safety

What is Occupational Health and Safety?

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) involves both developing and continually improving the systems and procedures that outline the way in which we carry out work within RMIT. They are designed to assist in making our workplace a safe environment for all users.

Our system is NOT designed as a means of attributing blame, but rather as a means of improving existing systems, identifying shortcomings in existing modes of working and collaboratively developing processes to ensure the RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles Workshops are a safe place to work. All students, staff and visitors to RMIT have OH&S obligations, and we appreciate your feedback!

Legal Framework for OH&S

Occupational Health and Safety is addressed in many organisations and institutions, and is largely enforced by governmental laws and regulations. RMIT University has its own policies and procedures from the University level, through to the College (Design and Social Context), School (Fashion and Textiles) and localised workshop areas. Regulations on ALL of these levels of authority must be adhered to.

OH&S is enshrined in: -

• Acts and Regulations on a Government level;
• Codes of Practice and Australian Standards; and
• RMIT Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and Safe Working Instructions

As students, you should make particular note of Victoria's OH&S Act. Section 32 of the Act states that "other persons have a duty not to recklessly endanger persons at workplaces". Essentially, this means that all staff and students accessing the workshops have a responsibility not to wilfully endanger other workshop users through either action or inaction. Additional information about Victoria's OH&S Act can be accessed online via Worksafe Victoria.

Duty of Care

Upon entering any School of Fashion and Textiles Workshop or Laboratory, all students, staff and visitors are bound by Duty of Care. This means that each user must take responsibility for the health and safety of him/herself and of other users who may be affected by his/her actions while in the workshop or laboratory.

Students, staff and visitors must: -

• not place themselves or other persons at risk of injury;
• observe all instructions and safety guidelines issued by Technical Officers or other relevant staff;
• observe all laboratory and workshop rules;
• be aware of RMIT Emergency and OH&S Procedures;
• use equipment and plant in a safe manner, and follow all safe operating procedures;
• actively participate in safety training and information sessions;
• assist in the maintenance of the laboratory or workshop; and
• report any incidents to relevant staff.

Emergencies and Evacuation Procedures

The RMIT Emergency Response Plan and associated procedures are available on the RMIT University website here: -

Emergency Management

All staff and students are also required to read the Emergency Procedure Information, which can be accessed via the following link: -

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/t247v3rs60to.doc

It is also important for all students and staff to become familiar with emergency procedures and signage in specific building, workshop or laboratory areas, as these indicate the nearest evacuation routes and emergency assembly areas. In the event of an emergency, building occupants are required to follow instructions given by the nominated Warden. If you are present when an emergency occurs, please call the relevant Emergency Service (Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade) and then contact RMIT Security

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Emergency 0-000

RMIT Security #6105

Emergency Signals Reminder

Alert – Beep Beep

Prepare to evacuate, turn off equipment

Evacuate – Whoop Whoop

Evacuate the building

Follow the directions of RMIT wardens

Follow exit signs to the assembly area

Do not use lifts

Do not re-enter building until directed to do so

First Aid and Medical Assistance

First Aid Kits and staff trained in First Aid are available across the University. Staff and students should determine the whereabouts of First Aid Kits in local building areas, and also find out who in the vicinity of local workspaces is a nominated First Aider. If in doubt about the severity or treatment of an injury, call an Ambulance on 000.

General FabShop Rules

• If there is something you don’t know or understand - ASK!
• No unauthorised access to the FabShop;
• No unauthorised use of equipment;
• All instructions issued by staff must be observed;
• All safety guidelines must be adhered to;
• Equipment and plant / machinery is to be operated in a safe manner and in accordance with the procedures demonstrated by staff;
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other specialised safety equipment is to be worn as required;
• Clothing appropriate to the area and task is to be worn at all times - for instance, jewellery or loose fitting clothing is NOT to be worn in proximity to operational machinery, and beards and long hair are to be fastidiously contained when operating machinery or power tools;
• Food and drink is not to be consumed in the FabShop unless a technical officer indicates otherwise;
• Do not enter the FabShop under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Do not use equipment when alertness and concentration is adversely affected for any reason whatsoever
• No running in the FabShop;
• All safety data sheets and labels should be read carefully;
• All safety signs, instructions and notices should be read carefully;
• All staff and students should familiarise themselves with the location of emergency buttons, exits and procedures;
• Safe Work Instructions should be strictly adhered to when operating each piece of equipment, plant or machinery;
• Students and staff should clean up and put things away after use; and
• Think before you act!

