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![[Undergraduate Handbook]](http://www.unimelb.edu.au/img/sitebar/fill.gif){kind=small} |
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Environment Health and Safety Manual 7. Specialised Hazards |
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[? Search] [Top] [Contents]
[Prev: 6. Emergency Response]
[Next: 8. Occupational Health]
- 7.1. Off Campus Travel and Work Policy
- 7.1.1. Purpose
- 7.1.2. Application
- 7.1.3. Legislation
- 7.1.4. References
- 7.1.5. Definitions
- 7.1.6. Responsibilities
- 7.1.7. Procedure and Guidelines
- 7.2. Diving Safety Rules
- 7.2.1. Purpose
- 7.2.2. Application
- 7.2.3. Legislation
- 7.2.4. References
- 7.2.5. Responsibilities
- 7.2.6. Procedures and Guidelines
- 7.3. Requirements for Working in Confined Spaces
- 7.4. Driving Safety
- 7.4.1. Purpose
- 7.4.2. Application
- 7.4.3. Legislation
- 7.4.4. References
- 7.4.5. Responsibilities
- 7.4.6. Procedures and Guidelines
- 7.4.7. Safety Driving Requirements
- 7.5. Working at Heights
- 7.5.1. Purpose
- 7.5.2. Application
- 7.5.3. Legislation
- 7.5.4. References
- 7.5.5. Definitions
- 7.5.6. Responsibitities and Procedures
To ensure travel and work by University staff and students at off campus locations is undertaken in a safe manner.
This policy applies for all activities away from University managed sites. This includes travel between the University campus and the site.
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Environment Protection Act 1970
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
PPP Section 14
FPP Section 8
Workplace (on campus)
Any place whether or not in a building or structure where staff and students work which is owned or managed by the University, or is a recognised University department within a facility.
Workplace (off campus)
Any place whether or not in a building or structure where staff and students work which is not owned or managed by the University.
Placement
Work, learning or study undertaken by staff or students at a facility for the purposes of research or teaching for a set period of time.
Site Visit
Any closely supervised tour or day trip to a facility for the purposes of study or research.
Conference and Research Activities
Any activity where staff or students travel to another facility for hte purposes of a conference or short term (1 week) research project.
Field Work (metropolitan)
Work, study or research authorised by the University and conducted by staff or students at an off-campus site which is in a metropolitan or suburban location external to a building or structure, such as parks, gardens or roads.
Remote Fieldwork
Work or study undertaken at a site which is more than 5 km from a facility with phone or radio communication.
Other Off Campus Activities
Any University supervised or coordinated rout, travel or excursion to an off campus location for the purposes of extracurricular activities.
Ensure implementation and compliance with this Policy for all staff and students within their Faculty/Department.
Ensure processes are in place to authorise all off campus work carried out within the Department and ensure appropriate risk identification assessment and control measures have been undertaken.
Ensure that staff and students are competent and fit to undertake off campus trips, and that the students are appropriately supervised during these excursions.
Ensure that information regarding the whereabouts and contact details of staff / students is available for use by University staff on a need-to-know basis.
Obtain current and relevant student details, including medical information, emergency contacts and any special requirements to be assessed prior to the activity taking place.
Ensure that adequate systems are in place for appropriate training and qualifications of staff undertaking supervision of students on off campus activities.
Provide adequate documentation outlining safety and emergency procedures and other environmental, health and safety issues to provide warnings and guidelines for staff and students.
Complete a 'Guideline Form For Off Campus Travel And Work Policy' in conjunction with staff / students undertaking the off campus activity and obtain relevant medical information and other relevant forms.
Consider the four (4) aspects outlined in the Procedure and Guidelines section to ensure the relevant documentation and authorisations are completed and submitted to their Supervisor or Departmental Manager. Complete a 'Guideline Form For Off Campus Travel And Work Policy' in conjunction with supervisor.
Comply with directions given by Senior University Staff as a result of any change to the assessment of the level of safety of the site of the off campus activity.
Guidelines:
* For local (within Australia) travel comply with Departmental Guidelines on travel and fieldwork.
