy and procedures and monitor workers’ compliance.

• Identify and alert workers to violent persons and potentially hazardous situations.

• Follow up and investigate all incidents of workplace aggression and violence.

• Ensure debriefing is completed for those either directly or indirectly involved in the incident.

• Track and analyse incidents for trends and prevention initiatives.

Workers

• Formally report all incidents of aggression, violence or threats, including near misses.

• Participate in education and training programs to be able to respond appropriately to any incident of workplace aggression or violence.

• Contribute to risk assessments and incident investigations.

• Be consulted about the development, establishment and implementation of violence measures and procedures.

• All workers will where necessary receive education and training in the prevention and management of aggression and violence according to their levels of exposure to risk.

Procedure

1. While the majority of persons that we at the church deal with are polite and behave appropriately, there are times when for a number of possible reasons a person may become abusive or aggressive. This could be the result of a number of issues for example but not limited to:

• our inability to give the person what he or she wants or perhaps the manner in which we are communicating;

• the person is under considerable emotional or physical stress;

• the person has a psychological illness; or

• the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

2. Managers will manage aggression and violence issues through the organisation’s consultative processes. 

3. All incidents of initiated aggression or violence are reported via the Incident Reporting System and followed up by the Manager.

4. In the event of exposure to aggressive or violent incidents, workers are provided with debriefing opportunities and follow-up.

5. All reports of aggression and violence are reviewed by management and systems are investigated to identify control measures that will minimise future risk.

6. An assessment is conducted and documented on person/s to identify any risk factors that may trigger an episode of aggression or violence.

7. Care plans will include behaviour management strategies to reduce risks of aggressive or violent incidents. These plans will be reviewed as required.

8. All reasonably practicable control measures will be implemented to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety for workers and others.  However, Citipointe Church reserves the right to refuse treatment or entry to church members and visitors known to initiate aggression and/or violence towards its staff, church members and visitors.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form

What does Manual Handling mean?

Manual handling is basically how you move something. It means any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing.

You might not realise it but manual handling is one of the most costly and common causes of injury in the workplace. 

10 Key Points for Manual Tasks

• Soften the knees to prepare for movement.

• Sink back at the hips.

• Stabilise your abdominal and shoulder muscles.

• All of the movement is in the lower body-legs and hips.

• Hold the load close to the body.

• Use trolleys and assistive devices to move items.

• Vary posture – get up from the desk!

• Attend postural stretching exercises at least every 30 minutes.

• If any manual handling task you believe may place you at risk of injury. Notify your manager immediately.

• If you experience discomfort and strain in arms, neck, hands or back: report the problem to your manager early.

Manual Handling injuries are caused by

• Awkward posture of any body part

• Exerting moderate to high force

• Repetitious work using the same muscle group frequently or for long periods of time

Examples of Manual Handling Hazards

• Cramped areas where room design that does not allow safe use of equipment

• There may not be adequate equipment available to assist your manual handling task

• The heavy items you require may be limiting your ability to wait for assistance

What can I do?

Changing the causes of risk (awkward posture; exertion and frequent use of a muscle group) can reduce likelihood of injury:

• Improve work area design

• Size and weight of load – break the load down into smaller parcels that can be held close to the body

• Equipment – use trolleys and mechanical lifting devices to move loads

• Task allocation – introduce variety of tasks that use different muscle groups

Injury  is not just a single incident

• Injuries from manual tasks are often not caused by ‘one off’ events or accidents.

• The majority of injuries occur from repetitive tasks resulting in small, sometimes unfelt injuries. Injuries may develop gradually over weeks, months or even years.

• Damage can accumulate in the soft tissues if you use the same muscle group for an extended period of time (e.g. more than 2 hours of shift); use awkward or bent posture of any body part to attend tasks; or use moderate to high force to move items.

Manual Handling 

Purpose

To protect the health and safety of Citipointe Church workers, volunteers and contractors from manual handling type injuries.

Manual handling hazards are managed by a risk management process in order to prevent or minimise the risk of injuries caused by manual tasks. The process involves conducting a risk assessment on manual tasks carried out in the workplace, working out how to address any problems, choosing and implementing appropriate solutions, and following up to check that the solutions work. 

Definitions

Manual handling is any task that requires you to push, pull, lift, carry, move, hold or lower any object, person or animal. Manual tasks include tasks that have repetitive actions, sustained postures and may involve exposure to vibration. The types of injuries related to manual handling include repetitive strain injuries, muscle injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, bone injuries and injuries from falling objects.

Responsibilities

Managers 

• Ensure that all manual handling activities, which are likely to be a risk to health and safety, are identified, assessed, controlled and evaluated.

• Ensure that the required manual handling induction and training is provided, documented and recorded for all necessary tasks.

Workers, Volunteers and Contractors

• Follow Citipointe Church’s Safe Working Procedures (SWP) for performing manual handling tasks.

• Report incidents associated with manual handling in the workplace.  

Risk Identification

The following activities may assist in identifying manual handling tasks within Citipointe Church or its events and activities, which may lead to injury:

• Use past incident forms and hazard forms to see if any of them were the result of manual handling tasks. 

• Consult with workers to see where they think the main manual handling problem areas are.

• Use checklists to identify those tasks and conditions, which may increase the risk of a manual handling injury.

Risk Assessment

When those manual handling tasks, which are likely to cause risks to health and safety, are identified, they then need to be assessed to determine the risk factors.

