News
August 2014
SAFETY
PERFORMANCE SURVEY
2014
UPDATED
DANGEROUS GOODS
CODE
RIGGER Vs DOGMAN
WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE?
VIC OHS REGS
AMENDED
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 2
WHAT’S NEW IN AUGUST? Welcome to the August Edition of Safety Action News.
This month we provide many updates to regulations and
standards, including our lead article which answers your
questions about changes to the Victorian OHS regulations. We
also provide further updates on machinery safety standards and
the dangerous goods code.
Thank you to those who have submitted data for our annual
safety performance survey. There is still time to provide
information, and the greater number of participant organisations
the better the quality of the industry averages and trends. A copy
of the survey form is on the last page.
Lastly: do you know the difference between a dogman and a rigger? See page 5 to find out!
Stay Safe!
Gary Rowe, CEO
Em
ily C
art
er •Bullying &
Investigations
•Contractor Management
•Reporting Tools &Surveys
Ste
ph
en
Web
er
•Research
•At-risk Workers
•Accident Investigation
Gary
Ro
we
•Strategic Planning
•Facilitator
•Safety Culture &Leadership Training
• IndependentInvestigations
Ph
illi
p K
am
ay
•Asbestos
•Training & Coaching
•Culture & SafetyLeadership
An
dre
a R
ow
e
•Chemical Management
•Machinery Safety
•Stress
Kati
e W
eber •Machinery Safety &
Zero Access
•System Development
•Audits
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 3
CHANGES TO VIC OHS REGS
In last month’s newsletter we mentioned the recent amendments to the Victorian OHS
Regulations. Over the last month we have had several enquiries relating to these changes
and share some of the questions and responses with you here.
What items of plant do I need to register with VWA?
You no longer need to register items of plant such as; boilers, pressure vessels, self-erecting tower
cranes, lifts, building maintenance units, amusement structures, concrete placing units (truck
mounted with boom), mobile cranes. You also do not need to renew registrations every five years,
like you did previously.
If you manufacture or import certain types of plant and machinery you need to register the
designs with VWA. Some items of plant for which designs need to be registered include: chairlifts
(new requirement), concrete placing units- truck mounted with boom (new requirement), Pressure
vessels and boilers, tower cranes, lifts, escalators, boom-type elevating work platforms, amusement
structures (except non-powered amusement structures).
If you alter the design of plant or machinery to the point that new control measures are necessary,
the new design must be registered with the VWA.
Employers must still ensure maintenance and inspections are carried out on plant, and keep
records of these inspections and maintenance.
Plant and Equipment Requirements
Register new item of plant when purchased
Renew plant registration every 5 years
Register new plant designs
Register altered plant designs
Maintain plant and equipment
Keep records of plant inspections and servicing
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 4
Does an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) need to be dated within 5 years?
Yes. Suppliers of chemicals (hazardous substances) must review
and update the MSDS at least every five years and provide a
copy of the updated MSDS when requested or supplying for
the first time. To ensure your employees have access to the
most current version of the MSDS, we recommend that you
check with your suppliers if your copy of the MSDS is older
than 5 years old, and request an updated version.
What’s an SDS?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the same as an MSDS. It is a document which provides health and
safety information about a hazardous chemical (hazardous substance or dangerous good)
including: the identity of the chemical, health and physical hazards, safe handling and storage
procedures, emergency procedures and disposal considerations. The term SDS is now commonly
used in Australia. SDS is also now the term used internationally instead of MSDS. In Victoria, you
may have either an SDS or MSDS for your chemicals.
Do I need a High Risk Work licence to maintain plant such as forklifts?
You do not need a licence to work with plant to test, install, commission, maintain or prepare
the plant.
You do need a high risk work licence if you work with scaffolding, dogging or rigging for
maintenance.
You do need a licence to drive or operate the plant e.g. to load on or off a transportation
vehicle.
UPDATES TO THE SAFETY OF MACHINERY STANDARD
20 parts of Australian Standard AS4024 Safety of Machinery Series have been
updated. The standards are now also New Zealand standards. Most of the
changes are minor and keep the standard in line with international and
European (ISO and EN) standards.
More information in next month’s newsletter or call Safety Action
on T: 03 9690 6311
MSDS/SDS Folder
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 5
RIGGER VS DOGMAN
We have been asked a few times lately - what is the difference between a rigger and a dogman?
Both roles require a “high risk work” licence and are often seen on construction sites or in facilities
with cranes or hoists. So the question is – Do we need a qualified rigger or dogman? Depends
upon what you need done. Below is a summary description of what the respective training
qualifications allow for each role.
Dogging A licensed Dogman can:
Select and inspect lifting gear;
Sling loads per trained techniques;
Direct a crane or hoist operator in the movement of loads.
Basic Rigging A licensed Basic Rigger can:
Move plant and equipment;
Erect steel & material hoists;
Install static lines and safety nets;
Erect mast climbing personnel platforms;
Install and maintain perimeter safety screens & shutters &
crane loading bay platforms.
