safety solutions jun/jul 2013
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CONTENTS
4 Prescriptiondrugmisuseintheworkplace
14 Confinedspaceentry-afewwordsfroma wisesupervisor
21 Shockabsorbertechnologyinfallarrestlanyards
26 Supportingprojectdeliverywithactivesafetymanagement
32 Respiratoryprotectionforwoodworking
37 Resources
38 Inmyopinion
ON THE COVER
The SpanSet Xtirpa range of confined space
access equipment offers simple solutions to
the most difficult confined space challenges.
From ground-level manhole access, including
standby personnel fall protection and public
safety, to the most awkward side entry and
rescue applications, the Xtirpa range has
the answers.
For working in public spaces there is the
Portable Manhole Guard System. An ex-
tremely lightweight assembly, this system
has a stabiliser that can be changed out
for wheels, allowing the system to be easily
moved around by a single person.
Our Tow Bar Hitch Davit System is said to
be the most versatile fall protection and
retrieval system on the market. Fitting most
50 mm square vehicle receiver hitches,
this system has accessories available that
include an anchor bolt adapter that fixes to
gridmesh walkways.
SpanSet understands your varying industry
requirements. As each system uses the
same mast and davit arm, by changing
out the other system components you can
adapt Xtirpa for a multitude of applications.
We also provide floor and wall adapters to
convert to permanent or semi-permanent
use and a range of brackets to suit your
existing winches and SRLs.
For a free site assessment contact SpanSet
Australia via:
www.spanset.com.au
SpanSet Certified Safety
SAFETY SOLUTIONSJUNE/JULY 2013
Your copy of Safety Solutions is now available as an online eMag.
NOW in DIGITAL!
http://www.safetysolutions.net.au/latest_issues
This month’s eMag is proudly sponsored bywww.paqs.com.au
4 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
A/Prof Apo Demirkol, Assess Medical Group AMG
PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSEIN THE WORKPLACE
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 5
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Prescription drugs, when used without a prescription and without the supervision of a doctor, can also have adverse effects. Workers
can become sleepy, anxious, depressed or confused from the improper use of prescrip-tion drugs. In addition, when these drugs are used improperly, they can pose risks to employees, their co-workers and the overall workplace itself. The risks associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs in workplaces can escalate when workers’ jobs require caution and safety to prevent injury, such as those of transportation workers, as-sembly line workers, construction workers, nuclear power plant workers and the like.
What is prescription drug misuse?Prescription drug misuse can be defined as the use of prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers, prescribed stimulants or seda-tives without a prescription of the respond-ent’s own or simply using the prescription drug for the effect the drug causes. This definition covers a wide range of behaviours, which could vary from misusing prescription medications to get high, stay awake or get to sleep to using someone else’s medica-tion to address a legitimate medical need.
Often, it is the case that this sort of behaviour can lead to lead to addiction, misdiagnosis of illnesses, life-threatening circumstances and death.
Is prescription drug misuse a problem in Australia?In Australia as a part of the National Drug Strategy, a survey is conducted every three years by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which measures the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and drug use, and attitudes toward these substances, across Australia.
In the last survey, for the very first time, prescription medications were included among the questions and Table 1 (on the next page) summarises its findings for the prescription
medication. The striking finding is that almost one in 10 people between the ages of 20-29 used prescription medications for non-medical purposes. The regular users appear to be around 1% of the population, which is way higher than illicit substance users.
If we look at the trends in economies and cultures similar to that of Australia, such as the US and Canada, prescription medication misuse is now their number one problem.
It is important to note that prescription drugs are safe when they are taken as directed by a treating doctor. Fear of com-plications related to taking these medications long term should not stop an individual from taking medications that can help treat his or her problems, nor prevent a doctor from prescribing appropriate medications. Proper usage of prescription drugs can help workers protect their health and thus perform more productively in the workplace.
However, when taken for non-medical or recreational purposes, prescription drugs are no safer than illicit or street drugs. The misconception of prescription drugs as legal and ‘safe’, even when abused, is particularly strong among young adults.