Factors, which may increase the risk or severity of a manual handling injury, include:

• Forceful Exertions

• Working Postures

• Repetition and Duration

• Vibration

• Work Area Design

• Hand Tool Use

• Nature of Loads

• Load Handling 

• Individual Factors

Risk Control

When selecting controls to reduce the risk of manual handling injury, consideration should always be given to eliminating or engineering out the risk (refer to Section 4 – Risk Management).  

Where it is not practicable to eliminate the risk, the following general procedures should apply:

• always plan a manual lift prior to attempting the lift; 

• stagger your stance;

• ensure that the route taken is clear of obstacles or obstructions;

• check that the load is not too heavy to lift or carry alone.  If the load is too heavy, get assistance either from a fellow worker or use a mechanical or lifting device; 

• if carrying a load with a fellow worker, always keep in step; 

• when carrying a load with a fellow worker, always ensure that you tell each other of any action you are about to perform, such as, lowering or adjusting the load;

• keep a firm grip on the load;

• lower the load using your body weight by putting the weight of the load on your legs and bending your knees;

• never carry a load that blocks your vision, as you may trip or run into another object; and

• maintain the natural curve of the spine, keeping your back straight throughout the lift.

Preventing Manual Handling Injuries 

Both Managers and workers can work together to ensure a safe manual handling environment.

• Decide what changes can be made to reduce the risks of injury. If possible, select permanent changes (such as workplace layout, tools and equipment). 

• Avoid double handling of items.

• Utilise mechanical aids (hoists, trolleys). 

• Redesign the task (such as rotating workers). 

• Document your risk control decisions for each task assessed, and set timelines for changes. 

• Trial the changes in consultation with workers before making them permanent.

• Provide training if new equipment is introduced.

When loading/unloading vehicles 

Use lift equipment wherever practicable, otherwise: 

• prepare by stretching and warming up;

• slide the item as close as possible to you before lifting; 

• keep you back straight and bend your knees when lifting; 

• put loads down in the same manner in which they were picked up; 

• where possible store frequently used items at a suitable height, between waist and shoulder height, which reduces the need for forward bending when lifting; and 

• whenever possible use trolleys for moving larger and heavy items.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Manual Handling JSA

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is clothing or equipment designed to be worn by someone to protect them from the risk of injury or illness. PPE can include:

• hearing protective devices, such as ear muffs and ear plugs

• respiratory protective equipment

• eye and face protection, such as safety glasses and face shields

• safety helmets

• fall arrest harnesses for working at heights 

• skin protection, such as gloves, gauntlets and sunscreen

• clothing, such as high visibility vests, life jackets and coveralls

• footwear, such as safety boots and rubber boots.

Personal Protective Equipment

Purpose

To establish a procedure for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection, supply, use, replacement, maintenance, training and instruction, storage and keeping of appropriate records.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required to protect workers during general, specific and hazardous tasks. 

Definitions

PPE&C Personal protective equipment and clothing

Procedure

Provision of PPE shall only be made after an assessment of the risk has been conducted and in consultation with the workers, and it is agreed no alternative solution is available to protect the workers, such as engineering controls.  

1. Purchase Specifications

Citipointe Church will ensure all items of PPE are manufactured, used and maintained in accordance with the relevant Standard.  Proof of standards compliance will be determined prior to purchase.

2. Usage, Care and Replacement of PPE

Manufacturer’s instructions shall be used as the guide to determine effective usage, care and replacement requirements for PPE.

• All issues of PPE to each worker will be recorded on the Personal Protective Equipment Issue Record.

• Each worker will be instructed and trained in the correct use of each PPE item prior to use.

• Managers are responsible for supervising and enforcing the wearing of PPE.

• The effectiveness of PPE use shall be evaluated on a regular basis during audits and inspections.

• Reviews of the need for and adequacy of PPE will be conducted regularly.  All reviews will be in consultation with workers using the PPE.

3. Non Compliance

Workers and contractors, who fail to comply with the health and safety requirements of Citipointe Church or those who demonstrate consistently poor safety performance, shall be subject to disciplinary measures.

The types of PPE used at Citipointe might include: 

• respirators and masks; 

• foot protection (safety shoes and boots);

• body protection (high visibility clothing, long sleeves, wide brimmed hats, gloves); 

• Sunscreen;

• safety glasses; 

• ear protection; 

• helmets; and 

• any substance used to protect health, for example, sunscreen. 

Other requirements include: 

If required, workers are obliged to use PPE when required and when reasonably practicable. 

• Workers should be fully trained in the safe use, storage and maintenance of PPE. 

• PPE must be checked before use for the correct type, fit and undamaged.

• Not reusing disposable, contaminated or damaged PPE. 

• Storing PPE correctly.

Purpose

Citipointe adopts a risk management process which is a systematic method for making plant as safe as possible and can also be incorporated into other workplace risk management systems. This risk management approach should be undertaken before purchasing of, or alterations to plant, changing the way it is used, relocating it, or if additional health and safety information becomes available. 

Definitions

The definition of plant encompasses hand tools either powered or non-powered (electric drills, hammers) and extends to any machinery such as bobcats, excavators, office furniture and any other equipment used for work purposes. 

Maintenance and repair 

Plant must be maintained and cleaned following the procedures recommended by the designer or manufacturer or by a competent person. Only a competent person may inspect and repair damaged plant. 

Unsafe and/or malfunctioning plant and equipment can be identified by any Manager, worker or contractor by a number of methods such as: 

• equipment inspections; 

• verbal reporting of equipment malfunction to the appropriate Manager; and

• hazard and incident reporting. 

