Fitzroy Falls O H S Manual - Inspire Education€¦ · Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility – OHS Manual . Version 1.0.0 . Page 7 of 32. Emergency Call Bell Procedure (Fitzroy Falls

© J.N. Bailey 2009 Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility – OHS Manual Version 1.0.0 Page 1 of 32

O.H.S. Manual

Fitzroy Falls Aged

Care Facility

Page 2 of 32 Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility - OHS Manual Version 1.0.0 © J.N. Bailey 2009

OHS Manual Challenging Behaviour Aggressive Behaviour Policy Restraint Policy Emergency Planning Fire Procedure (Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility) Fire Procedure (Grange Home Care) Emergency Call Bell Procedure (Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility) Emergency Call Bell Procedure (Grange Home Care) Hazard Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure Management of OHS OHS Committee Representative Role Role of the OHS committee OHS Issue Resolution Procedure OHS Consultation and Communication Policy Risk Assessment Policy and Procedure Maintenance Request Form Use of Electrical Equipment Policy Personal Protective Equipment Policy Waste Management Policy Lock Out/Tag Out Policy Manual Handling Manual Handling Policy No Lifting Policy Staff Manual Handling Policy


Challenging Behaviour

Aggressive Behaviour Policy

The aim of this policy is to minimise the risk of injury to Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility staff from incidents of resistive aggressive behaviour of residents/clients.

Definition

Aggression is defined as the infliction, or threat of harm or injury. It includes verbal abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, threats or intimidating behaviour, intentional physical attacks (ie hitting, pinching, scratching, aggravated assault, threats with an offensive weapon, sexual harassment, sexual assault).

Procedure

1. Information regarding aggressive tendencies should be obtained from family, carers and other health professionals. This information should be included in the care plan.

2. Incidents of resident's/client's aggressive behaviour should be assessed, monitored and documented using the appropriate forms.

3. An action plan should be developed and implemented based on the assessment of the resident's/client's behaviour.

4. If required, a specialist referral form should be completed for the appropriate community agency or health professional.

5. The care plan for all residents/clients who have demonstrated aggressive behaviour (as per the definition) should be reviewed and modified on a regular basis.

6. The supervisor to immediately investigate the cause of the behaviour and take appropriate action.

7. Following any incident of aggression, staff or other people involved (victim, witness) should be followed up by the supervisor.

Purpose

Aggressive incidents and injury due to resident/client aggression are often considered 'part of the job' for carers and care workers. However, both staff and the resident/client have the right to be safe from aggressive behaviour. Reducing the number of aggressive incidents will avoid negative impacts on the quality of care, staff morale, staff turnover, resident/client satisfaction and resident/client perception

Restraint Policy

Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility promotes a restraint free environment. Restraints are to be used only after all alternatives have been explored. Residents/Clients can retain the right to engage in activities that put the resident/client at risk.


Restraint is defined as a chemical, environmental or physical method used to manage a resident's/client's movement and behaviour where it has been assessed that a specific risk exists.

The purpose of this Restraint Policy is to:

to decrease the risk of falls

to protect residents/clients and staff from disturbances or physical harm caused by another resident/client.

Methods of restraint include:

Physical restraint - where a restraint device is applied directly to the person (eg posey vests, mittens, lap belts or soft cuffs).

Environmental - where the building is secured with locking devices or specific equipment is used (eg bedrails, tray tables and secure facilities). If there is consultation with the resident/client or their representative no restraint authorisation is required for a resident/client admitted to a secure facility after. If bed rails are used to restrain a resident/client in their bed, then, the restraint process must be followed.

Chemical - where medication is used for restraint. The medication is used to control or modify a resident's/client's thoughts or behaviour.

Verbal and physical threat -Restraint by verbal and physical threat will not be tolerated at any time

The procedure for implementing a Restraint Order is:

1. Identify, assess then document the risk.

2. Develop the care plan and trial non-restraint strategies to maintain safety or manage the behaviour (ie toileting programme, providing activities of interest, offer food and/or a drink, change of location, reduce noise, music, massage).

3. Set a review date to monitor effectiveness of non-restraint strategies.

4. If behaviour persists (strategies are unsuccessful) then arrange a multidisciplinary case conference to determine type and appropriateness of Restraint Order to be applied.

5. The Restraint Order must be signed by the resident's/client's GP. The resident/client and/or their representative must also consent to the restraint.

6. Use the Restraint Monitoring Form for the first 24 hours that any restraint is applied to a resident/client. If physical restraint is used, then the resident/client should be checked, and released for a short period (if safe to do so), every two hours, so that the resident's/client's position can be changed.

7. The resident's/client's condition (ie signs of discomfort, agitation, incontinence), should be checked frequently depending on the type of restraint used.


Emergency restraint

In an emergency, when a resident/client creates a risk for themselves or others, the most senior person on duty and the resident's/client's GP is informed. If the GP cannot be contacted you are permitted to apply a restraint to safeguard the resident/client or to prevent harm to the staff or other residents/clients. All non-restraint options must be considered first. The restraint monitoring form must be completed in this case.


Fire Procedure (Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility)

What do I do if I discover a fire?