Intermediate Rigging
Intermediate Riggers can:
Rig cranes, conveyors, dredges and excavators;
Erect precast concrete panels and tilt up panels;
Demolition work;
Dual crane lifts;
Erect material and man hoists.
Advanced Rigging Advanced Riggers can:
Rig: gin poles, shear legs, flying foxes, cable ways, guyed derricks and guyed structures.
Erect suspended scaffolds and fabricated hung scaffolds.
So remember to ask - what tasks do we need carried out here?
If you have any questions you would like answered by our experienced safety team, contact
us on T: 03 9690 6311.
Dogman connecting slings
Rigger working on steel structure
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 6
UPDATED DANGEROUS GOODS CODE
National Transport Commission (NTC) is responsible for monitoring the Transport of
Dangerous Goods (DGs) laws in Australia. The key piece of law for DG transport is the Australian
Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code). In June, a new edition
of the ADG code, edition 7.3 was released. The new amendments better align Australia’s DG rules
with those in place overseas.
Some of the new amendments include:
Better clarification of the description of a dangerous good,
Adding new materials to the list of dangerous goods,
Requiring minimum sized markings on large packages of dangerous goods,
Ensuring the transport of infectious substances comply with the law,
Ensuring appropriate ventilation is on a vehicle that is transporting flammable gasses
so as to prevent the build-up of vapours,
Requiring that an emergency must plan be activated or emergency procedures
followed if a dangerous situation occurs,
Providing clearer requirements on how and where transport documents are kept on a
vehicle transporting dangerous goods.
Download the FREE updated ADG Code, edition 7.3 here
http://www.ntc.gov.au/viewpage.aspx?AreaId=35&DocumentId=1147
An example of a vehicle transporting dangerous goods
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 7
When do the updated laws come into effect?
A voluntary transition period will commence on 1 July 2014 and it is proposed that the updated
laws will become mandatory on 1 July 2015.
It is very important that people reading the ADG code read it in conjunction with the specific
dangerous goods legislation that applies to their state or territory e.g. your state’s DG Act and
Regulations or WHS Act and Regulations, hazardous chemicals.
If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Rowe, T: 03 9690 6311.
QUEENSLAND WHS AMENDMENTS
The Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 commenced in
Queensland in May 2014.
This Act amends the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 with some changes, including:
Requiring WHS entry permit holders to give at least 24 hours, but not more than 14 days,
prior notice before they can enter a workplace to inquire into a suspected contravention. This
will align with other entry notification periods in the WHS Act and the Fair Work Act
2009 (Cth).
Increasing the penalty for non-compliance with WHS entry permit conditions and introducing
a new penalty provision for failure to comply with the WHS entry permit holder notification
requirements.
Removing the power of HSRs to direct workers to cease unsafe work. Workers will continue to
have a right to cease unsafe work.
Removing the requirement for a PCBU to provide a list of HSRs to the WHS regulator. An up-
to-date list of HSRs must still be displayed at the workplace.
To view the amendment Act click here:
Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 8
SAFETY LEADERSHIP 2-DAY COURSE
17th & 18th September 2014
Safety Action Boardroom,
Melbourne
$1,500 + GST per person
This 2 day course is conducted as a small and interactive group, providing participants with
specific training to help them fully understand their leadership role.
It will deliver proven tools and techniques and give you the confidence through practical tips and
exercises to become a true safety leader. A comprehensive manual is also included.
“The facilitator’s passion for safety is inspiring. I never could have imagined that 2 days of safety training
could have been so interesting, informative & entertaining. Thank you.” – Metro Trains Melbourne
For further details, please contact Danielle Smith on T. 03 9690 6311 or email [email protected]
Limited
places, book
now!
NEW CODES FOR NSW Twelve new codes of practice (adopted model WHS codes) commenced in New South Wales in
July.
The new codes are:
1. First aid in the workplace
2. Construction work
3. Preventing falls in housing construction
4. Managing electrical risks in the workplace
5. Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
6. Managing the risks of plant in the workplace
7. Safe design of structures
8. Excavation work
9. Demolition work
10. Welding processes
11. Spray painting and powder coating
12. Abrasive blasting
They can all be downloaded from WorkCover NSW website: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/Pages/default.aspx?Category=Legislation&SubCategory=Codes+of+Practice
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 9
2014 Benchmarking Safety Performance
A reminder to submit your benchmarking survey data for 2014, see page 11.
The survey is designed to allow you to compare your organisation’s safety performance
with similar businesses, industry averages and to identify best practice performance.
The benchmarking of performance in safety is a collaborative effort and the more
organisations willing to compare data*, the more accurate the results become.
We encourage you all to participate.
*Note: all information provide to Safety Action is kept confidential. Only you will know the details
of your business performance within the benchmarking report.
National WHS guidance material released
Safe Work Australia has released nine packages of guidance material to support the model
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and WHS Regulations.