* For overseas travel obtain DFAT Travel Risk advice on the location of intended travel and seek relevant approval as detailed below.
* Obtain medical advice to ensure fitness for participation in the off campus activity.
* Ensure appropriate vaccinations have been undertaken where required.
* Complete relevant authorisation forms for travel.
* Provide a current itinerary to the Department.
* Immediately notify the Department of an incident, and report via an S3 form.
Students are recommended to take out travel insurance.
Advice if needed should be obtained from the Environment Health and Safety Unit on 8344 3050.
The four areas of risk which must be considered prior to undertaking an off campus activity are:
* Consider your fitness for travel and participation in the activity including vaccinations
* Determine the safety of the method of travel to the site
* Assess the risks of the location that you are travelling to
* Assess the risks of the activity
Consult a doctor or University Health Service to discuss any conditions that may affect the ability to travel or participate in the activity.
Complete the Medical Questionnaire for Off Campus Activities.
Travel overseas may require vaccinations. Discuss travel plans with your treating practitioner or University Health Service six weeks prior to departure to ensure adequate vaccination coverage, also refer to http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/ for destination vaccination travel requirements.
Complete the Overseas Travel Vaccination Guidelines,
If you are travelling by Car - check the University's Driving Safety Policy Section 7.4 EHSM
- consider special risks associated with using 4WD vehicles or trucks.
If you are travelling by Air - check the Safe Flying Guidelines
- consider the flight time and countries that you may have to stopover at.
A system must be in place to prevent or reduce the risk or injury to staff or student.
Consider the following:
- the remoteness of the location and distance to assistance
- the terrain to be covered and how it will be travelled over
- the climate including altitude, daylight allowance and season
- geopolitical climate and potential civil unrest
- security and safety provisions
- emergency and first aid needs - check Section 8.4.2 of the EHSM
- communication requirements such as mobile phones
Special considerations for travel to overseas locations:
The University has procedures and an approval process to travel to overseas based on advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Read the Approval Requirements:
Overseas Travel Approval Considerations for Students
Overseas Travel Approval Considerations for Staff
The Guiding Principles:
All decisions regarding staff or student permission to travel to an overseas destination for University related purposes must be based on advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Determination of the essentiality of travel and exemptions from adhering to DFAT advice may only be made by Deans of Faculty for faculty staff, Vice-Principals for central administration staff and the Vice-Principal and Academic Registrar for students.
Special circumstances may apply to travel undertaken by International Students.
Students and staff who are overseas for University-related purposes are required immediately to comply with any direction given by the Vice Chancellor, a dean or Vice-Principal as a result of a change in the assessment of the level of safety of the particular overseas destination
The University will retain current and accurate information regarding the whereabouts and contact details of students and staff members travelling overseas for University-related purposes and this information will be accessible at short notice.
Deans, Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Vice-Principals are accountable for the implementation and oversight of this policy.
Find out about DFAT Travel Advice and Warnings for the country you are traveling to at the EHS Unit Travel Page
Maintenance of Records:
1. The Director, Environment Health and Safety Unit has responsibility for maintaining an accurate and current database of DFAT advice for overseas destinations that is accessible by all staff and students and for providing advice about, and communicating any changes in, DFAT advice to students and staff.
2. Heads of Department are responsible for furnishing the relevant Faculty General Manager or Vice-Principal with details of travel itineraries and contact details for faculty staff members travelling overseas for University-related purposes.
Original documents including the guideline form for off campus travel and work policy and associated risk assessments and completed checklists etc should be maintained by the department and placed in the student/staff members personal file.
3. Faculty General Managers and Vice-Principals are responsible for retaining current and accurate information regarding the whereabouts and contact details of faculty staff or central administrative staff respectively travelling overseas for University-related purposes. This information must be accessible for use by University staff on a need-to-know basis at short notice.
Identify the hazards of the activity, and undertake a documented risk assessment to determine adequate control measures if the activity is potentially high risk.