1. Remove anyone from immediate danger and close doors to reduce the spread of smoke.

2. Ensure alarm has been raised (Dial 000 even if alarm is sounding).

3. Fight fire only if safe to do so.

4. Evacuate residents/visitors/staff if necessary.

5. Do not allow any people to re-enter the area/building following evacuation.

6. Assemble all residents and staff in the nominated evacuation assembly area and complete a roll call.

7. Before leaving an area check that evacuation is complete and report the situation to the Manager or Fire Brigade.

8. Report any residents/staff still in building to Manager/Fire Brigade.

What to do if the fire (security) alarm sounds but I don't know where the fire is?

1. If it is not apparent where the fire is, proceed to the security panel in the Nursing Office and identify which zone activated the alarm. (zones are indicated above the panel).

2. Proceed to the nominated zone and establish if there is an actual fire.

If there is a fire

1. Evacuate residents from the area of immediate danger to a safe location and close doors.

2. Raise the alarm (Dial 000).

3. Fight fire only if safe to do so.

4. Evacuate residents/visitors/staff if necessary.

5. Do not allow any people to re-enter the building following evacuation.

6. Assemble all residents and staff in the nominated evacuation assembly area and complete a role call.

7. Before leaving an area report status of evacuation to Manager or Fire Brigade.

8. Report any residents/staff still in building to Manager/Fire Brigade.

If there is no fire

1. Call the fire brigade on the number near the phone (don't call 000) and tell them it is a false alarm - the Fire Brigade will still attend but won't race to the facility.

2. Contact security (number on security panel) who will attend and check the detectors.


Emergency Call Bell Procedure (Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility)

Policy

Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility has an Emergency Call Bell Paging System which enables residents and staff to page in the event of an emergency.

Procedure

The paging system at Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility is monitored through six (6) paging units carried by nominated staff members in Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility .

Emergency call bells are located in each residents room and general living areas.

Residents and staff are instructed to activate call bell in the event of an emergency.

Emergencies can encompass incidents and accidents such as a client fall, client challenging behaviour or a medical emergency.

Staff must respond and attend to emergency calls immediately.

If further assistance is required upon attending emergency, staff are to leave the call bell activated until further assistance arrives from other staff on duty or follow the emergency procedures for working alone.

All pagers will sound fire alarm and front door bell at Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility.

If power fails, the system has a back-up battery which should last approximately two hours.

Spare batteries for pagers are kept in medication cupboard in Supervisors' Office

The printer and main computer unit are located in designated area of Grange Home Care Service facility.


Hazard Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure

1. Policy

All hazards, incidents/accidents identified by staff, residents, visitors, volunteers and contractors in Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility will be promptly reported and investigated to allow for assessment and control.

2. Procedure

Hazard Reporting

Where possible, staff should take immediate action to remove or minimise the risk associated with any hazards. In some circumstances this may involve removing equipment from service and applying 'out of service' tags or isolating an area where a spill may have occurred. All staff should endeavour to control hazards themselves if possible.

If staff are unable to control the hazard themselves, they must notify their supervisor, manager or maintenance staff. This is part of the employee's duty of care and general duty of care to residents, visitors and contractors.

Staff must report and document all hazards that they identify or are reported to them by residents, visitors and contractors which they cannot eliminate immediately. Staff may also consult with, and report hazards to, their designated OHS representative. For hazards to be managed they must be reported and assessed.

All hazards must be reported on Hazard Report Form.

Completed Hazard Report Forms must be forwarded to the Facility or Service Manager for assessment. The Facility/Service Manager will determine the level of risk posed by the hazard and take appropriate action. Hazard Report Forms will also be reviewed at site OHS Committee Meetings. The OHS Committee and Managers have the ability to make decisions about control of hazards in the workplace, and assess the amount of risk each particular hazard poses in the circumstances.

The Facility/Service Manager will forward forms to the Manager, Injury Risk Management Services on a monthly basis. The Manager Injury Risk Management Services will monitor hazard reports for trends.

Advice on risk assessment can be sought from the Manager, Injury Risk Management Services or by utilising Risk Assessment Matrix. Hazards can be prioritised according to the level of risk they pose.

If the person reporting the hazard has put their name on the Hazard Report Form, they should receive feedback within seven days of initiating the report.

Incident and Injury Reporting

Staff must report all staff and resident/client accidents or 'near misses' using the approved forms to allow for hazard identification and control (i.e. prevent the incident for happening again).

This is a legal requirement under the law. By not reporting accidents/incidents, staff are not complying with the legislation.

Non-reporting can also hinder future claims for workers' compensation by staff.


Staff are encouraged to report visitor or contractor incidents if they observe an incident which has not been formally reported.

Visitors and contractors can access report forms via staff at each facility.

If staff are unable to complete an Accident Report Form at the time of accident, they must do so within 24 hrs.

The Manager Injury Risk Management Services or Coordinator Injury Risk Management Services must also be notified of these accidents/incidents as soon as possible (within 24 hours). This is so immediate action can be taken in case treatment is required for an injury.

All forms must be sent through to the injury Risk Management Service so that information can be logged into a database for trend analysis and record keeping requirements.