Basic FabShop Maintenance

• Clean Up After Yourself. It is the responsibility of ALL workshop users to keep area clean and tidy at all times
• Technical staff are NOT employed to clean up after you
• Keep areas around machines and walkways clear
• Do not enter the area which is marked out on the floor as a the Gerber Cutter area
• Don’t block or obscure emergency evacuation thoroughfares
• Clean down benches, machinery and sweep the floors when you have finished or requested to by staff
• When you have finished using tools/equipment put it back in its allocated space
• If a tool it is broken, blunt, damaged or unsafe to use it is YOUR responsibility to inform staff
• If you break or damage tools or equipment it is YOUR responsibility to inform staff
• DO NOT return or put away damage tools/equipment without informing staff, as the next user could be seriously hurt or injured.

Clutter - Why You Need to Clean Up After Yourself!

Controlling the clutter or mess you generate is a primary requirement when accessing the FabShop. When we talk about clutter we are not just referring to rubbish or waste, we are talking about the collection and inappropriate storage of your work, personal items, materials, equipment, mannequins, garments, etc. Lecturing and Technical Staff are not employed to organise your mess or clean up after you. Clutter is unsightly and unpleasant to be around, and it is a major OHS issue.

Clutter causes multiple OHS issues. Some of the problems with clutter:

• limits movement, access, and create evacuation difficulties in an emergency
• adds to combustible material and heightens risk in the event of a fire
• adds to the likelihood of someone being injured by slipping, tripping and falling
• encourages pests like ants, flies, and rodents

DO:

• Organise your clutter making sure it doesn’t interfere with other FabShop operations or processes
• clean up after yourself. Dispose of rubbish in allocated bins
• Store your items, with permission, in designated storage areas
• If you leave anything behind in the designated areas, label it with your name, contact details, the date you left it and the date you will collect it

DON’T:

• Place your bags or items in access ways or doorways
• Block fire exits or equipment
• Leave your clutter expecting someone else will deal with it

Access

• Access Times - The FabShop has specific access times. These are generally 9am-5pm Monday to Friday during semester. Shorter hours sometimes apply, and these times are generally advertised on the website and posted at the entry to the FabShop. The FabShop is closed to students outside of semester.
• After Hour Access - There is no after hours access.
• Local Emergency Procedures - In the event of an emergency, please follow all instructions issued by staff members and observe all instructions issued over the emergency Public Announcement system.
• OHS Induction - The FabShop runs a 10 minute induction once a week to give students important information regarding safety and expectations for conduct. This induction is compulsory for students wishing to use the FabShop. Following the induction, you will sign the Fabshop Workplace Safety Agreement (login required) to gain access. This Agreement must be re-signed at the start of each semester. Failure to abide by the Conditions of Access as stated in the Agreement may result in suspension or denial of access to the FabShop.

What is Personal Protective Equipment?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a piece of clothing or equipment design to protect an individual from risk of injury.

PPE can include but is not limited to:

• Safety Glasses
• Face Shields
• Gloves
• Safety Boots
• Aprons
• Ear Muffs
• Dust Masks
• Respirators

What does it do?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is design to be the last line of defence between you and a hazard. You will find it is the lowest level of control measure in the Hierarchy of Controls.

What PPE should I use?

Choosing what PPE to wear depends on what you are doing. For example if you are using a piece of machinery it is highly likely you will have to wear safety glasses or face shield. You should always read the Safe Work Instructions (SWI) and consult your lecturer or technician. Selecting the correct type of PPE for the task is also very important. For example there are many different forms of dust masks and respirators. Some protect you from dust (e.g. saw dust) but will not protect you from fumes (e.g. spray paint). Always check with the manufacture and talk with your lecturer or technician about these issue.