Hazards / Risks to consider:
- competency and level of training required
- duration of the activity
- potential negative impact on the environment due to the activity
- supervisory provisions and number of staff and students
Examples of LOW risk Activities requiring no documented risk assessment are:
- attendance at a conference for less than 1 week
- lecturing or teaching at other educational facilities
Examples of MEDIUM / HIGH risk activities requiring completion of a risk assessment are:
- working at a medical research facility during a placement
- working in mines, caves, rivers etc
- diving, boating, skiinig etc
Consider the need for Insurance to cover:
- Overseas Travel Insurance
- Overseas Ex-Pat Medical Insurance
- Equipment insurance for University owned items
Find details on the University Insurance Home Page or contact the Insurance Manager on 8344 3444
The University has a statutory obligation to comply with the Information Privacy Act 2000 and the Health Records Act 2001 in its treatment of personal and health information. Read the Privacy Policy Statement.
To ensure awareness and compliance with legal obligations by informing Departments of Diving Safety requirements.
The procedure applies to all member of the University (including staff working on contract to the University) who participate in diving using SCUBA equipment for the purposes of teaching, study or research.
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2007 and Confined Spaces Code of Practice.
NH&MRC Codes of Practice relating to SCUBA
AS/NZS 2299.1 Occupational Diving Operations: Standard Operational Practice 1999
AS/NZS 2299.2 Occupational Diving Operations: Scientific Diving
AS/NZS 2299.3 Occupational Diving Operations: Recreational Diving
AS 2815 Parts 1-4: Training and Certification of Occupational Divers
AS 4005 Series: Training and Certification of Recreational Divers
Ensure that all staff participating in diving activities have current SCUBA or equivalent diver qualifications.
Confirm all relevant staff and students have had an annual medical for fitness to dive.
Ensure that appropriate risk assessments have been documented, and that adequate control measures are in place in accordance with Section 3.1 of the EHSM.
Designate staff to be a Record Supervisor, to be responsible for maintaining dive records.
Designate an Equipment Supervisor, to be responsible for the storage, maintenance, testing and use of the equipment held by the Department.
Comply with all directives issued by the department.
Pass an annual medical for fitness to dive carried out by a certified medical practitioner.
Report all incidents as defined Section 4 Communication and Reporting as soon as possible after the event to the Dive Leader or Dive Coordinator.
Diving Safety Rules issued in 1983 by the Marine Science Advisory Committee and the General Safety Committee have been adopted by the Council of the University of Melbourne. These requirements have now been updated according to the Australian Standards for Occupational Diving as required.
All diving equipment should be tested according to the manufacturer's specifications or annually.
All testing and maintenance shall be recorded in the departmental equipment log book.
Equipment should be checked by users, and any deficiencies or defects reported to the equipment supervisor immediately. This equipment should be removed from circulation to be repaired or disposed of.
Staff and students are not permitted to use privately owned SCUBA tanks or vests without the written authority from the Departmental Equipment Supervisor.
Departments who undertake diving activities must record these activities in a diving record book which is maintained by the designated staff member.
The information to be recorded is:
* Date
* Place
* Time
* Water Depth
* Purpose
Logs of individual activities should also be maintained by the staff or student.
All divers must have appropriate training and certification to undertake the proposed dive in accordance with the requirements for the level of complexity of the dive.
This is a medical examination to ascertain the subject's suitability to undertake SCUBA diving activities. This should be followed by a periodic check up. The examination is designed to detect conditions which could cause problems where the staff or student is under changing pressures, exertion or sudden uncionsciousness.
The medical practitioner is required to maintain the records of the examinations. A certificate of fitness where issued will be entered into the diver's permanent record of diving history.
Divers must be of a minimum age of 18 years to undertake diving activities at the University.
1. Maintain readiness in accordance with the diving schedule
2. Attend appropriate first aid courses and carry first aid kits
3. Know the location of the nearest medical aid
4. Plan the dive
5. Ensure all equipment is checked thoroughly, including communications equipment
6. Obey all boating and marine laws
Any diving incidents where a near miss or injury occurs must be reported to the Risk Managemnet Office as per the incident reporting procedure in Section 4 of the EHSM.
This procedure has been replaced by 11.16. New. Confined Spaces.