Sites must also maintain their own files and keep copies of all accidents/incidents and hazard report forms.

Accident/Incident Investigation

An accident/incident investigation will be carried out by the Manager, supervisor, OHS representative or nominated staff member (training will be provided to assist staff develop skills in accident investigation) to allow for hazard identification and control.

For resident/client incidents other appropriately qualified staff are to be involved in any investigation. These staff will have a better understanding of the circumstances of the situation.

The Injury Risk Management Service will assist with investigation of serious accidents and incidents where required.

If any maintenance issues are identified in the investigation process, a Maintenance Request Form must be completed immediately to allow for prompt rectification.

The outcome of the investigation should be used to identify cause(s) and not to allocate blame.

The outcomes of all accident investigations shall be reported to the OHS Committee and management (where appropriate).

The OHS Committee should review, and if necessary, revise recommended actions and the appropriateness of hazard control. Corrective actions will need to be reviewed on a regular basis.

Analysis of data

Accident/incident reports shall be analysed and any trends identified at least 6 monthly and results reviewed by the facility OHS committee to allow plans to be developed and reviewed


OHS Committee Representative Role

The role of representatives that serve on the OHS committee include:

Represent employees on OHS matters in meetings with managers, supervisors and OHS inspectors.

Participate in appropriate OHS training.

Discuss OHS issues with employees within their workgroup.

Participate in hazard identification, risk assessments and controlling risks.

Assist to develop, implement, monitor and review agreed procedures.

Participate in workplace inspections and incident investigation.

May issue default notices/provisional improvement notices

Role of the OHS Committee

The Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility OHS Committee was set up to:

Provide a forum for management and employees to meet and discuss OHS issues in the workplace.

Bring together the employees practical knowledge of the job and the management overview of the facility and work organisation.

Assist to develop, monitor and review OHS policies, procedures and plans.

Assist to resolve OHS issues.

Develop and monitor a program for hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

Consider proposed changes which may affect OHS (for example, purchase of new equipment, workplace changes, policy, procedure changes).

Develop and monitor an injury reporting system.

Review incident reports and follow up actions.

Assist to develop and evaluate training programs.

Review external and internal OHS reports.

Oversee the overall approach to OHS within the facility to encourage integration of OHS into the overall management system and to promote continuous improvement.

OHS Issue Resolution Procedure

Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility has adopted the following Occupational, Health and Safety Issue Resolution Procedure:


OHS Consultation and Communication Policy

1. Policy To identify the consultation and communication required to enable each facility or department to meet organisational and legal requirements on consultation and ensure that all Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility employees have a genuine opportunity to effectively participate in decision making on matters with the potential to affect their safety and health at work.

2. Procedure

OHS representatives and committee members

OHS representatives and committee members shall be elected or nominated in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Routine Communication on OHS issues

OHS representatives and committee members must be consulted and participate in accident investigations, risk assessments and the development of control measures.

Employees and their representatives shall be consulted on all proposed changes to the workplace, equipment, policies and procedures that may affect their safety and health at work. Employees should have input into activities that potentially effect their health and safety.

Information on hazards, OHS activities and achievements shall be communicated to employees in a systematic and easily understood manner, so information is accessible to all staff.

OHS issues shall be a permanent agenda item at all staff meetings to reinforce the integration of OHS into all aspects of work.

Employees are encouraged to raise OHS issues promptly using:

Hazard report forms Maintenance request forms

An OHS issue may involve a hazard, a work practice or a procedure

OHS issues should be dealt with as promptly as possible in accordance with the OHS Issue Resolution procedure. If an issue cannot be solved at one level, staff should follow the procedure to ensure the issue is finally resolved.

All OHS representatives will have access (as negotiated) to a computer terminal and be given a log on code in order to communicate on health and safety issues on an intra-site basis.


Training

All staff will receive training in consultation, communication and issue resolution at induction and at subsequent refresher training (12 monthly) This training will include:

The role of the OHS Representatives and Committees Employee responsibilities Employer responsibilities Issue resolution procedures

This training is to be included on facility training schedules.


Risk Assessment Policy and Procedure

Purpose

To assess the level of risk arising from a reported hazard or incident, or to pre-determine a level of risk for a particular task given the known risk factors in order to prioritise control options.

Procedure

Definitions

Hazard: Anything (person, thing or situation) which has the potential to cause injury, harm to health or damage to equipment/property

Risk: The likelihood of a hazard causing injury, harm to health or damage to equipment/property. The risk has to take into account the probability/likelihood, and possible consequences and severity of injuries or harm to health, and or property equipment damage.

Background

Risk assessment is a fundamental and necessary part of any OHS program, and an essential part of care services.

Risk assessment means looking at the probability and consequences of injury or harm occurring to a person if exposed to a particular identified hazard, and even the probability and consequences of building or equipment damage occurring from an identified or known hazard.

The ultimate aim of a risk assessment is to reduce the level of risk to an acceptable level. This may mean eliminating the hazard altogether. The elimination of the hazard is the best possible outcome of a risk assessment process, but in everyday situations it is not always possible to do this.

There are several ways to accomplish a risk assessment depending upon the required objective. With experience many risk assessments can be performed informally and a decision about the preferred control options for a particular hazard can be made without reference to a formal risk assessment process.