How do people get access to prescription medication?The most common way of obtaining these type of medications is generally from friends and relatives. Young people refer to obtaining drugs from older relatives as ‘fossil fossick-ing’. Other ways of acquiring prescription drugs include ‘doctor shopping’ to get multiple prescriptions, taking them from a friend or relative, or buying them from a friend, rela-tive or dealer.
The internet is not a common source for obtaining these kinds of medications for Australians. However, people who travel to Asian and Southeast Asian countries where most medications are sold over the counter without a script tend to bring back large quantities of these medications and then sell them back in Australia.
Illicit drug use and alcohol misuse are now recognised as factors that can affect health and safety in the workplace. The same may not be true for prescription drugs.
6 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
Is there a treatment?Like other chronic diseases, addiction - adiseaseofthebrain-canbetreated.Usually,treatment includes detoxification and drugtreatmentorbehavioural interventions-ora combination of all of these.
Detoxificationisaprocessofsupervisedwithdrawalfromadrug;itisoftenthefirststep in a drug treatment program.
Behavioural treatments may includeindividualtherapy,groupcounselling,contin-gencymanagementorcognitivebehaviouraltherapy,eachofwhichhelpsindividualslearnhow to handle situations that may triggercravingsoruseandhowtohandlerelapse.
Drugorpharmacologicaltreatmentscanbeused tocounter theeffectsof thedrugon thebrain, relievewithdrawal symptomsand overcome cravings.
Nosingletreatmentisappropriateforallindividuals. Frequently, multiple treatmentroundsmaybeneeded for an individual tofully recover.
AssessmentsAssessMedicalGroupcanassistorganisa-tions by providing independent specialistmedical assessment and reviews of casesrelated to substance misuse that could behelpful in deciding what course of actionneeds to be taken.
Assess Medical Group
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U074
EMPLOYERS CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PREVENTING
THE UNHEALTHY AND HAZARDOUS USE OF SUBSTANCES
INCLUDING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.
DRUG MISUSE IN THE WORKPLACE
What are the most commonly misused drugs?Painkillers: This group of medications in-cludes morphine, codeine and oxycodone.Thesedrugscancausefeelingsofeuphoriaorahigh.Someusersalterthemethodofingestion to intensify these feelings (eg,snortingorinjectingOxyContin).Sincethesedrugscanaffectbreathing,evenasingledosecanbedangerousinanindividualwhohasneverusedthistypeofmedication.Mixingpainkillers with other substances such asalcohol or antihistamines is equally riskysince it increases the risk of respiratorydepression.
Sedativesareused to treat anxiety andsleep disorders and include barbituratesandbenzodiazepines.Thesedrugsproducea calming effect by slowing normal brainfunction.Thebodyquicklyadapts tosomeofthesedrugs,thusrequiringgreaterdosestoachievethesameeffect. It isdangeroustosuddenlystoptakingthesedrugs,whichcanleadtoseizuresandotherharmfulsideeffects. These medications should not becombinedwithpainkillersoralcohol,sincetogether they can slow the heart and res-piration to the point of death.
Stimulants,whichareusedtotreatsleepdisordernarcolepsyandattention-deficithy-peractivitydisorder,includemethylphenidateanddexamphetamine.Misuseofstimulantsproduceasenseofeuphoriaandcanleadtoaddiction.Stimulantsaresometimesabusedfor‘performanceenhancement’(eg,weightloss, better focus, increased attention) aswell as to get high. These drugs can de-crease sleep and appetite, which can leadtomalnutrition,andincreasebloodpressure,heartrateandbodytemperature,whichcanleadtoseriouscardiovascularcomplicationssuch as stroke. Abuse can also lead toparanoia and feelings of hostility.
What are the risks associated with workplace prescription medication misuse?Risksassociatedwiththistypeofsubstancemisusearenodifferentthanalcoholorillicit
substancemisuseandcanbesummarisedas:•higherhealthcareexpensesforinjuries
and illnesses;•higher rates of absenteeism;•reductionsinjobproductivityandper-
formance;•more workers compensation and dis-
ability claims; and•safety and other risks for employers.
