Information Technology (VET)

“Hazards”

1999 Syllabus HSC Notes

PMHS

Major HSC Requirements

1. Define a workplace Hazard

2. Describe the four steps involved in the proacess of managing hazards in the workplace

3. Define a workplace Hazard and identify the 5 categories of hazards

4. Define a workplace Risk and explain what ‘risk assessment’ is.

Workplace Hazard Facts

• Being in the workplace exposes people to potential hazards

• In some, it is obvious to see – signs, restricted areas with access by designated staff only.

• Other physical security measures, barriers, locks.

Workplace Hazard Facts

• Not so obvious hazards

• Tiredness, stress, harrassment and distractions

• Can turn a task that is done daily without incident into a hazardous one.

• When tired or distracted, people loose concentration

Workplace Hazard Facts

• Hidden Hazards

• Shelves not neatly stacked

• Locked fire escape doors

• Blocked exits with furniture

• Dusty

• Dirty Air-con filters

Managing Hazards

• Done by a management strategy

• >recognise actual/potential hazards

• >implement programs to deal with them

• >consultation with staff to ensure ALL of them have been involved in setting up the OH&S procedures

In your examination, you need to talk about all FIVE categories of hazards. Your examiner will be more

impressed in you name 5 categories correctly and explain them, than bang on about 2 categories in depth.

Recognise the Hazard

Assess the Risk

Control the Risk

Review the decisions and measures of control

Managing hazards and risks

Manual Handling

• Though this is a sub category, you should talk about it in Section 3 questions that relate to OH&S, especially when talking about installing hardware or replacing consumables.

• People are more likely to suffer strains and sprains than any other workplace injury

Manual Handling

• Moving, pushing, pulling, carry, hold etc.,

• Any goods in the workplace that may cause injury

• Training is a formal requirement

• Sig. OOS (Occupational Over Use Syndrome) aka RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury

National Standards

• Access a copy of the National Standard for Manual Handling (NOHSC:1001 (199O)) NSW.

• Demonstrate that you have done so and that you know what is covered in the act in summary.

• http://www.ascc.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/6639BE40-8324-4FAF-BC52-61AD5D655A73/0/manualhandling_standardNOHSC1001_1990.pdf