Once identified, the unsafe or malfunctioning plant/equipment should be reported to the appropriate Manager in order for repair to be organised. Plant/equipment which has been identified as unsafe should be disconnected from the power supply and clearly labelled as unsafe and not be used. If possible the plant/equipment should be moved to a location where it is not accessible. 

Record Keeping 

Records of inspection, testing and monitoring are required to be maintained by Citipointe. As a minimum, records should include details of inspections, maintenance, repair, calibration and alteration of plant. 

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Maintenance Mechanics JSA

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Legislation

Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace

Managing risks of plant in the workplace Code of Practice 2013

Purpose

To ensure that all items of plant are assessed to determine maintenance requirements and that a tracking system for plant is maintained.

To ensure that all maintenance, repair or alteration of any item of plant, equipment, building or furniture is performed by competent persons and that record of the work is kept.

Definitions

Nil

Procedure

Equipment including static (stationary) and mobile plant can be hazardous to workplace safety.

In order to comply with Work Health and Safety Legislation, Citipointe Church will carry out regular inspections and maintenance of plant and equipment.  

The inspection and maintenance history of each item will be documented via the Maxpanda System. 

Where a relevant Standard is appropriate, the inspection, use and maintenance of the plant will comply as a minimum with the Standard.  Where no Standard is provided, the inspection, use and maintenance of the plant will comply as a minimum with the Manufacturers Recommendations.  

The effect of plant and equipment on the workplace will also be considered.

Electrical testing and tagging

Service testing is necessary for the safety of persons using the equipment and for the proper discharge of the obligations of employers and workers, as listed in legislation covering Work Health and Safety matters.

AS/NZS 3760: 2010 specifies the procedures for safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and shall be used as the Standard for electrical equipment owned, leased and used by Citipointe Church.

Assessment

Citipointe Church will conduct assessments of all plant and equipment including identification of potential hazards, the level of risk and the provision of appropriate controls to eliminate, or minimise the risk to health and safety of workers.  

This process will include plant and / or equipment itself, guarding and its impact on the surrounding workplace and environment.

When identifying potential hazards, consideration will be given to all aspects of the plant and equipment including design, work environment, operational conditions, abnormal conditions, ergonomic principles, transportation, storage, installation and erection, access and egress for maintenance, repairs, cleaning, use, operator competencies, dismantling and disposal.

Selection and Use

Where plant and equipment is hired, the same requirements for Work Health and Safety are required and will be specified by Citipointe Church to the Hire Company as a condition of the hire agreement.

Note: Specific plant may require design registration, item registration or both.

Records

Records of maintenance, including tests, should be kept throughout the working life of the equipment.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Purpose

Citipointe has a duty as far as is reasonable to eliminate or reduce the risks to workers that are caused by noise hazards and to monitor and control the risk of hearing loss associated with noise. 

Examples of noise hazards include repetitive loud machinery, explosions and the like.

Work related noise on workers may have the effect of:

• hearing loss;

• tinnitus;

• hypertension caused by stress or high blood pressure;

• fatigue caused by the numbing effect of repetitive noise; and

• discomfort for workers. 

Damage to hearing caused by noise occurs from exposure to either very loud noise of a short period of time or moderate noise levels over a prolonged period of time. 

Definitions

Industrial Deafness

Industrial deafness is the permanent loss of hearing caused by exposure to hazards in the workplace, primarily noise exposure. 

Tinnitus

Ringing or buzzing sound experienced in the ear or head in the absence of any external sound 

Procedure

1. Identify the noise hazard

2. Assess the risks of the noise hazard

3. Control the risk

4. Conduct audiometric testing

Citipointe will undertake regular noise inspections in workplaces where there is prolonged, loud or repetitive sound. 

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Noise Safety JSA 

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Legislation

Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work

Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work Code of practice 2011

Purpose

The following procedure articulates Citipointe Church’s commitment to preventing injury and illness by providing a safe and healthy working environment and providing opportunities for staff to participate in workplace rehabilitation to facilitate a timely and safe return to normal duties. 

Workplace rehabilitation provides support to injured or ill workers, supervisors, managers and team members and is a positive strategy for retaining the job skills of staff members. 

Definitions

Consultation: The conferring in such a way that the participants have access to all relevant material and the opportunity to contribute to and influence a decision.

Injury: A personal injury which includes, for example, a cut, fracture, sprain, strain, disease, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, industrial deafness, and psychiatric or psychological disorders.

Injury Management: The process of Workplace Rehabilitation for a staff member’s early and safe return to work.

Non-work Related Injuries: Injuries that are not significantly caused by employment and are not claimable through current workers’ compensation legislation.

Suitable Duties: Matching pre-injury duties to recovering abilities on a temporary basis.

Treating Medical Practitioner: The nominated treating doctor who provides appropriate medical treatment, certification and injury management.

Q-Comp: The workers' compensation regulatory authority of Queensland.

Work-Related Injuries: Where employment is a significant contributing factor in causing injury as defined by current workers’ compensation legislation and accepted by WorkCover as a workers’ compensation claim. Work-related injuries can happen during work, on a work break, while working away from the worksite, travelling between worksites, or travelling between work and home.

WorkCover: WorkCover Queensland is a Queensland Government owned statutory authority operating as a commercial enterprise for workers’ compensation insurance. A WorkCover policy ensures that a staff member who is injured at work receives financial support following an injury.

Workplace Rehabilitation: The process of restoring injured staff to their maximum physical, psychological, social, vocational and economic capacity. It aims to assist injured staff to return to normal duties as quickly and as safely as possible.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator: The staff member responsible for coordinating and evaluating Workplace Rehabilitation plans. They are referred to as the RTW Coordinator. 