Whatever the reason for a risk assessment there are a number of steps that can be followed to assist in making a decision. A valuable part of this process is being able to prioritise risks in order of their relative importance.

Procedure

Risks can be assessed from:

• informal and formal reporting processes in the workplace. Staff meetings, hazard reports, incident reports, accident trend analysis;

• statutory requirements, such as compliance with regulations or standards; • past history of injury and or workers compensation claims; and • liaison with experienced personnel


Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility has a practical risk assessment tool, which can assist in cases where an informal process may not be appropriate or where many hazards need to be prioritised in order to determine the relative level of importance. This tool (the Risk Rating Matrix) can be used in any situation to assist the user in prioritising issues that arise at the workplace. The tool can also be used after control options have been introduced in order to determine if there has been a reduction in the overall risk rating.

Much of the risk assessment process is subjective (based on persons own beliefs and experience), and can therefore only be a guide to relative risk in the workplace.

The Risk Assessment Tool is designed to be easily used by any Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility personnel but particularly by Managers, supervisors and OHS personnel.

Hazard Report Forms require a pre- and post-formal risk assessment processes to be completed to show that the risk has been assessed. If the formal process is not followed then sufficient justification for the selection of control options must be advised on the form. It is recommended that a risk assessment process be adopted for these forms, as this will assist in building up a register of risk across all areas of Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility activity which can be of use in future projects.

Risk Assessment (using Attachment 1: Risk Rating Matrix)

Refer to Q1 how often does this hazard cause harm or how often is it likely to happen?

Assess the probability or likelihood of this event from a scale of 1 to 5. 1 is highly likely/frequent and 5 is improbable

Refer Q2 what is the worst possible injury or damage that could occur if this hazard or risk continues (without any further intervention)?

Look at the nature of the injury/outcome or the damage and assess the degree of severity from 1 to 4

1 is fatal/extreme and 4 is No Injury

Using the Risk Matrix (table) follow each chosen number across and down until they meet at a designated letter A, B, C, D or *

When a designated letter has been reached, add an additional exposure rating

To estimate an additional exposure rating to the risk, and to assist in prioritising issues, the number of people exposed to the hazard in a 24 hour period should be added to the risk rating.

In this way a B 20 risk rating will take priority over a B2 rating as more persons are exposed to the risk

Refer to the priority ranking for action column at the bottom of the page for guidance on how soon intervention should occur.


Important Note:

The Risk Assessment Tool is to be used as a rough guide only to evaluate priorities and responses. Some hazardous circumstances will dictate immediate response and action. Any more obvious and immediately dangerous situations should be viewed outside the scope of the Risk Assessment Tool.

Risk Control

When a risk assessment has been completed, a "preferred" hierarchy or order of control options should be adopted. This hierarchy is a legislated requirement and requires employers to put controls in place that will give more permanent solutions to issues. In other words it is not acceptable to issue staff with personal protective equipment (such as gloves) to control a hazard if all other options in the hierarchy of control have been exhausted.

Note: The cost of putting hazard controls in place is only one consideration; cost alone cannot be used as the sole exclusion for not reducing the risk of injury. Control options must (in the eyes of the law) be reasonable and practicable in light of current best practice and knowledge of the hazard being controlled.

The hierarchy of risk controls that must be applied are as follows:

o Elimination- design the risk out of the workplace or eliminate it completely

o Substitution- use safer alternative method or substance

o Isolation- using barrier between persons and hazard

o Control by engineering- modify equipment, use mechanical devices

o Control by application of safe work procedures (administrative control)

o Personal Protective Equipment- use when all other measures are not practicable or effective in the situation

A combination of controls may be used to reduce the risk to an acceptable level or until a more permanent solution can be achieved. This may occur due to budgetary restrictions.


Maintenance Request Form

PLEASE TICK THE APPROPRIATE BOX

PAINTING RETICULATION OTHER GARDENING MAINTENANCE REFURBISHMENT LOCATION: DATE OF REQUEST / / NAME SUPERVISOR ADDRESS PHONE SIGNATURE DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST

IS THE REQUEST AN OHS ISSUE (WHY?)

HAZARD REPORT SUBMITTED OUT OF SERVICE TAG ATTACHED

PRIORITY ASSESSMENT

CODE: 1 (EMERGENCY) CODE: 2 (WITHIN 24 HRS) CODE: 3 (WITHIN 5 DAYS) CODE: 4 (WITHIN 1 MONTH)

For office use only

TIME ALLOTTED FOR JOB (IN HOURS) APPOINTMENT MADE FOR

(DATE)

REQUEST STATUS: COMPLETED INCOMPLETE

MAINTENANCE PERSON:

REASON REQUEST INCOMPLETE - please specify materials needed to complete the job

ACTION COMPLETED BY (PRINT NAME) TAGS REMOVED

DATE

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE MAINTENANCE OFFICE


Use of Electrical Equipment Policy

1. Policy

To ensure electrical equipment used by Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility staff and equipment used within Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility facilities is compliant with Australian Standards, and minimises the risk of injury and/or fire.

