Occupational Health and Safety Policy

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2 CQUniversity was established as the Queensland Institute of Technology in 1967 then became the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education in 1971 before a transition as the University College of Central Queensland in University status was achieved in January 1992 as the University of Central Queensland. A further name change and corporate identify occurred in 1994 to that of Central Queensland University. In 2008 the University underwent a rebranding and is now known as CQUniversity Australia. CQUniversity has a number of different charters that provides facilities for work, recreation, learning and research. As a contractor, once you attended this induction, you are approved to undertake work on Adelaide, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Noosa and Rockhampton campuses.

3 Occupational Health and Safety Policy CQUniversity has its own Safety Management System entitled (SHEWS) that stands for Safety, Health, Environment, WorkCover and Sustainability. The aim of the SHEWS Policy is to achieve the optimum attainable level of Health and Safety for all staff, students, contractors and visitors throughout the University workplaces and workplace activities, through a process of continuous improvement to fully integrate Health and Safety into all facets of the University s operations and activities. All staff, students, contractors and visitors must comply with this Policy and contribute to achieving a healthy and safe working environment. Information relating to the SHEWS Policy and Procedures can be obtained from the OH&S Unit (see contact page).

4 CQUniversity Infrastructure CQUniversity Facilities Management Directorate is responsible for major and minor building and infrastructure projects, refurbishment, external works, security, and grounds maintenance. CQUniversity Information Technology Directorate (ITD) is responsible for the provision of computing and communication infrastructure. On behalf of each of these groups a CQUniversity Responsible Person will be nominated as the University s agent for the administration of the project and will monitor any other issues identified on site.

5 Basic Responsibilities Contractors working at CQUniversity are obligated to take reasonable care to: Ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of others is not affected by the way they conduct their business. Ensure their staff are trained and technically, professionally or legally competent to do the work. Adopt an appropriate Safety Management System for their business that incorporates sound risk management strategies. Keep fully informed of any activities which could or may potentially pose a safety threat, hazard or danger to the safety or wellbeing of any persons.

6 Safety Breaches CQUniversity treats safety breaches very seriously. Should any CQUniversity employee observe a Contractor acting in an unsafe manner, they will advise the CQUniversity Responsible Person and formally record the incident. The Contractor will be advised by the CQUniversity Responsible Person to take immediate action to rectify. The following situations will be viewed by CQUniversity as a fundamental breach of the Contractor s obligation: Staff conducting work that is not included in the Contractors Safety Management System. Disregard of any instruction given by the CQUniversity Responsible Person to take prompt action to cease any unsafe work practices or fails to eliminate any safety hazard.

7 Preparing to work on University grounds All building and related trade contractors must be registered on the University induction register. This is achieved by; Contractors obtaining their General Construction Induction Card (formerly known as a Blue Card) which is issued to persons having successfully completed the relevant unit of competency Contractors having completed CQUniversity s general contractor induction and returned the contractors information sheet to the OH&S Unit. Upon arrival on site contractors must report to and sign-in at the designated sign-in area and contact the relevant CQUniversity Responsible Person to obtain authorisation to proceed. Contractor must at all times wear their identification badge.

8 Vehicle Use Parking space is available at each Campus, and service vehicle bays are provided for service and maintenance vehicles providing close access to the work sites. Short term drop off parks are also provided. Parking or driving across footpaths and grassed landscaped areas is strictly prohibited, unless the nature of the work makes it essential to locate a vehicle short term on landscaped areas. In this instance the CQUniversity Responsible Person will decide if the anticipated damage to the area is acceptable. Contractor will adhere to all road signage on campus and follow normal traffic rules.

9 Injuries, Illnesses, Incident, Dangerous Events and Hazard Reports Report all injuries, incidents and dangerous events involving health, safety and environment issues, no matter how small to the CQUniversity Responsible Person and record the incident on the CQUniversity Hazard/Incident Report Form. These forms will be completed if any incident involves a contractor, student, staff member or visitor to the University and will be completed as soon as possible after the event. The CQUniversity Responsible Person is to ensure that all reportable events are forwarded to the relevant authorities. CQUniversity will undertake an investigation into these incidents with the relevant parties to ensure corrective actions are implemented.

10 Behaviour On-Site During any construction or maintenance work, Contractors are to ensure the least amount of disruption occurs to staff, students and visitors. Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated which can include: Any behaviour and/or language that reinforces inappropriate, demeaning or discriminatory attitudes or assumptions about persons based on age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, or marital status; and/or Behaviour such as whistling, unsolicited remarks of a sexual nature and swearing. Noisy works conducted near buildings should be kept to a minimum, loud radios and other music are not permitted. Dogs (apart from people with disabilities) are not to be brought onto CQUniversity grounds.

11 Safety Signs at CQUniversity Throughout CQUniversity there are a variety of health and safety signs are in place to inform you of potential hazard or hazardous conditions. These signs can also advise you of the location of emergency information and access requirements to certain areas. Please check with your CQUniversity Responsible Person if you are unsure.