Procedure

Overview of the Workplace Rehabilitation Process

1. Injury or illness occurs. 

2. Staff obtain medical treatment and report the medical condition to their Manager.

3. Employee reports injury via the Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form which is submitted to the WHS Facilitator.  

4. Injuries that require Workcover investigation are forwarded to the RTW Coordinator.

5. Citipointe Church investigates the injury cause and takes preventative measures.

6. The RTW  Coordinator will: 

   1. begin discussions with the injured worker; 

   2. collect medical certificates and other documentation; 

   3. coordinate the completion and submission of WorkCover forms; and

   4. maintain records of communication with all parties involved.

7. WorkCover accepts the claim OR WorkCover rejects the claim (right of review remains).

8. RTW  Coordinator consults on the development of a Workplace Rehabilitation plan including a Suitable Duties Plan if required. 

9. Workplace Rehabilitation plan commences, with regular reviews. 

10. Worker returns to normal duties, and the plan is evaluated.

Responsibilities

Citipointe Church 

• Provide, where practicable, suitable duties to assist injured workers. For work-related injuries, the Citipointe Church is obligated to offer Workplace Rehabilitation in accordance with workers’ compensation legislation. 

• Monitor and review the return to work of an injured staff member. A Workplace Rehabilitation plan must not place the staff member at any further risk of injury.

Workers

• Report all injuries to their Manager and the WHS Facilitator. For work-related injuries. Workers must complete an Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form.

• Obtaining appropriate medical treatment for an injury. For work-related injuries, workers must get a workers’ Compensation Medical Certificate from their Treating Medical Practitioner. 

• Authorise the RTW Coordinator to discuss their injury with their Treating Medical Practitioner and Manager.  The worker will inform their Treating Medical Practitioner of the availability of Workplace Rehabilitation at Citipointe Church. 

• Provide appropriate medical certification and apply for leave in the appropriate manner, and for work-related injuries, WorkCover forms and documentation with the assistance of the RTW Coordinator.

• Consulted in developing a Workplace Rehabilitation plan and can use their own Medical Practitioner for work-related injuries. Suitable duties will be used as part of any Rehabilitation Plan wherever possible. 

• Inform the RTW Coordinator and their Manager of their medical status and rehabilitation progress and provide regular feedback for plan evaluation.

• Actively participate in Workplace Rehabilitation plans. 

• Adhere to workers’ compensation legislation relating to workers’ obligations for participation during Workplace Rehabilitation plans and the requirements of WorkCover for examination by a registered person. Failure to participate in Workplace Rehabilitation can result in suspension of compensatory benefits. 

Medical Practitioners

• Responsible for overall injury management of an injured staff member. The injured staff member will provide the RTW Coordinator with a signed authorisation for the RTW Coordinator to discuss the nature of injury with the treating medical practitioner and to disclose this information to the staff member’s Manager.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator

• Act as the link between the injured worker, their Manager,  Treating Medical Practitioner, WorkCover representatives (if applicable) and Citipointe Church. When a staff member is injured, their Manager or WHS Facilitator will organise for the RTW Coordinator to contact the injured worker as soon as possible. The RTW Coordinator will ensure injured staff have access to appropriate information and resources, and assist with the completion of appropriate documentation.

• Request that an injured worker provide signed authorisation for the RTW Coordinator to discuss the nature of injury with the Treating Medical Practitioner and to disclose this information to the worker’s Manager.

• Establish and maintain appropriate contact with the worker’s Treating Medical Practitioner and/or any other health care professionals and provide liaison for early referral to rehabilitation professionals such as WorkCover, private Rehabilitation Counsellors, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists. 

• In conjunction with the worker and their Manager and on the direct advice of the Treating Medical Practitioner, the RTW Coordinator will develop the Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan and determine an agreed time frame for the Plan. The Plan must be prior to a worker commencing on a plan. 

• Identify external professionals, for instance, Rehabilitation Counsellors and Occupational Therapists to assist in plan development.

• Maintain good communication between all parties involved, including providing feedback on Workplace Rehabilitation to all parties and maintain confidential, accurate and up to date records of Workplace Rehabilitation, including case notes, communications, actions and decisions. 

Managers 

• Notify the RTW Coordinator of injured workers, direct workers to submit appropriate leave for all time off work and maintain contact  during their absence from work.

• Work with injured staff and the RTW Coordinator to identify current and suitable duties and to determine an appropriate Workplace Rehabilitation plan. They will provide support in the implementation of the Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan, and monitor job performance and progress. The Plan must be authorised and signed off by the Managers prior to commencement.

Other Staff 

• Fellow workers within the relevant work area are encouraged to be positively and actively involved wherever possible to support the Workplace Rehabilitation process.

Suitable Duties

• When an injured worker is unable to return to their previous position, suitable duties will be negotiated where possible, with the RTW Coordinator, the worker and their Manager.

• No duties will be performed which have not been approved by the worker’s  Manager and RTW Coordinator and on the advice of the Treating Medical Practitioner.

Suitable duties will be specified in writing in the form of a Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan and will include:

• the goal of the plan 

• a list of duties and restrictions 

• the hours to be worked 

• details of training required 

• anticipated time frame of the plan

Supporting Documents

7.5 Staff - Rehabilitation Policy

Suitable Duties Plan

Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form

Slips, trips and falls are common risks in an office, accounting for the majority of minor injuries in the workplace.

Common slip, trip and fall hazards include:

• uneven floor surfaces;

• spills;

• electrical cords on the floor; and

• poor housekeeping, e.g. allowing boxes and rubbish to build up in walkways.