2. Procedure

Residual Current Devices (RCD's)

RCDs (also called Safety Switches) will be installed at the main electrical switchboard or in individual power points to ensure all electrical outlets are protected.

It may be appropriate to use a portable RCD where RCDs are not installed in the fixed wiring

RCDs shall be tested and tests documented as specified in AS 3760 Inservice Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment to ensure all RCDs are functioning and effective.

Portable RCDs will be supplied for use in Grange Home Care Services to ensure Community Care Workers are protected where the dwelling may not have an RCD fitted.

Double Adaptors and power boards

Double adaptors shall not be used within Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility.

Power boards may be used as required but only where they have an overload cutout to prevent the risk of overloading the board and subsequent fire hazard.

All power boards must carry a tag which specifies the last test date.

Extension cords

Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis.

When used, they should have transparent or moulded plugs and be positioned in such a way that they cannot become damaged, wet or become a trip hazard.

Where no RCD is installed in the electrical switchboard, all extension cords must have RCDs incorporated.

All extension cords will be checked as part of Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility preventative maintenance program and carry a tag which specifies the test date.

Electrical faults, repairs and service

When an electrical fault is detected through use or from the regular testing procedure, the appliance shall be immediately withdrawn from service and tagged ?out of service' and a hazard report form and maintenance request form completed to ensure no other staff or residents are exposed to the hazard and that the problem is promptly repaired.


During routine maintenance procedures, appropriately qualified staff and contractors will ensure electrical circuits are isolated and locked or "tagged" out as necessary.

Unqualified employees shall not attempt to repair electrical items. A qualified electrician shall carry out all electrical repairs and alterations. It is illegal and dangerous to carry out work you are not qualified to do.

All electrical and cord connected equipment shall be subject to inservice safety inspection and testing as specified in AS 3760 Inservice Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

Before a used appliance is brought into Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility, a safety inspection report shall be provided and the equipment tagged to ensure all used equipment brought into Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility is safe and does not pose a hazard to residents or staff.

Following initial testing, all residents' electrical equipment shall be checked and tagged every 2 years at the resident's expense.

Electrical safety

Electrical equipment not required during the night shall be switched off to save power and decrease electrical faults and fire risks.

Areas around electrical switchboards shall be kept clear for a distance of at least 1 metre to reduce fire hazards.

A suitable fire extinguisher shall be located adjacent to the electrical switchboard in case of fire.

Regular housekeeping inspections and room inspections must be carried out. These inspections will assist in identifying equipment that has not been checked according to this policy.

Maintenance near overhead or underground powerlines shall only be conducted after a risk assessment has been conducted to determine if the work will encroach into the "danger zone". Only persons with relevant training and qualifications are permitted to work in the "danger zone" around power lines once the correct approvals have been obtained.

Training

Maintenance staff shall receive training in the requirements to test RCDs. Where they are required to liaise with electrical contactors they shall also receive training in the requirements of AS 3760.

All employees shall be made aware of electrical safety provisions required by this procedure through the Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility induction process. Residents and their families shall be made aware of electrical testing requirements, the reasons for these tests and requirements for payment through the Residents' Information Booklet and Residence Agreements.

3. Attachments

N/A


4. References

AS 3760 Inservice Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

5. Legislation

AS 3760 Inservice Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.Relevant OH&S Legislation Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 Reg 3.58-3.65 Standard 4.5 Occupational Health & Safety Standard 1.7 Inventory & Equipment


Personal Protective Equipment Policy

1. Policy

Staff within Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing appropriate to the type of work performed and the hazards posed by that work. In circumstances where the risk of injury or harm to health cannot be reduced by any other means, Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility will issue staff with personal protective equipment and clothing. Personal protective equipment and clothing will be available when required.

2. Procedure

Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves will be made available for staff to wear during food handling and resident/client care (for use when in contact with body excrement, blood and blood stained body fluids or non-intact skin).

Heavy duty gloves will be available for maintenance staff, cleaning staff, community care workers and for any staff handling chemicals (Check specific Material Safety Data Sheets for specific PPE requirements for chemicals).

Oven mits should be used for handling hot dishes in the kitchen.

Waterproof aprons will be available for use by staff when there is risk of soilage of clothing either in the facility or community environment.

Overboots will be available for care worker staff in shower areas in the facility or community environment.

Eye protection will be available for use by staff when there is risk of splashing of substances, flying objects and exposure to radiation.

Sunscreen for exposed areas of the skin will be supplied to any persons required to work outdoors.

Ear protection will be available for staff operating machinery or being in the vicinity of machinery with a noise output of 75 Dba or above. (Consult operational manuals).

Residual Current Devices (RCD's) will be available for use in facility and community environments (see Use of Electrical Equipment Policy).

For specific hazardous situations a risk assessment process will identify what particular PPE is required for the task being undertaken. This may include such items as respiratory protection, disposable overalls, fall protection harnesses.

Staff Clothing (general)

Some types of clothing affect the heath and safety of staff and residents/clients by restricting movement and body postures essential for resident/client handling techniques or general manual handling duties including cleaning. Other types of clothing are inappropriate for the types of hazards faced by staff during their normal work activities. For this reason Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility has issued clothing guidelines for staff. These guidelines are explained prior to employment and at the induction process. Failure to comply with clothing and personal protective equipment guidelines will result in disciplinary procedures for staff. (Refer to Dress and Grooming Standards Policy).