12 Hazardous Areas you may come across Due to the variety and nature of activities carried out at CQUniversity, you may come across areas which are unique when compared to the average workplace. In many cases these areas can be hazardous if the correct control measures are not followed. You may be required further specific information to work in areas as listed below. The CQUniversity Responsible Person will contact the area supervisor concerned to obtain this information prior to access being granted and work being undertaken. These areas include: Animal houses Physical Containment (PC1/PC2) and other Laboratories Chemical Stores High Voltage Substations

13 Emergency Fire Evacuation Procedures Contractors and staff are to follow the instructions of the appointed Wardens at all times in the event of an emergency situation. R A C E... Remove person/s from immediate danger, to a place of safety Alert, raise the alarm by depressing the manual call point (if installed), ensure all occupants are aware of the emergency, contact emergency services on 000 (dial 0 first to get an outside line), contact Security on mobile: or short dial Confine, close doors and windows (if safe to do so) attempt to extinguish the fire (only if it is safe to do so and you are appropriately skilled). Evacuate the building via the nearest safe fire exit, and proceed to your assembly area. Roll call is conducted by the Warden. Do not re-enter the building until advised that it is safe to do so by the responding authorities.

14 Isolation of Fire Alarms Many areas at CQUniversity are covered by automatic fire detection and alarm systems linked to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS). Works involving dust, vibration, moisture, aerosols sprays, and fumes can cause mechanical damage to detection equipment. When fire detection and alarm systems are to be temporarily isolated, the Contractor shall advise the CQUniversity Responsible Person who will liaise with the Warden and Security to arrange for the isolation. If, during the course of the works, the automatic alarm is triggered the QFRS shall attend the building. Should any triggering be caused by the Contractor, the Contractor shall bear the cost of any charges levied by the QFRS.

15 Barricades and Fencing To ensure the safety of all persons on or near the work site, Contractors must supply and erect any necessary barricades and fencing appropriate to the work they are doing. The CQUniversity choice of fencing is two metre wire. All materials, equipment plant and tools must be safety stored within the barricades and fencing as required. Particular care must be taken to check and secure the barricades and fences whenever Contractors leave the work area. This may include providing temporary lighting on the site, if deemed necessary by the Contractor or directed by the CQUniversity Responsible Person. Pedestrian access and emergency exits must not be impeded without prior approval of the CQUniversity Responsible Person.

16 Alcohol and Other Drugs Contractors affected by alcohol, other drugs or medication which impairs function are not permitted to carry out work on CQUniversity campuses or properties. The CQUniversity Responsible Person will note the event and if the situation should continue or reoccur again the Contractor will be requested to leave the site.

17 Smoking in the Workplace CQUniversity is committed to preventing exposure to tobacco smoke of all staff, students, contractors and visitors in all University workplaces. CQUniversity provides guidelines detailing the responsibilities of CQUniversity staff, students, contractors and visitors to prevent persons being exposed to tobacco smoke in the workplace and providing support to staff and students who want to quit smoking. Smoking is not permitted in any building wholly occupied by CQUniversity, within four metres of the entrance to such building or near intake vents including covered walkways and in University vehicles (land, water or air).

18 First - Aid Contractors are responsible for the provision of first-aid treatment of their staff. Should emergency treatment be needed, an ambulance should be called on the emergency national number 000. Remember to dial 0 for an external line if using a CQUniversity internal telephone. Security shall also to be notified to assist in directing medical personal to the injured person. (Call mobile: or short dial 1331). All Security guards are qualified First-Aid Officers.

19 Work that requires Permits CQUniversity s Safety, Health, Environment, WorkCover and Sustainability (SHEWS) Management System requires a Permit system to be in place prior to certain works being undertaken on site. These include: Hot work Trenching and Excavation work Confined Space work Working with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) Permits can be obtained from the CQUniversity Responsible Person prior to commencement of work.

20 Asbestos A number of CQUniversity buildings contain Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM). These products may include floor tiles, asbestos sheeting, ceiling tiles etc. CQUniversity has developed an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) to deal with the identification, management and removal of asbestos from all University Sites. Asbestos Registers are also in place for all buildings where ACM are located. Contractors must adhere to the AMP and the Asbestos Registers whenever dealing with ACM. All Contractors are to view the AMP prior to any works being carried out in areas where ACM has been identified. A permit for works is to be obtained prior to the commencement of any works. A Work Method Statement is to be developed and presented to the CQUniversity responsible Person before work is commenced.

21 Risk Assessments Risk Assessment / Risk Management is the process of identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks and reviewing control measures to ensure they are working as planned. Risk Control means taking action to eliminate health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and if that is not possible, minimising the risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Eliminating a hazard will also eliminate any risks associated with that hazard. A risk management approach will be adopted by the Contractor to demine the risk associated with the work/project. Safety Management Plans, Safe Work Method Statements and Risk Assessments will be submitted to the CQUniversity Responsible Person prior to commencement of the project.