Use the following measures to minimise slips, trips and falls:

• Keep passageways, exits, corridors and aisles clear of equipment, rubbish and electrical leads.

• Ensure floor surfaces are even and do not use rugs in regular traffic areas, e.g. the walkway from the front door.

• Position filing cabinets so the drawers do not open into aisles or walkways.

• Clean floors regularly and make sure that a build-up of cleaning product residue does not create a slip risk.

• Use signs or barricades to identify wet or slippery areas.

• Make it clear to your staff that they must clean up immediately if they spill anything, e.g. coffee, on the floor.

• Ensure passageways, corridors and stairways are adequately lit (read more).

• Minimise the use of ladders, e.g. store items that are regularly accessed at floor level, and don’t expect office staff to change light globes.

• Consider the type of flooring in your office and whether all forms of footwear are safe to wear, e.g. will the floor be slippery for someone wearing thongs? You may need to implement a dress code if some forms of footwear will be unsafe.

Slips, Trips and Falls 

Purpose 

Slips, trips and falls are one of the major types of accidents in workplaces and may be due to poor housekeeping practices such as water or oil spilt. Material placed untidily or using walkways for storage can also be a cause of these types of incidents. When assessing the potential for slips, trips and falls, make sure you look at out of sight areas such as storage rooms, stairways and workshops. 

Definitions

Nil

Prevention 

Reduce the risk of injury by following these guidelines: 

• Avoid walking on slippery floors. 

• Keep floors free of water and grease.

• Clean floors regularly. 

• Post warning signs around spills or wet floors. 

• Install non-slip tiling or other non-slip floor products.

• Use rubber mats in areas where the floors are constantly wet. 

• Use non-slip footwear. 

• Clean up spills immediately. 

• Install adhesive strips and slip resistant paint to improve slip resistance. The best method will depend on the existing floor surface. 

• Use floor cleaning products to remove oil and grease. 

• Agree on written standards with contract cleaners to ensure that any cleaning agents leave the floor in a non-slip condition. 

• Use storage areas for equipment and be alert to the dangers of leaving boxes, rubbish, bags and furniture in walkways, entrances and exits.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Slips, Trips and Falls JSA 

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Accident, Incident and Injury Report Form

Legislation

Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces

Managing the risk of falls at workplaces Code of Practice 2018

Purpose

To establish and maintain a system that promotes a safe work practice for all Citipointe Church workers, volunteers, interns, contractors and visitors to ensure when outdoors in the sun there is a system to control the risk of UV (Ultraviolet) radiation exposure from sunlight and the development of skin cancer. 

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. UV protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and SPF 30 sunblock will be provided as PPE and are required to be worn for outdoor tasks. 

Definitions

Nil

Responsibilities

Managers 

Managers must ensure hazard identification and risk assessments are carried out where workers are required to work outdoors in the sun. They should determine and implement effective sun protection procedures including the provision and training in the use of Personal Protective Equipment and arrange education and training for workers at risk of sun exposure about the dangers of UV Radiation and how to identify the early signs of skin cancer.  

Workers/Volunteers

Must comply with all Citipointe procedures and instructions regarding sun safety. They should ensure the use of personal protection equipment when working outdoors in the sun and that they do not put themselves or others at risk. Workers / volunteers should advise their Manager if replacement of protection measures is required or additional protection measures are needed.

Risk Factors

A safe system of work should be set up which will include a risk assessment of workers’/volunteer’s sun exposure, identification of tasks that may place workers/volunteers at risk, and sun protection measures for controlling the degree of exposure. The degree of risk is largely dependent on the duration and extent of exposure.

Some of the risks associated with overexposure to the sun are:

• Sunburn - this is a type of radiation burn.

• Eye damage – over exposure to UV can damage the eye, lens or cornea.

• Premature ageing of the skin will result from over exposure. 

• Sun spots - dry or rough spots on the skin.  Like premature ageing, these are indicators of excessive exposure to UV.  These can develop into cancers. 

• Skin cancers  

Control Measures

The most effective way of reducing the risk of UV exposure is to use a combination of control measures. The following is an example of the hierarchy of controls that could be implemented, in the order of effectiveness.

Work Organisation

Where possible:

• Minimise the amount of outdoor work.

• Move jobs undercover.

Using Shade

Where the job, activity or work times cannot be changed, workers will be encouraged to make maximum use of shade. The following options will be considered.

• Use of natural or existing shade from buildings, trees and other structures at the worksite. 

• Use of portable canopies or erected shade structures made from fabrics such as canvas, awning, umbrella fabric or shade cloth. Shade cloth should provide at least 94% protection from UV rays. 

• Have lunch or any breaks in shady spots; and

• Replace lost fluids by keeping up your liquid intake. 

Personal Protective Clothing (PPE) 

• Wear light, loose coloured clothing made of natural fibres which will provide proper ventilation, reflect heat and allow sweat to evaporate. 

• Shirts will have long or three-quarter length sleeves and a collar and be made from a close weave, breathable fabric. Clothing that offers excellent protection with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 40, 45, 50 or 50+ (as classified by AS/NZS 4399) is recommended. Choose clothing with UPF50+ for best protection. 

• Loose fitting long trousers offer the best protection.  If shorts are to be worn they should be to the knee. 

• If hard hats are to be worn, then brim attachments with neck flaps are to be attached. Hats or brim attachments are required to have a broad brim, measuring no less than 8 cm in width. 