Staff Clothing (Maintenance)

Maintenance staff should wear clothing (shirts, trousers, hats etc) and eye protection to minimise risk for UV exposure.

Maintenance staff should wear steel capped boots to protect feet from crush injuries and falling items.

Full wet weather wear should be available for use when required.

Eye protection will be available for use by staff when there is risk of splashing of substances or a risk of foreign bodies entering eyes.

When working on or within the road reserve a high visibility garment must be worn.

When engaged in whipper snipping and mowing operations long trousers shall be worn.

When engaged in tree pruning with chainsaws, protective chaps must be worn.

Staff Clothing (When working in Kitchen or handling food)

Guidelines for clothing, footwear, hair, nails and jewellery apply to all staff working in the kitchen environment (see Dress and Grooming Policy).

Hats are to be worn ensuring all hair is covered, by staff in the kitchen at all times in facility or community centres. Hats are to be worn by Hostel staff and Community Care Workers if plating food for residents/clients.

Clean aprons are to be worn for every shift.

Hands must be washed before any food handling occurs.

Note: In all situations where it is recognised that personal protective equipment is required, the equipment must meet the required standard, the person to whom it is issued must be trained in its use and must take care of the equipment. These are legislative requirements (see legislation below)

2. References

Infection Control Manual

3. Legislation

Relevant OH&S Legislation

The Guide Implementing Occupational Health & Safety in Residential Aged Care Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Division 2, Regulations 3.32 to 3.36

Relevant OH&S Legislation Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 Reg 3.58-3.65 Standard 4.5 Occupational Health & Safety Standard 1.7 Inventory & Equipment


Waste Management Policy

1. Policy

Waste will be minimised and managed in a safe and economical manner.

2. Procedure

Waste will be segregated at the point of use or handling by the user into the following categories using appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves.

Waste Disposal Clinical Waste

• There should be no clinical waste stored in the facility environment such as:

• Human tissue, organs, limbs including body parts. (Does not include hair and teeth)

• Heavily contaminated dressings • Unused pharmaceuticals: Cytotoxics

• Place in a approved sulo bin. • Disposed of by incineration or

supervised land fill. • Vessels, bags or tubing containing

liquid body substances. • Place in approved containers

General Waste

• Waste from kitchens. • Waste from cleaning services. • Very low (<10%) concentration of clinical waste. • Contaminated dressings • Stoma bags • Incontinence pads • Disposable nappies • Empty catheter drainage bags

• Place in approved plastic bag (green or black) before transferring to sulo bin in facility environment.

• Place in sealed plastic bag and dispose of in external sulo or sealed household bin in community environment.

Sharps

• Contaminated needles used in medical practice, razor blades or other contaminated sharp objects. (Not broken glass or crockery) capable of causing a penetrating injury.

• Place in rigid puncture resistant containers which comply with Australian standards.

• Containers shall be placed to ensure only authorised access. Dispose of as for clinical waste.

Green Waste

• Garden flowers and cuttings.

• Compost.

Waste for Recycling

• Clean office paper. (non confidential ) • Newspaper • Bottles • Cans • Plastic

• Arrange with recycling company. • Place in recycling sulo bins provided

in the community environment.


Confidential Waste

• Any document which identifies resident identity or detail. • Documents which are deemed to contain organisational

confidential documentation, e.g. staff records, financial details, correspondence.

• To be shredded and placed in recycling bins where available.

Liquid Waste:

• Liquid waste from kitchen grease .

• Collected by special arrangement with the Local Council.

Legislation

• Environmental Protection Authorities Code of Practice for the Management of Clinical and Related Wastes 1999.

• Aged Care Act 1997, Standard 4.7 Infection Control.


Lock Out/Tag Out Policy

1. Policy

To protect Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility staff, client's and contractors from the risk of injury or harm to health from the unintentional use of energised electrical equipment or unserviceable equipment and plant.

2. Procedure

Background

A Danger Tag attached to the start controls of any plant or attached to the isolation switch of an electrical switchboard, means that starting, operating, or energising the plant may constitute a risk of injury to any person working on the plant itself or to the person starting the plant up, or a person working in a confined space. Risk of plant/ asset damage can also eventuate.

The Out-of-Service Tag (yellow/ black) is primarily designed to protect an unserviceable piece of plant or equipment from further damage, should it be used in that condition.

Using unserviceable plant or equipment may also pose a risk to the operator and others.

Do not start a machine or energise an electrical circuit (switch) to which a danger tag or out of service tag attached.

Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility staff and Contractors engaged by Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility shall be required to follow this procedure.

Important Points to Remember

Do not attempt to start or use plant or interfere with any work process/ procedure where a Danger or Out-of-Service Tag which has been fixed.

Do not remove tags from equipment and electrical switches unless you are authorised to do so.

If you are aware of faults with an item of plant which may present an imminent risk of injury or harm to health, cease using the plant and advise your Supervisor immediately who will ensure the plant is inspected and if necessary, tagged appropriately.