The topics are:
Workplace traffic management
Managing cash-in-transit security risks
Managing risks in forestry operations
Industrial lift trucks
Amusement devices
Safe design, manufacture, import and supply of plant
Working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines
Formwork and falsework, and
Scaffolds and scaffolding work.
The new publications, initially planned as Codes of Practice are now called Guides with
supporting information sheets.
National WHS Guidance Material Released
Safe Work Australia has released nine packages of guidance material to support the
model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and WHS Regulations.
The topics are:
Workplace traffic management
Managing cash-in-transit security risks
Managing risks in forestry operations
Industrial lift trucks
Amusement devices
Safe design, manufacture, import and supply of plant
Working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines
Formwork and falsework, and
Scaffolds and scaffolding work.
The new publications, initially planned as Codes of Practice are now called Guides
with supporting information sheets.
Kirill Kouzmin Danielle Smith
News
August 2014
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 10
Facts about PPE
On 30th July, our friends from 3M Solutions presented “Everything
you didn’t know about PPE” at our breakfast briefing on the roof.
Below are some highlights.
A key takeout was most organisations have traditionally focussed
on whether workers are wearing PPE. Rarely have we considered
the correct type or fit of the equipment. As a result workers may
not be protected as well as we think.
Other valuable points:
Correct type of PPE
- It is important to select the PPE based on the specific
workplace circumstances. For example, earplugs need to be
selected to reduce excessive noise to the wearer however,
blocking out too much noise can also create new hazards,
e.g. if the wearer cannot communicate with colleagues or
hear alarms.
- Different types of PPE are best suited to different people.
When it comes to earplugs and respirators, there’s not a “one
size fits all” type.
How long do respirator filters last?
- Respirator filters stop being effective if not replaced often enough.
Many factors will determine how often is often enough, such as the
level and type of contamination, physical work person’s breathing rate,
humidity and the substance type.
- Respirator filters are only effective if the correct type of filter is chosen
for the substance you are exposed to and the respirator is correctly
fitted to the individual uses.
Storage of PPE
To retain its effectiveness, PPE must be stored correctly. For example,
respirators should be stored in an airtight container (an airtight lunchbox type
container will do fine!)
“PPE will only provide
adequate protection if it is the
correct type and fits the user”
For those in Sydney,
Safety Action will be
holding an event at the
3M Centre in December
– watch this space for
more details.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Steve McCleary from 3M,
demonstrating the correct way to test
a respirator.
“What did you say? I can’t hear you”.
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®
Page 11
Benchmarking Safety Performance 2014 Administrative Questions:
Organisation Name: __________________________________________________________________
Your Name: _____________________________ Job Title: ____________________________
Tel. No: _________________________ Email: ________________________________________
Industry Type: __________________________________________________________________________
e.g. food manufacturer, mining, warehousing, healthcare, government regulator etc.
Number of Employees (EFT) covered by data: _____________
Data for a recent 12 month period e.g. 2013/14 FY or calendar year 2013:
(see definitions on next page)
1. Number of LTI’s = __________________________
(lost time injuries e.g. work injury resulting in inability to work for one shift (8 hours) or
more, any time after the incident)
2. Number of MTI’s = __________________________
(Medical treatment injuries e.g. treatment by qualified medical practitioner beyond first aid)
3. Number of First Aid Injuries = ________________________
4. Number of Days Lost = _________ (due to work injuries-all years)
5. Number of Total Recordable Injuries = ___________________
6. Workers Compensation Premium $_________________________ (if available)
7. No. of Safety & Workers Compensation Personnel (EFT) ___________
(e.g. 2.5 people)
8. Inspections Conducted to Schedule = _________________ (percentage)
9. Hazards Fixed < 60 days =_________________ (percentage)
10. Safety Climate Survey =_____(Percentage positive e.g. per annual Safety Climate survey)
If you have any questions, call T: 03 9690 6311
To participate, simply email or fax this completed form to
[email protected] or F: 03 9690 6399
www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd® Page 12
Definitions for 2014 Benchmarking Survey
No. Employees Number of effective full time employees, including
regular casuals or contract labour.
Days Lost / 100 Employees Number days lost per 100 employees per year.
EFT Effective full time e.g. two half-time workers = 1 EFT.
Hours Worked Number employees (EFT) x 225 Work days x 8 hours
e.g. 1800 hrs./worker/year.
LTI’s Lost time injury e.g. work injury resulting in inability to
work for one shift (8 hours) or more, any time after the
incident.
LTI Rate Number of LTIs per million hours worked.
MTI’s Medical treatment injuries e.g. treatment by qualified
medical practitioner beyond first aid. Not an MTI if
only first aid, even if first aid given by a doctor.
MTI Rate Number of MTIs per million hours worked.
Workers Comp. Cost Workers Compensation premium costs only for recent
12 months period e.g. last financial year.
TRI's Total recordable injuries include; death, loss of
consciousness, lost time causes, restricted work, job
transfers, affected routine, and medical treatment
beyond first aid.
TRI Rate Number of TRI’s x 1,000,000 / Number Hours Worked.