• Hats should be comfortable and be made of a close weave material. Hats that have gauze or mesh sections are not suitable as UV rays will penetrate. 

• Use maximum protection sunscreen to areas which cannot be protected with clothing;

• Eye protection is to be worn where necessary; Sunglasses must comply with AS/NZS1067 and screen out at least 99% of ultraviolet light.  If safety glasses are required then sunglasses need to comply with AS/NZS 1337 and AS/NZS 1338.  Sunglasses should be glare resistant, lightweight, comfortable and fit closely to the face.  Wrap around sunglasses offer the best protection. Clip ons are available for persons with prescription glasses. 

Sunscreen

• A broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30+ is recommended for workers who are required to work outdoors. 

• Sunscreen will be placed in areas accessible for all workers and stored in a cool place out of the sun. 

• As sunscreen does not offer 100% protection, it is to be used in conjunction with additional protective measures such as clothing, hats and sunglasses. 

• Sunscreen should be applied generously to all areas of exposed skin at least 20 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours as it easily wipes, sweats or washes off.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Sun Safety JSA

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Purpose

To provide guidance on the correct selection, use and maintenance of hand and power tools.

Types of tools include:

• brush cutter ;

• push mower;

• spray packs;

• drills;

• concrete saws;

• power saws;

• jack hammers;

• air powered tools; and

• hedgers

Definitions

Nil

Responsibilities

Managers

• Provide the correct tools for the tasks to be performed safely and without risk of harm to the user.

• Arrange training for all workers in the correct selection, use, and maintenance of the tools they are required to use.

• Ensure preventative maintenance and repair or replacement of tools when necessary.

• Take all workers through relevant SWPs and acquire a signature before starting work with the tool. 

 Workers

• Operate hand and power tools in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

• Wear the appropriate PPE and ensure that others in the area are also protected

• Inspect tools and equipment prior to use.  Damaged tools and equipment must be tagged “OUT OF SERVICE” and removed from the workplace for repair or replacement. 

• Ensure electric power tools have been tested and tagged.

• Never modify a tool for a task that it was not designed for.

• Ensure all guards (if applicable) are in place and operating correctly prior to using tools.

• Disconnect the power before making any adjustments or changing parts/blades to electric power tools.

• Do not use electrical power tools in exposed wet conditions

• Do not throw the tools, pass them from hand to hand

• Protect all sharp edges where practicable, when not in use

• Get help if unsure how to operate a particular tool

Supporting Documents   

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

General Tool Use JSA

Concreting JSA 

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

On the Brisbane campus we have pedestrians and vehicles of all sorts sharing space. Some hours of days are busier than other. 

The procedure on Traffic in the Work Health and Safety Manual must be covered in every Induction program.

The following checklist outlines key traffic management rules:

• Ensure only those appropriately licensed and authorised workers operate a vehicle requiring a licence.

• Speed limits are to be kept.

• Seatbelts must be worn whilst on the property. You have not yet reached your destination just because you hit the entrance. 

• Follow the correct flow of traffic - if you cut across the parking lot you must give way to other vehicles and pedestrians. 

• Pay attention to the signs on our property.

• Be mindful of the busy times on the property and pay even closer attention to your driving or walking on the property 

• Be aware of the cafe customers, school and international college students and parents.

• Road rage is not permitted on the property at any time. 

Traffic Control

Purpose

This procedure outlines how Citipointe keeps all persons safe (includes workers, volunteers, interns and the public) from the hazards of vehicles, including cars, busses, golf carts and any other wheeled thing, which has movement around the Citipointe Campus’s internal roads and parking lots. This includes all Citipointe Church campuses including the School and CHC at Brisbane, Work for the Dole Programs, Food Care, and any other program that invites people on to its properties. In Brisbane it includes all internal roads and entry to and from Wecker and Scrub Roads. 

Vehicle operators must observe the restricted lanes and spaces in a parking lot allows for little or no room for evasive action if speed is too high for instant stopping when impact is imminent. Very slow driving and constant alertness is imperative wherever people are walking or vehicles are parked.

When driving on to church property observe speed limits.  Be aware of speed bumps, pedestrian crossings, students, infants and other pedestrians. Observe signs and instructions of other institutions that share this campus: Citipointe Christian College, Citipointe Ministry College and Christian Heritage College.

The law doesn't differentiate between public and private property when it comes to where the road rules apply. If your car is moving, and there are other cars around which are either moving or are likely to be, and there are pedestrians both big and small, it is natural that they will assume that the driver is doing what the driver should be doing: paying attention to the road. Please be aware: 

• It is illegal to fail to give way to both pedestrians and vehicles when pulling out of a parking space. 

• Cutting across the car park spaces is the same as exiting a parking space and you must Give Way to all other Vehicles and Pedestrians.

• Do not park in a Disabled, Reserved or otherwise marked parking spot unless you are permitted  to do so.

• Stick to the speed limit of the parking lots - in Brisbane, that is 10km per hour at all times on the property and the 40km per hour limit at designated times outside the property in the school zones.

• Do not park on any yellow lines. 

• Obey all property road signs.

Definitions

Nil

Responsibilities

Citipointe Church

• Must identify what may cause harm in our parking lots and internal roads, including all ways in which pedestrians and vehicles interact. 

• They must assess the risk of the possibility of collisions between pedestrians and vehicles. 

• They must Implement traffic control procedures and communicate the requirements of these procedures to workers, volunteers, contractors, parents and regular visitors to the property. 

• They  must ensure that relevant traffic warning signs are installed in and around the workplace.

• They must ensure appropriate PPE is provided to workers, volunteers and contractors.