Any breaches or abuse of the Danger and Out-of-Service Tagging/Isolation procedures will render offending person liable to disciplinary action or dismissal in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. Contractors that fail to observe and follow the procedure or abuse the Danger and Out-of-Service Tagging/Isolation procedures will jeopardise future contracts with the Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility.

Out of Service Tags (Black and Yellow)

Use of Out of Service Tags

Out of Service tags are to be kept by Manager/ supervisors or maintenance staff and can be completed by Managers, Supervisors or any other duly trained and authorised employee.

If an item of equipment or plant develops a fault or requires service/repair, immediately cease using the equipment or plant and notify the supervisor.


The Supervisor will inspect the plant as soon as possible and, if necessary, complete and attach an Out-of-Service tag. The Manager or Supervisor may authorise any employee to complete and attached an Out-of-Service tag.

Arrangements should then be made to report / submit the equipment plant to the maintenance facilities for service/repairs. Use Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility Maintenance Request Form.

Ensure details of the fault are entered onto the request form or maintenance schedule.

The out of service tag will remain on the item until authorised repairs are carried out.

During repairs/service the repairer will attach a Danger Tag.

When the service/repair is completed the repairer shall remove the Danger Tag and arrange to have the equipment/plant put back into service.

If the plant/equipment remains unserviceable the Out-of-Service tag is left attached until it is fully serviceable.

The Out-of-Service tag may be removed by the person who rectifies the fault, ideally in consultation with the relevant Supervisor. The relevant Supervisor may also remove an Out-of Service tag.

Danger Tags

Use of Danger Tags

Any item of plant/equipment or electrical circuit or work procedure/ process that requires isolation during the work to prevent inadvertent starting, switching or purging must have a Danger Tag completed and securely attached. (The use of a lock out device is preferred where available).

The completed tag must clearly show the person's name and the date and the time the tag was installed.

Because Danger Tags are for personal protection, only the person who attached the Danger Tag may remove the Danger Tag.

When the plant/equipment repair or service is completed the Danger Tag must be removed by the person who attached it, and an out of service tag attached if the repairs are incomplete.

If there is a shift change, illness or other exceptional reason why the person who attaches a Danger Tag is not available to remove the Danger Tag, then the relevant Manger supervisor shall investigate the situation and ensure it is safe to remove the Danger Tag.

As the Danger Tags are personnel protection there may be instances when more than one Danger Tag will be in use if more than one repairer is working on the plant or equipment.

A supply of (Danger) tags are to be carried by all Maintenance personnel and reticulation employees or any employee who may be required to isolate plant, electrical circuits and equipment in the field. Workshop facilities will also require stocks of tags on hand.


Notes:

For more information about the use of Danger Tags and Out-of-Service Tags please refer to Injury Risk Management Service at Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility.

Electrical circuits are to be tagged when employees are working in the vicinity of live electrical equipment which may pose a risk. For example: Working in roof spaces.

Any electrical repair must be carried out by a licensed electrician who will tag/out or lock out electrical circuits.

Always ensure that there are plenty of Danger Tags available for use as required.

3. Legislation

See relevant OH&S Legislation


Manual Handling Policy

1. Policy

The risk of manual handling injury to Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility employees, residents and clients is to be minimised by the use of mechanical assistance, mobility aids and competency based resident/client handling procedures.

Definition: Manual Handling is defined as being any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object.

Please see 'No lifting' policy regarding manual handling for care employees for further details.

2. Procedure

Resident/client risk assessment

A formal assessment of the resident's/client's ability to assist the employee member will be carried out prior to any resident/client handling to minimise risk to employees.

This assessment will occur on admission or registration and on an ongoing basis as resident/client condition changes to ensure current resident/client ability is assessed.

Assessment will be conducted by appropriately trained employees (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, registered nurse) to ensure assessments are accurate.

The assessment will be recorded on Mobility Care Plan assessment form and filed in the residents/clients care plan to ensure accurate records maintained.

Training

All employees employed by Grange Home Care Services will undergo 'No Lifting' safe resident/client handling training. This training is compulsory.

Training will be adapted to meet the needs of employees working in different areas to ensure all employees receive appropriate training.

Some training will be competency based including theoretical and practical components to ensure employees are competent to carry out resident/client handling activities.

Formal training records will be kept.

Competency assessment

All Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility employees involved with handling residents/clients in the Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility 'No Lifting' system will be assessed for competency following initial training and then on an ongoing basis (12 monthly) to ensure employees have the skills and knowledge to carry out manual handling in a competent way.

Formal competency records will be maintained.


Compliance monitoring

Monitoring of employees compliance with all 'No Lifting' safe handling procedures and processes will be maintained on an ongoing basis by formal and informal methods.

Formal monitoring records will be maintained by the facility.

Records of compliance will be submitted to the facilities Occupational Safety and Health Committee every three months to allow for discussion, review and ongoing quality improvement at a facility level.

Equipment

A formal equipment audit of each facility or service will be conducted annually by the Manager - Injury Risk Management Services to ensure employees are able to carry out the required manual handling techniques and to ensure sufficient equipment is available.