What can be done in the workplace?Employers can play an important role inpreventing the unhealthy and hazardoususe of substances including prescriptionmedications by:
•sendingthemessagethatdrinkingandillicit drug use are not condoned;
•combating the stigma against seekinghelp and telling employees they canseek treatment confidentially withoutjeopardising their jobs;
•incorporating information on the ap-propriate use of alcohol and legalsubstances like prescription medica-tions into overall wellness and riskprevention strategies;
•providing factual information on theharmfulhealtheffectsofexcessiveuseof alcohol; and
•remindingemployeesthatexcessiveorbingedrinkingoutsideofworkhasanimpactonsafetyand jobperformanceat work.
Period 20-29 30-39 40+
In lifetime 10.3 9.7 6.2
In last 12 months 5.6 4.5 3.8
In last month 2.1 1.8 2.1
In last week 0.9 1.0 1.1
Table 1: Use of pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes, people aged between 20-40, AIHW, 2010*
*National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2010, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
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8 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NEWPRODUCTS
Soft-shell workwearThe Chassis soft shell, which is part of the Huski workwear range,
is a high-visibility soft-shell garment with the handy option of zip-off
sleeves to form a vest. Two styles have been added to the range - the
Kimberly, which is a ladies version of the Chassis, and the Nero,
a plain black men’s soft shell suitable for applications where
hi-visibility is not required.
Soft shells combine the comfort and breathability of fleece
with the wind and waterproof features of hard shells. This
makes them a good option when traditional heavy weight
restrictive protection is unsuitable. The garment is very
flexible relative to other traditional waterproof materials,
stretching naturally with movement without constricting,
giving the wearer a full range of motion.
It is also generally more breathable than traditional wa-
terproof jackets, yet still compares favourably for water- and
wind-proof qualities. Breathability simply means that moisture
(sweat) can escape from inside without letting it penetrate
from outside, maintaining a more even body temperature
and therefore ensuring a more comfortable workday.
In comparison to fleece, a soft shell doesn’t pill, therefore
it can keep looking better for longer. It is also resists water whereas some fleece can act like
a sponge in the rain. The soft shell is claimed to block wind more effectively than fleece and
it doesn’t attract stray dust and dirt like polar fleece. The Chassis range features internal and
external pockets, adjustable hem and cuffs, 3M 8910 reflective tape and piping, and complies
with AS/NZS 1906.4:2010 high-visibility materials and AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 class D/N: day or night
use. It is available in sizes S/92 - 5XL/127 in colours safety orange/navy and safety yellow/navy.
Huski
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T795
Lighting systemThe Duro-Flash double-sided
lighting system features six
heavy-duty lights in a recharging
carry case. It is a safe, eco-
nomical alternative to a standard
flare for delineating danger zones. It can
be used in applications such as to mark off hazardous
roads, show safe driving areas under water, direct
traffic or warn of a breakdown.
Available in red, blue or a combination of both, the
system has a die-cast aluminium construction designed
to withstand a drive-over weight of up to 9000 kg. It is
sealed to protect it against water and dust, making it
suitable for use in both floodways and extreme dust situations.
The individual lights are stored in a heavy-duty carry case which doubles as
a charging unit using a cigarette lighter adapter. Convenient LEDs on the outside of the case
show when the units are fully recharged. The lithium battery lasts for approximately five hours
between charges. The on/off switch has been incorporated into the recharge design - plug it in
to turn it off and charge it, and unplug it to turn it on and put it to work.
Vision Safe (PPE)
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U048
Fixed gas detection instrumentsAmpcontrol has released the
IQguard range of fixed toxic
and combustible gas detection
instruments.
Locally designed and manu-
factured, the range has been
targeted to fit applications
requiring accurate and reliable
gas monitoring where a high
degree of safety is required.
The detectors are simple
to set up and use, reliable in
operation and, along with their
robust construction, provide
for high-integrity monitoring
solutions.
The product is designed to
accommodate a wide range
of options and configurations,
including but not limited to:
moulded PVC or folded stain-
less steel enclosures; display
or non-display; built-in relays.
Communication options in-
clude Modbus RTU or ethernet,
facilitating connection to a wide
variety of controllers and build-
ing management systems. All
iQguard detectors carry EMC
and EMI approvals and incorpo-
rate in-built sensor self-testing.