• They must monitor the effectiveness of these procedures and take corrective action where required. 

• They must  monitor compliance in all of the above.

Workers, Contractors, Volunteers and Interns

• Workers, contractors, volunteers and interns must comply with traffic controls outlined in this procedure to protect the safety of themselves and others in and round the workplace.

• They must wear appropriate PPE when moving around vehicles in the workplace.

• They must report incidents associated with traffic in the workplace.  

Visitors

All visitors to the property, which includes parents and host parents of school children, should use common sense and follow all usual road rules. 

Who is at risk

• All pedestrians who move around our property are at risk of colliding with a vehicle. 

• Grounds, Contractors and Facility staff particularly may be at risk if they are working either on or in proximity to the parking lots and internal roads. This includes blow downs, setting out cones for events, and any other maintenance that may be required on the actual roadwork or signage, or foliage. 

• Customers to the cafe, church and  playgrounds are at risk of being hit by a car if they park and walk in those areas. 

• International College students - Hosts and Parents of international students are asked to pick up and drop off their students from the parking lot beside the College. Though there is no yellow line outside this College, it is not advised due to the heavy nature of traffic on this road. The pedestrian crossing allows all persons to safely cross the road. Traffic must obey state laws and yield to anyone on a pedestrian crossing. 

• Parents dropping off and picking up children are at risk, particularly is they allow their child to walk alone from a safe pathway across a road, to their vehicle. 

• “L” and “P” plated drivers are new to the road and as such can be a hazard. 

• Bus drivers who are to drive on to our property and are not aware of small roundabouts, and turn around points. They must be advised before entry where to enter and park on the property.  

Pedestrian and Vehicle Interaction

Both drivers and pedestrians can be distracted when they are moving through our property. There’s a lot to look out for and a lot to take attention away from safety. 

To assist in the avoidance of a collision between pedestrians and vehicles:

• Mobile plants should be scheduled to operate outside the congested times. 

• Pedestrians should stay on designated safe routes (pathways) and avoid taking potentially hazardous shortcuts.

• Trucks and buses have been provided separate areas for tarping, load restraint, load splitting, maintenance and clean down. (the Bus Shed).

• Be aware of the congested times of each property, particularly relating to children arriving or being picked up on the property. In Brisbane, the congested times are:

  • Monday to Friday School Terms 7am - 9am & 2pm - 4pm.

  • Friday Nights around the Society House (Youth) and College Hall (Fusion).

  • Major event times which all staff are notified about when they occur.

• Workers should be aware of the congested times at each location that may affect the safety of pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same space. 

• Where mobile plants or other work related vehicles must undertake work when pedestrians are around, suitable barriers must be erected. 

• Pedestrian routes and intersections are clearly marked, well maintained and well lit. 

When walking through a parking lot, pedestrians should:

• Refrain from walking between vehicles, but rather walk along the end of a row of parked cars.

• Looking out for vehicles and checking surroundings.

• Never assume a driver can or will see them.

• Always looking both ways before crossing, and using sidewalks and pathways when available.

When driving through a parking lot, drivers should:

• Following the flow of the roads and avoid cutting across the parking lots.

• Driving slowly (10km per hour on the Brisbane Campus) and using signals. Speeding at any time is not permitted on the property. 

• Be more mindful in wet weather as vehicles tend to skid. 

• Anticipate  the actions of other drivers.

• Obey stop signs and no-parking on yellow lines.

• When backing out, be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians.

• Watch for small children and parents with prams.

• Be aware of the congested times on the Brisbane Campus, particularly relating to children arriving or being picked up on the property: 

• Monday to Friday School Terms 7am - 9am & 2pm - 4pm. 

• Friday Nights around the Society House (Youth) and College Hall (Fusion).

• Major event times which all staff are notified about when they occur.

• Obey the reduced speed on the public roads outside our school in Brisbane, which is often patrolled by the police. 

• Park in spots with less vehicle and foot traffic, and always watch for pedestrians.

• Avoid driving in reverse when possible. Instead, pull all the way through a parking spot to avoid backing out and dealing with blind spots where possible.

Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrian crossings are clearly marked on properties and vehicles are expected to give way as per Qld road rules. 

Road Markings, Lighting and Maintenance

• In Brisbane, management has strategically placed yellow lines as a sign that no stopping along that route may take place. Parents of the school are reminded regularly that they must not stop on a yellow line. 

• Traffic routes are well lit with particular attention given to junctions, buildings, walkways and vehicles routes.

• Damaged surfaces can cause trips and weatherized surfaces can cause slips. All road hazards must be reported. 

Reversing and unloading vehicles

Reversing is a common occurrence in Citipointe parking lots and property. For expected delivery vehicles, all organisations on all properties will have a worker allocated to ensure their safe parking (unless there is an understanding) and unloading. This person should be in visible contact with the driver at all times and wear high-visible clothing.

Training, Information, Instruction and Supervision

It is important each worker, contractor, subcontractor, visiting driver and other relevant people clearly understand their role in following safe work practices and taking reasonable care of themselves and others.

Citipointe ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, everyone who has access to our workplace, is provided with information necessary to protect them from risks to their health and safety, for example instructions on designated safe routes, parking areas, and speed limits. This is addressed to workers, volunteers and interns through the induction process.  

It is impossible to monitor or train visitor movement on the property due to its size. Visitors should have sufficient signage, parking signs, road markings to understand instruction on driving and parking on Citipointe campuses. 

Events

All major events at Citipointe Churches, schools, colleges and other associated organisations who use Citipointe Church buildings, must allocate pre-planning to the traffic control of the campus in which the event is taking place. 