The equipment audit should be conducted prior to budget considerations for the following financial year.

The purchase of any equipment should include a service agreement that will ensure appropriate maintenance of any new equipment.

All equipment such as beds, wheelchairs and shower chairs will be maintained through a formal equipment maintenance program to ensure regular preventative maintenance is performed.

Employees non-compliance

All employees have an obligation under the appropriate Occupational Safety and Health Act to comply with all reasonable instructions and procedures and use such equipment provided by the employer in the interests of their safety and health. Non-compliance by an employee may result in a penalty.

In the event of wilful non-compliance by employees with the policy and procedures associated with manual handling tasks, standard disciplinary action will be taken. Wilful misconduct will be dealt with as a very serious matter by Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility.

Evaluation

Regular and ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the procedures and processes will occur through analysis of accident and incident reports and workers' compensation claims to ensure training continues to meet the needs of the organisation, our employees and residents/clients. Pre and Post evaluation of training will be conducted as part of the ongoing maintenance of the 'No Lifting ' system. The Corporate Injury Risk management team will also monitor and report on the effectiveness of the 'No Lifting ' system at each meeting.


Continuous improvement

Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility OHS committees will ensure ongoing identification and risk assessment of new and potential hazards and implementation of appropriate controls to allow Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility to continually improve its practices.

3. References

NA


No Lifting Policy

The management and staff of Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility are committed to effective occupational safety and health in the workplace through the effective control of workplace hazards.

One of the main hazards faced by care staff in Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility facilities and community settings involves the handling and lifting of residents/clients in a variety of situations.

Workers compensation claims data has indicated that more than 50% of claims have resulted from muscular stress caused by resident/client handling activities.

In order to reduce the risk of injury from resident/client handling activities, management has introduced a 'No Lifting' resident/client handling system throughout all Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility facilities and community settings.

This system is based on eliminating the need for staff members to bear a significant amount of the resident's/client's weight by using mechanical assistance, and other aids. The resident's/client's ability to assist and participate in the techniques used will also need to be continually assessed through the resident/client care plan as a crucial part of this system.

This Policy effectively means:

The manual lifting of residents/clients, without mechanical assistance, must be eliminated as far, as practicable, except in life threatening situations.

Residents/clients will be encouraged and facilitated to assist in their own transfers and will be told about the organisational policies with regard to transfers and lifting.

Competency based training and all necessary information will be given to staff in order to effect a safe system of work.

Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility will provide the necessary mechanical and other aids in the workplace, which will assist in the implementation of this policy.

Staff compliance will be monitored to ensure consistent application of the requirements of this policy.

Managers are accountable for the successful implementation of this Policy at all Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility sites.

All staff are encouraged to consult their elected OHS representative and members of the OHS Committee about any issues that may arise from this 'No-Lifting' Policy.


Staff Manual Handling Policy

1. Policy

The risk of back injury to Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility employees is to be addressed by preventing or minimising the person's exposure to workplace activities requiring the use of force exerted by a person to grasp, manipulate, strike, throw, carry, move (lift, lower, push, pull), hold or restrain an object, load or body part.

2. Procedure

Employees will be provided with information, instruction, training and supervision sufficient to enable them to do their work in a safe manner. This will be provided at induction (within one month of commencement) and on an ongoing basis by each site physiotherapist or nominated site trainer.

Each Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility site will formally identify manual handling risks within each area of operation and introduce control options to reduce the level of any identified risks. Identified issues should be prioritised and form part of their Improvement Plan.

Training will be adapted to meet the needs of employees working in different areas to ensure all employees receive appropriate training.

Formal training records will be kept.

All employees have an obligation under the appropriate Occupational Safety and Health Act, to comply with all reasonable instructions and procedures and use such equipment provided by the employer in the interests of their safety and health. Non-compliance by an employee may result in a penalty.

In the event of wilful non-compliance by an employee with the policy and procedures associated with manual handling tasks, standard disciplinary action will be taken. Wilful misconduct will be dealt with as a very serious matter by Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility.

A formal manual handling audit of each facility or service will be conducted annually by the Manager - Injury Risk Management Services to ensure all manual handling risk factors have been taken into account. An equipment audit which will be conducted as part of the formal audit to determine if employees are able to carry out the required manual handling techniques and to ensure sufficient equipment is available.

The equipment audit will be conducted prior to budget considerations for the following financial year and results will be discussed at site OHS Committees.

The purchase of any equipment should include a service agreement that will ensure appropriate maintenance of any new equipment.

All equipment will be maintained through a formal equipment maintenance program to ensure regular preventative maintenance is performed.

Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility committees will ensure ongoing identification and risk assessment of new and potential manual handling hazards and assist in the implementation of appropriate controls to allow Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility to continually improve its practices.


Where possible, employees should take immediate action to remove or minimise the risk associated with any manual handling hazards. All manual handling hazards identified by employees, residents, clients, visitors, volunteers and contractors in Fitzroy Falls Aged Care Facility will be promptly reported and investigated to allow for risk assessment and control.

3. Attachments

None

4. References

Risk Assessment Policy

Hazard/Incident/Accident Reporting and Investigation

Risk Assessment Matrix

Maintenance Request Form