Where do I find it?

The FabShop PPE stand is located at the entry to the workshop. You can use any of the following while in the workshop:

• thin non-latex gloves
• heavy heat-proof gloves
• safety glasses
• dust masks
• ear plugs
• headphone hearing protection

You may also be required to purchase your own PPE if the task you are performing requires it. Please talk with your lecturer or technician about this issue.

Please dispose of all disposable PPE items (gloves, earplugs, dust masks). PPE is for use in the workshop only: do NOT treat the PPE stand as a free source of PPE items.

Appropriate Clothing

The FabShop is a place where actual items are made and constructed. Because this can involve manual work using equipment and machinery, the wearing of appropriate clothing is very important. Please be sensible in what you wear in the workshops. Items like jewellery, loose hair and clothing can be caught in equipment and machinery, resulting in a serious injury.

DO:

• wear sturdy secured clothing that offers you some protection and doesn't matter if it gets dirty or damaged
• contain and secure long hair and beards to reduce the risk of being caught in equipment and machinery
• wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

DON’T:

• wear your best clothes as they can be damaged or ruined
• wear high heels, thongs, sandals or open toed shoes
• wear jewellery or clothing which
  • may get caught in machinery
  • get in the way of your work
  • distract you by requiring constant adjustment
  • obstruct your vision

Safety Signage

In Laboratories and Workshops, picture safety signs use universal symbols to:

• prevent accidents signal health hazards indicate the location of safety, first aid and fire protection equipment
• give clear guidance and instruction in emergency procedures
• form part of the total safety information system of the area

Picture safety signs warn of hazards or risks that are present in the workplace and inform users in the workplace how to avoid that hazard or risks, or its effects.

In addition to the picture signs, many individual machines and processes have detailed signs explaining “step by step” instructions to use them safely.

Safe Work Instructions (SWI)

A Safe Work Instruction is a one to two page document attached to or near a piece of equipment. They do not replace instruction manuals or training in the use of the piece of equipment, they are designed to remind you of the safe way to use that piece of equipment. Even after you have been trained, you should always read them before operating any piece of equipment.

General Machine and Tool Safety

• Safety glasses or goggles must be worn at all times whilst using machinery and power tools.
• Give your full attention to the task when operating any machinery.
• Make sure that only the operator and the helpers are inside the safety zone around the machinery.
• Never talk to or distract a person who is operating machinery.
• Ask Technical staff to approve all special setups.
• Keep the floor around the machinery free of any material, including scraps.
• Be certain that saws and cutters are sharp and properly installed.
• Do not change a cutter without permission and assistance from Technical staff.
• When replacing saws or cutters, ensure that the power is OFF at the circuit breaker box and unplugged (isolated).
• Ensure that all guards are in place and operating properly before turning on power to machinery.
• Remove all spanners, chuck keys, hex keys and other set up tools from machinery and the table before operating.
• Do not permit anyone else to turn on any machinery you are operating.
• Do not use a tool with a frayed wire or a defective switch (report it immediately to Technical staff).
• Arrange cords on portable equipment to prevent them being snared in the machinery or causing others to trip.
• Do not use any electrical tools when flammable gas, liquids or vapours are present.
• Keep electrical cords away from positions which are hot, wet or oily.
• Notify Technical staff immediately if machinery does not appear to be running or operating properly.
• Examine all wood to be machined for knots, wane, splits, checks, twists, curly grain and imbedded metal objects. Any of these defects can be a source of danger.
• Ask for assistance when cutting long or wide boards and panels.
• Ensure machinery is operating at full speed before starting to feed material.
• Do not feed material into a machine faster than it will cut easily nor so slow that it burns the material. Take light cuts where possible.
• Never make adjustments while machinery is running.
• In case of an electrical power failure, turn off the machinery and stand clear.
• Turn off the power and wait until the cutting tool stops turning before leaving any machinery.