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Purpose

Citipointe Church will ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the conduct of work relating to excavation and trenching will not be harmful to the health and safety of workers or the general community.

This procedure aims to ensure that:

• risks to the safety of persons involved in the performance of excavation/trenching work carried out by the Council are identified before work commences;

• guidelines for establishing and maintaining a safe working environment wherever excavation, including trenching, is carried out; and

• measures are taken to eliminate, minimise or control these risks before, during and after the performance of the work.

This procedure relates to excavation work if:

• an excavation formed by the work is more than 1.5 metres high when measured from the bottom of the excavation and the excavation is capable of permitting the entry of a person; or

• there is a possibility that a person involved in the performance of the work, or in the vicinity of any excavation or excavation work, could be injured from a fall or dislodgement of soil or rock.

Definitions

Nil

Procedure

A written engineer’s report (as per legislation) shall be prepared to assess all site conditions that could affect the excavation and person’s safety prior to any work commencing. An engineer’s report will be required if a risk assessment determines that conditions have changed to that noted in the engineer’s report. 

The engineer’s report must include:

• Site conditions

• Safety precautions that should be taken and observed during and after the performance of the work

• Temporary support systems

• Battering/benching

• Other forms of retaining structures whether temporary or permanent

• Pre-excavation Risk Assessment Worksheet

• Other matters that may be relevant to protect the safety of persons involved in the performance of the work in the vicinity of the excavation

• Comment or revision of the Excavation Daily Inspection Sheet in respect to content and use.

Controlling Identified hazards

A combination of control measures may be required to effectively manage the hazards.  

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Battering: Protects workers from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation at an incline, the angle of incline varying with the soil type, the height of the face, the moisture content of the soil and the application of surcharge loads

• Benching: Similar to a sloping system but with horizontal levels and vertical slopes to give an overall benched slope

• Support systems: Generally refers to a structure used to support the sides of an excavation or to the underpinning or bracing of an adjacent structure or underground installation. Support systems are either shoring systems or shield systems.

• Shoring systems: A shoring system is a steel or aluminium hydraulic or mechanical shoring system or a timber system to support the sides of an excavation and prevent cave-ins by the use of sheeting.

• Shield systems: A shield is a structure, usually manufactured from steel that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in and protect workers who work within the structure. Shields can be permanent structures or designed to be portable and be moved along as work progresses. Shields used in trenches are referred to as trench shields or trench boxes. Steel shields should be designed in accordance with AS 4744.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Excavation Work JSA

Employee Competency, Licence & Training Record

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Engineers Report

Purpose

This work procedure is intended to reduce hazards to personnel who work over or near water and to prevent injury or fatality from falling into the water. 

Definitions

Nil

Responsibilities

Workers

All Citipointe Church workers who are required to perform work over or near water must comply with this work procedure. 

Procedure

1. Perform visual inspection of area noting potential overhead and other hazards that are not in the normal field of vision.

2. For work to be performed near water and more than four feet from the pool edge, where possible, a second worker should be in eye contact for the period of time the first worker is in the vicinity of the water. 

3. Workers must know how to use rescue equipment such as “pole & life hook” and “ring buoy.

4. Use caution when walking on wet surfaces to avoid slips, trips and falls. 

5. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn as required by the task being performed.

Supporting Documents

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Working Around Water JSA

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Record of Pre-Work Start Meeting

Purpose

The aim of this procedure is:

• To detect concealed services before the commencement of work.

• Maintain safety of personnel and concealed services and assets during ground breaking or drilling activities.

This procedure shall apply to works undertaken on all Citipointe Church work sites.

Definitions

Nil

Procedure

1. As far as is reasonably practicable, prior to the commencement of any excavation or penetration, the precise location of all concealed services, buried pipe work, structures, foundations, electrical equipment, cabling, or hazardous materials, shall be identified and clearly marked to prevent damage during the work.

2. Undertake the following searches/documentation for concealed services until all services are positively located:

   • copy of drawings of known concealed services in the area; and

   • contact the asset owner’s representative or other knowledgeable person as part of the work planning process.

3. Inspection of the site by a competent person checking for locations of possible concealed services and looking for the following:

   • A direct or indirect route between the source and the load.

   • Markers on the surface between stop valves/pits.

   • Earthing, including the earth mat, cabling and pipes entering the ground.

   • Service pipe work between two buildings.

   • Conduits, switches or terminal boxes on the other side of the structure.

   • Disturbance of ground, slab or wall that suggests presence of concealed service.

4. Carry out non-mechanical removal of material to initially identify services.

5. Conduct a survey of the proposed excavation/penetration area using electronic locating devices. There are various types of commercially available locating devices.

6. No excavation/penetration shall be performed on site before an approved concealed services permit has been issued.

7. A confined space permit is required if the excavation meets the definition of a confined space.

8. For trenching requirements refer to reference documents.

9. When no one is in attendance, adequate covers are to be used to cover the trench to prevent persons falling into an excavation where the depth is two metres or more.

10. To prevent machinery getting closer than the distance equal to 1.5 times the height of the excavation, webbing barricades firmly supported by star pickets shall be installed at the appropriate distance from the excavation perimeter.

Supporting Documents  

Relevant Safe Work Procedures

Relevant Risk Management Strategies

Relevant SWMS

Maxpanda Maintenance Records

Maxpanda Hazard Reporting

Pre Work-Start Meeting

Legislation

Model Code of Practice: Excavation work

Excavation work Code of Practice 2013