Ensure that staff and students at the University exercise due care of themselves and other road users when using University or personal vehicles for University work.
This procedure applies to all staff and students who are required to drive a University vehicle, or who use their own vehicle to conduct University work, and for the protection of the general public.
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Road Safety Act 1986
Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999
Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 1999
Road Safety (General) Regulations 1999
Road Safety (Road Rules) Regulations 1999
University of Melbourne Transport Policy http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/pdf/transport_policy.pdf
Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual Section 14 Travel Associated with University Work http://www.unimelb.edu.au/ppp/docs/14.html
EHSM Section 7.1 Off Campus Guidelines http://www.unimelb.edu.au/ehsm/7.html#7.1
Vic Roads http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Transport Accident Commission http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/
Royal Automobile Club Victoria http://www.racv.com.au/
In a Faculty or Department where a University vehicle has been purchased, those responsible for the management of the vehicle must ensure that the following environment health and safety provisions are met, as well as those outlined in the Transport Policy:
Maintain vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended service schedule by an authorised service provider;
Vehicle is operated only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
Maintain a Register of Authorised Users, and the vehicle is only used by those Users;
Only members of the University or other persons specifically authorised by the Dean of a Faculty or Head of Department or their nominee travel in the vehicle;
Report any damage as a result of accidental or deliberate act to the Environment Health and Safety Unit as soon as practicable;
The vehicle contains a Vehicle Log and is maintained;
Smoking, administration of illicit drugs or consumption of alcohol is not allowed while responsible for the vehicle.
Where a staff member or student intends to use a vehicle, approval for the vehicle and any accommodation provisions must be provided prior to the activity.
All staff and students must obey all federal, state and territory traffic laws. Authorised Users will be required to complete an Authorised User Authority and Undertaking, as amended from time to time, prior to first use of any vehicle.
Where students or staff will be using their own cars for University business or activities, approval must be obtained from Head of Department. The onus is on the individual to ensure that the vehicle is registered and roadworthy, and has at least third party property insurance cover, if not full comprehensive insurance cover.
If a motor vehicle is involved in an accident where any person is injured or any property (including any animal) is damaged or destroyed, the driver must immediately stop the motor vehicle and render assistance. Ensure the following is undertaken:
Exchange names and contact numbers of the involved vehicles
Collect witness contact details and their description of events
Obtain any other vehicle's registration and identification details
Record the time, date, location and other information as required
Write a circumstantial description of the incident
Report as soon as possible to the police or other authority (only if a person has been injured)
Report incident to the Environment Health and Safety Unit
Do not accept liability for the accident - it is the responsibility of the Environment Health and Safety Unit to evaluate the issue of legal liability.
For the use of any University fleet vehicle, a booking will be recorded in an appropriate Vehicle Booking Log for a specific period. At the completion of the period, the Authorised User will complete the trip record in the Vehicle Log, provide any receipt of expenditure and advise the current location of the vehicle.
Depending on the Department, students may be permitted to use a Departmental or Faculty car to undertake authorised journeys. Where students have been given permission to use the car, they must be included on the list of authorised users, and provide the signed declaration.
Refer to Insurance Office.
Where 4WD vehicles are used for activities off road, a risk assessment of the activity should be conducted, and where necessary provision of appropriate risk control measures such as driver-training programs should be instigated.
Always obey speed limits and traffic signals
Follow road rules and signed directions
Ensure that any medications taken do not interfere with driving capabilities
Do not pick up hitchhikers
Be familiar with the routes to be taken
Ensure that seat belts are worn by all passengers
Take rest breaks on long journeys
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Do not use mobile phones or other electronic devices while driving a vehicle.
Staff should not drive if working hours including driving could exceed 10 hours in a day, or 14 hours of driving in a 24 hour period. Travel time to and from home should be included in this calculation.
Journeys longer than 5 continuous hours should have more than one driver per vehicle. Drivers should ensure that a 20 minute break is taken after 3 hours. Where there are two drivers, it is recommended that a change of driver should take place every 3 hours.