Chemical and Material Procedures

Some chemicals and materials can be hazardous when working with them. Hazards such as dust and fumes can be generated. Some materials or chemicals can also react dangerously with one another. It is important to talk with staff about this issue and make sure you are aware of any special requirements. Before using any material or chemical you should also check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - is a document about a chemical or material that is designed to provide important information about it. In it you should find information such as procedures for use, safety equipment requirements, handling, storage and safe disposal. An MSDS is produced by the manufacture of the chemical or material and must be supplied whenever any chemical or material is brought into the FabShop. Technical staff have a folder containing the MSDS of the chemicals or materials provided by the FabShop. You need to make yourself aware of where these are kept and read them as require.

Chemical and Material Procedures Rules

• No one is to bringing any nonstandard chemical or material into the FabShop without first seeking permission from technical staff.
• Any chemical or material brought into the workshops must be supplied with its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and may need to undergo a Risk Assessment.
• Some materials, solutions and solvents are unsafe when they mix or come into contact with other substances. They must be used in well ventilated areas and under fume extraction hoods.
• When handling any chemical or material appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must be worn.
• Any chemical brought into the FabShop must be appropriately labelled in accordance to Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.
• NO chemicals are to be placed/decanted in food or drink containers.
• All chemicals must be stored in the appropriate storage cabinets or designated area.

Labelling Decanted Chemicals

Any chemical that is decanted into a new (appropriate, secure) container must have:

• Name of Student
• Name of Lecturer/Technician
• Class
• Date Decanted
• Contents

Chemical Spills

In the event of an accidental chemical spillage please follow the procedure below:

Major Spills or Acutely Toxic Chemicals

• Assist persons in immediate danger (Only if safe to do so). Check MSDS for First Aid instructions. Notify you nearest First Aider.
• Restrict the danger area by shutting door/s on spill area (Only if safe to do so).
• If flammable – shut off all ignition sources (Only if safe to do so).
• Raise the alarm – Notify Fire Brigade on “000” and give details of problem.
• Alert Security on 9925 3333.
• Attend to the emergency (Only if trained and it is safe to do so).
• Evacuate to designated Assembly Area.
• Stay there until accounted for and instructed that you may leave.

An alternative Assembly Area may need to be used if the weather conditions are transporting vapours toward the primary Assembly Area. Listen to instructions and take note of unusual smells and conditions.

Minor Spills

Only attempt to clean a chemical spill if trained and it is safe to do so. When handling a chemical spill you MUST ware appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). (eg. apron, gloves, safety glasses, face shield, respirator, etc). Check MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for relevant PPE.

• Assist persons injured or in immediate danger. Check MSDS for First Aid instructions. Notify your nearest First Aider.
• Check MSDS for relevant PPE. WEAR IT.
• Contain the spill. For Liquid Spills place appropriate absorbent material on and around the spill to prevent it from spreading.
• Be aware that some chemicals (such as methylated spirits) burn invisibly. If the spill MAY be alight, exercise special caution in containing it.
• Notify people in the vicinity of the spill. Assign someone to watch and warn people of the danger.
• Notify the Lecturer and Technician.
• Add appropriate neutralising agent to chemical.
• Collect the material in an appropriate container for disposal.
• Seal and Label the container.

Incidents Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, injuries or near misses should be formally reported on a RMIT’s Incident Report Form. A near miss is an incident that could have had potentially serious conquests but luckily was avoided. Ask your lecturer or Technician for an Incident Report Form as needed.

Why do these incidents, injuries or near misses need to be reported?

We need your support with this procedure as it will assist us in improving our systems. If we are unaware that accidents or potential accidents are happening we cannot improve our systems and potential hazards remain. Also certain serious incidents require immediate notification to WorkSafe Victoria and if they are not you and RMIT could be in breach of the law. Serious incidents will require investigation by Human Resources and the site should, where practicable, remain untouched until the investigation has been completed.