22 Work Method Statements CQUniversity requests all Contractors to prepare and provide Safe Work Method Statements (WMS) where Contractors are engaged in high risk construction work. A copy of the WMS is to be given to the CQUniversity Responsible Person prior to starting work on the project. A permit to work is then issued by the CQUniversity Responsible Person. A WMS is to be prepared for high risk construction activities that include: Entering an excavation deeper than 1.5m Using explosives Entering a confined space Using hazardous materials Where a person could fall at least 2m Work near water or a liquid that involves a risk of drowning or Diving Work Disturbance of asbestos or asbestos containing materials. Structural alternations that require temporary support to prevent collapse.

23 Work Method Statement - continued Work on a telecommunications tower. Work on or adjacent to, a road or railway that is in use by traffic. Work on, or near, a chemical or fuel or refrigerant line. The movements of powered mobile plant at the workplace. Work near an exposed energised electrical installation. Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere. Demolition work. Work involving structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse. Work that is carried out on or near pressured gas distribution mains or piping

24 Hazardous Substances The Contractor must submit to the CQUniversity Responsible Person a Manifest, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Risk Assessment of all Hazardous Substances to be brought onto the University work environment. Substances must be clearly labelled, handled, stored and disposed as per instructions contained on the MSDS. Clean-up kits must be provided in case of spillage of a hazardous chemical.

25 Equipment, Plant and Tools Contractors need to be aware that there are various legal competencies relating to the use of certain equipment, plant and tools and that their staff must be deemed competent to use and maintain the following: Electrical equipment Machine guarding Hand tools Lasers Explosive power tools Mobile mechanical plant Compresses air equipment Electric welding Chainsaws

26 Plant Isolation The CQUniversity SHEWS Safety Management System incorporates a Plant Isolation procedure and associated system. Contractors must ensure that they use the isolation system in accordance with the CQUniversity Plant Isolation, Safety Tag and Lockout Procedures, and the Plant and Equipment Maintenance Procedures. For your own protection: Isolate all moving parts on equipment, switches and controls to be worked on. Place tags and locks on values and isolators that will achieve Positive Isolation. For the protection of others: Never remove another person s tag. Do not operate switches etc that displays a Danger Tag or Out of Service Tag.

27 Personal Protective Equipment Contractors shall supply their employees with all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ensure that their employees use this equipment as per the Codes of Practice, Safe Working Procedures or suppliers instruction. PPE include but are not limited to: Hard hats Safety boots Gloves Safety glasses High visibility vests/clothing Respirator protection

28 Housekeeping Rubbish must be managed in accordance with Environmental Protection Act and Local Council By-Lays. Under no circumstances are contractors to dump rubbish on vacant land on any campus. The disposal and washing out of excess concrete from trucks is not permitted on site. Paint contractors shall not dispose of paints or clean painting equipment on University grounds. Site Tidiness: The work-site and surrounding area should be kept clean and tidy and any safety or fire hazards removed promptly (eg, oily rags, flammable materials). Keep in mind other safety actions such as replacing lids and caps on containers, wiping up of spills, removing or bending over nails and bolts and removing other dangerous protruding objects progressively which may contribute to the overall site safety.

29 Our Environment CQUniversity accepts that every individual has a duty of care to the environment. This means that Contractors need to: Take all reasonable steps to prevent pollution and protect the environment. Show that everything that could have been done to prevent an incident from occurring has been done. Ensure than all necessary pollution control measures are in place and are regularly checked and maintained to minimise the risk to the environment. Contractors can be fined, or imprisoned, for seriously polluting the environment. Contractors are required to report to the CQUniversity Responsible Person as soon as they become aware of any incident that may cause environmental harm (eg, chemical spill or leak).

30 Waste Management CQUniversity strongly encourages all Contractors to identify waste minimisation options at the start of each project/job. These include: Working out costs and savings involved in minimising waste. Taking care not to over-order. Ensuring that subcontractors are responsible for their waste. Recycling materials where practicable. Buying materials with minimal package. The Contractor is legally responsible to ensure that waste is disposed of in the correct manner. Hazardous waste treatment and disposal must comply with Environmental Protection Authority Regulations.

31 Protection of bush land and landscaped areas All native flora and faunas is highly valued at CQUniversity, and Contractors are requested to respect the campus ecology when on site. If any work is likely to disturb bush land, landscaping or grassed areas, the Contractor must advise the CQUniversity Responsible Person at least one week prior to the intended commencement of work. Every effort must be made to avoid disturbing trees as well as landscaped and grassed areas. Where negligent work results in damage to these areas, the cost of rectifying damage will be recovered from the Contractor.

32 Completion Contractors are requested to comply with the intent of the information contained in the Contractors Induction, and participate in the achievement of a safe and healthy working environment. Ongoing support of the University Health, Safety and Environment Policy is the responsibility of everyone. You must now download and complete the Contractors Information Sheet, include your General Construction Induction number, and ensure your supervisor also signs the sheet. Once completed you must the completed sheet to the OH&S Unit; safety@cqu.edu.au