To ensure that University staff are aware of the correct procedures and responsibilities required for undertaking work at heights.
Where University staff or contractors are required to work at a height of greater than 2 metres, or from an unsecured ladder. Precautions must be taken to prevent people at work falling.
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007
Australian Standard 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders-Design, construction and installation
Australian Standard 1892.5 Portable ladders-Selection, Safe Use and Care
Victorian WorkCover Authority Falls Prevention page - via http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/
Working at Heights
Where any employee is working with their feet at or over 2 metres. Some examples are:
On any plant or structure being constructed, demolished, inspected, repaired etc,
On a fragile or potential unstable surface
And requires the use of equipment to gain access to an elevated level
On a sloping or slippery surface
n close proximity to an edge
In proximity of a hole, shaft or pit which is of sufficient dimensions for a person to fall in
Where any employee is travelling:
Within 2 metres of an unprotected edge of a building
Where the surface they are working on is greater than 45 degrees
The employee, contractor or contractor's employee is considered to be working at height and appropriate risk identification, assessment and control measures must be undertaken.
Exemptions:
Performance of Stunt work or acrobatics, or theatrical performances
Sporting or athletic activities such as rock climbing or abseiling
Riding of bicycles, motorbikes, other similar plant or horses
Undertaking tasks on building structures such as stairs ramps and balconies as intended
Other activities as determined by the Authority to be excluded
Responsibilities
Head of Department/Section
Ensure that the appropriate risk assessment have been conducted and documented, and controls have been implemented to reduce the risk of falling.
Ensure that all staff working at height have adequate information, instruction and training to undertake their activity safely. Ensure that where required safety gear in the form of support and fall arrest harnesses, helmets, boots, gloves etc is supplied and maintained to staff undertaking duties at heights.
Supervisor
Ensure that risk assessments are completed in consultation with the affected employees and the health and safety representatives, and are updated as appropriate for the types and requirements of the tasks completed at a height.
Ensure that the hierarchy of control is used to reduce the risk of falls where control measures are implemented.
Where plant or other equipment is involved such as cooling towers on rooftops, appropriate risk assessments and controls must be evaluated to ensure that no other risks are encountered.
Ensure emergency procedures are in place for the rescue of a worker and the provision of first aid.
Staff
Where staff are required to work at heights, they must ensure that they act appropriately and work safely to carry out the task in accordance with the information and training they have received.
Ensure that where risk control measures have been put in place that they are used in accordance with the control requirements.
Procedures:
Fall Prevention Systems
The regulations have a hierarchy of control measures.
The preferred means of preventing falls are passive systems that such as permanent access and work platforms that comply with Australian Standard 1657 where appropriate risk control measures have been implemented.
If the above are not possible or practicable, temporary solutions such as scaffolding with barriers, work platforms, work boxes, industrial rope access systems etc. are the preferred solution.
Solutions such as industrial safety nets, catch platforms, safety harness systems, and other equipment or materials that require training and skills to operate or prevent falls are next in the preferred hierarchy of control.
Unsupported ladders are the least preferred means of working at heights. Under the regulations the use of a ladder to carry out work at heights must be justified by a risk assessment.
Working on Ladders
There are additional requirements in the regulations concerning the use of ladders in the occupational environment.
For all work at heights, industrial grade ladders that comply with Australian Standard 1892.5 must be used.
The requirements include:
Stipulation of a load rating (120 kg minimum)
Appropriate for the task to be undertaken
Set up in the correct manner
Maintained according to the manufacturers instructions
The following safety precautions should be adhered to when using a ladder in a workplace:
Do not face away from the ladder whilst carrying out work from the ladder
Do not stand closer than 900 mm to the top of a ladder '
Do not Stand on a tread higher than the third tread below the top plate
Do not use any equipment that requires the use of two hands
[? Search] [Top] [Contents]
[Prev: 6. Emergency Response]
[Next: 8. Occupational Health]
Created: January 2000
Last Modified: 18 June 2008
Authorised by: General Manager, Environment Health and Safety Unit.
Maintained by: EHSM Maintainer ehsm-webmaster@unimelb.edu.au
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