STUDENT INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURE

Where an incident involves personal injury:

1. attend to the injured person
2. contact the nearest first-aider
3. notify emergency services and RMIT Security if necessary

All hazards, incidents and accidents involving RMIT University staff, students or property, or other persons or property for which the University has a legislative responsibility, must be reported using the RMIT University Incident Report Form or the online equivalent.

Incidents Report Forms are available from school offices, health and safety representatives, Human Resources, RMIT Security, and Student Hubs.

Report the hazard or incident immediately to the relevant manager. In the case of:

• Staff Member, contact manager of the staff member.
• Student, contact the staff member supervising the activity.
• Student injured whilst not under supervision, contact RMIT Security or a staff member.
• Contractor, contact the project manager or head of area employing the contractor.
• Visitor, contact RMIT Security or staff member of area being visited.
• In circumstances such as stress and bullying where a direct supervisor is alleged to be the cause of an incident, the Incident Report Form can be forwarded directly to the next level of management or to Human Resources.

Think Health and Safety

When you are working in the workshops it is important to be thinking about your and others Health and Safety. We use systems and procedures such as Risk Management, Hierarchy of Controls and Hazard Indication to assist us to identify and tackle Health and Safety issues.

Risk Management

If you are aware of potential hazards we can avoid or manage them. This is called Risk Management.

When talking about Risk Management we use these terms:

• Hazard - is anything that could cause harm or ill health.
• Risk - is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm or ill health. It is also important to remember that the level of risk can also increase with the severity of the hazard, length of exposure to the hazard and the number of times the person is exposed to the hazard.
• Exposure - is when the person comes into contact with a hazard.

Risk Management is a four step process:

1. Identify - the hazard. What is it that could cause harm or ill health?
2. Assess - the risk associated with the hazard. What is the chance of causing you or another person harm or ill health? How long are you or another person exposed to the hazard? How often are you or another person exposed to the hazard?
3. Control - the risk. Use the "Hierarchy of Controls" (see below) to manage the risk.
4. Review - the process. Because things change or are missed you should repeat Risk Management process as needed.

Hierarchy of Controls

When you encounter a hazard try and use what is known as the Hierarchy of Controls. This has been design to help you think about the process and reduce or eliminate the hazard. This is a hierarchical process where you try and get rid of problem starting at number one and working down the list. The last resort should always be using number 5. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

1. Elimination - This is the best way to control a hazard by removing it completely. Ask yourself the questions: Do I really need to do this? Can I remove the hazard?
2. Substitution - The second best way to control a hazard is to replace it with something that is less dangerous. Ask yourself the questions: Is there a safer way to do this? Is there a better and safer process (for example: Can I use another safer chemical?)?
3. Engineering - The third best way to control a hazard is to use engineering methods such as redesigning or replacing equipment with safer options. You can also use items such as guards and local extraction. Ask yourself the questions: Is there a newer and safer piece of equipment? Can you put guards or barriers into place to protect you from risks?
4. Administrative - The fourth best way to control a hazard is by developing administrative procedures to deal with the hazard. These procedures are items such as Risk Assessments, Safe Work Instructions, Permits to work, Training, Supervision, Signage, etc. Ask yourself the questions: Do I require supervision or task specific training? What written procedures can be developed to reduce the risk?
5. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) - The final and fifth way to control a hazard is to wear Personal Protection Equipment such as safety glasses, aprons, ear muffs, etc. Ask yourself the question: What safety equipment do I have to wear to protect myself.

Hazard Indication

It is important to be aware of potential hazards.

Hazard – Something that has the potential to cause harm.

You need to think and be aware of potential hazards and try to avoid them. Hazards come in many forms. They include but are not limited to:

• Machinery and Tools - punctures, stabs, cuts, abrasions, amputations, etc.
• Chemical and Material - poisoning, allergic reactions, etc.
• Environmental, Air Quality and Noise - suffocation, illness, hearing damage, etc.
• Ergonomics - repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel, etc.
• Manual Handling - sprains, strains, muscle tearing, etc.
• Slips, trips and falls - broken bones, head injuries, etc.
• Biological - disease, contagions, etc.
• Electrical - shock, burns, etc.