Ampcontrol Electronics
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R625
Work Boots that punch way above their weight
Mongrel SP>SThe Mongrels SP>S range is designed for those with jobs that require all the comfort andsafety features of regular work boots but in a lightweight package like courier drivers or
those working in warehouses or some retail situations. For SP>S our Mongrel designersborrowed great ideas from Sports shoe technology and added a lightweight aluminium toe cap and long lasting but lightweight duo colour TPU/PU sole and included all the important safety and comfort features of Mongrel Boots. So if you’re on your feet all day but, don’t need a boot made for rugged conditions, check out our Mongrels SP>S range. The latest addition is the black leather SP>S 360 020 featured above. For more information – visit mongrelboots.com.au or see your local work wear specialist. Aussie Born and Bred
Victor Footwear 15 George Young Street Auburn NSW 2144 p: 02 8667 2555 f: 02 8667 2500 e: sales@mongrelboots.com.au w: www.mongrelboots.com.au
10 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NEWPRODUCTS
Online contractor workforce compliance softwareRapid Contractor Management is a
fully hosted web-based system for
the management of contractor compliance and documentation. Configurable to any
business profile or work health safety procedures and systems, the online system
provides both a mechanism for determining compliance as well as a central data-
base for the storage of all contractor-related information, enabling efficient tracking
and management of contractor compliance documentation.
The online system acts as a gatekeeper for the management of contractor work-
forces, providing online processing of contractor information to determine their risk
level and compliance as well as capturing and tracking expiry of contractor docu-
ments such as insurance certificates and industry licences. Contractor companies
register through the online portal and are assessed for their suitability and safety
risk using an intuitive online form. Documentation is able to be sent and received
between all parties, providing all stakeholders with a transparent communication
pathway and record.
When used in conjunction with Rapid Induct, an online learning system, the
compliant and approved contractor companies are able to issue passwords to their
employees to complete relevant induction or training courses, thus ensuring only
compliant individuals are inducted into the worksite. User-specific business models
can be incorporated into the system to ensure a cohesive fit with business practices.
Rapid Global
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T693
Safety poles protective barrierThe Gala safety pole device is a safety sign
and protective barrier that can be used to warn
and restrict access to a particular area that
could be potentially hazardous.The increase
in demands being made by WHS to ensure
greater workplace safety has created a de-
mand for signs that act as protective barriers
as well as providing a message. Compared
to other safety signs such as an A-frame
sign, the safety pole device is not as easily
evaded as the only way past it is to remove
it or crawl under it.
The device is suitable for applications such
as toilets and washrooms that need regular
cleaning yet can create a potential hazard
for slips and falls during that wet cleaning
operation. It consists of two tough, plastic
telescopic arms that are kept extended to the
maximum of 115 cm by way of a stainless
steel spring and can be retracted against
the spring to a minimum of 72 cm. With the
average 80 cm doorway as an example, the
arms are retracted to slightly less than 80 cm
and then the device is placed in between the
door frame uprights at about chest height.
The two arms extend to the width of the
doorway and the device remains jammed in
the door frame. Once the danger has past
(for example, the floor has now dried), the
device can be removed.
A flat sign, which is imprinted with the
words ‘closed for cleaning’, clearly hangs
beneath the pole. Custom messages for the
sign are available to order should the device
be required for other types of applications.
A typical message for the sign could be ‘do
not enter’, which is use-neutral and does not
refer to cleaning.
Pall Mall Manufacturing Co
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T870
Signalling product range
To complement the NHP
Ex Hazardous Area
Equipment, the com-
pany has released
an extensive range of
Moflash HAE signalling
products for the Australian
and New Zealand markets.
The Moflash Ex signalling range in-
cludes electronic sounders, strobes and manual
call points, all of which will be certified to IECEx and
suitable for use in hazardous area Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22.
Manufactured using glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP),
the dust and weatherproof signalling products are suitable for
hazardous area applications including: oil refineries, off-shore
gas platforms, chemical/petrochemical and grain processing.
NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T712
12 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NEWPRODUCTS
Linked with an Australian Wide Distribution Network
ADELAIDETel: (08) 8371 1443Fax: (08) 8371 0901
BRISBANETel: (07) 3252 8344Fax: (07) 3252 1497
MELBOURNETel: (03) 9720 9777Fax: (03) 9720 9766
SYDNEYTel: (02) 9797 7333Fax: (02) 9797 0092
www.krausnaimer.com.au
Confined space gas detectorThe BW Gas Alert MicroClip
Confined Space 4-Gas Detector
can be rented from TechRentals.
The BW Gas Alert MicroClip
4-Gas Detector prevents harm-
ful exposure to hazardous gases commonly encountered.
H2S, CO, O2 and combustible concentrations are displayed
in real time on the LCD screen. The user is also alerted by
visual, audible (95 dB) or vibration alarms if set levels are
exceeded within close proximity.
Alarms can be set into categories: instant low and high
alarm for all gases, time weighted average, short term ex-
posure limit for H2S, CO or over limit.
The Micro Clip is lightweight and compact for comfort.
Due to the critical nature of the unit, a calibration certificate
accompanies each rent.
Features include: simple one-button operation, data logging
of concentrations is provided and concussion-proof boot for
use in rugged environments.
TechRentals
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T766
Drug and/or alcohol testing workplace trainingReasonable Suspicion training is a 2½-hour course designed for team
leaders, supervisors and managers to assist in determining when to
request a reasonable suspicion or for cause drug and alcohol test.
Reasonable Suspicion drug and/or alcohol testing is when peers,
managers and/or supervisors are concerned one of their colleagues
may be at risk of misuse of alcohol and/or other drugs.
Participants will learn to identify the signs, symptoms and physical,
behavioural, speech and performance indicators of probable alcohol
and/or other drug use or misuse. This leads to confidence and im-
proved decision-making when considering a reasonable suspicion
drug and alcohol test. The course is conveniently delivered at the
workplace by educators experienced in drug and alcohol testing
across a wide variety of industries.
Medvet
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U141
Head and face protection range3M has launched an extensive range of head and face
protection, including the 3M Headgear G500. The G500
provides a versatile and comfortable solution for wearers
who require both face and hearing protection. It has
special design features making it easy to combine the
headgear with a wide range of 3M Peltor passive and
communicative earmuffs.
The front cover has ventilation for increased comfort and is
designed as a cable holder for use with Peltor communica-
tion products. The robust design of the headband allows the
headgear to be used with and without earmuffs. The slot is
30 mm wide, which is made to take the Peltor P3E-
attachment.
The industrial model has a clear SF-1 faceshield made
of polycarbonate. It is a high-impact visor, 1.5 mm thick
with an anti-fog coat on both sides. The visor is tested to
AS/NZS 1337.1. The G500 forestry combination has a
stainless steel mesh visor (5C).
3M Personal Safety
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T923
www.SafetySolutions.net.au14SAFETYSOLUTIONS-JUNE/JULY 2013
-AFEWWORDSFROMAWISESUPERVISOR
Mike Platek*CONFINEDSPACEENTRY
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 15
CONFINED SPACES
Globally, there are a wide range of laws concerning work in confined spaces with generally the sameintent, which is to protect workers when they enter such spaces. They lay out training guidelines andentry procedures and, in most cases, explain the hazards associated with entry. Where the informationfalls short is the experiences of the people that actually enter the spaces to do the work and thesupervisors that oversee it. On-the-job training is avaluable asset that needs to be shared more often.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, a confinedspace is a place which is substantially enclosed (thoughnot always entirely) and where serious injury can occurfromhazardoussubstancesorconditionswithinthespace
ornearby(eg,lackofoxygen).Havingenteredconfinedspacesbefore,hereare a fewthings that I have learnedandwould like to share.
Did you know atmospheric pressure can act as an invisible lid?Atmosphericpressure,orhighpressure,isoftenassociatedwithgood,clearweatherconditions.Itisalsoresponsibleforholdinggasesthatareknowntobelighterthanairintoconfinedspaces,justasamanholecoverwoulddo.Toexplain this, I’ll illustratemyminingexperience.
Ateverycoalminethere isabarometer located in thesafetyof-fice.Thisismonitoredforchangingconditions,typicallylowpressureassociatedwithacold frontthatmaybeapproaching.Whenthere isaseveredropinpressure,moremethaneis liberatedfromthemine.So, as high pressure holds the methane gas back, low pressure al-lows more to escape. For instance, when smoke leaves a chimneyin the winter months and travels at a 90° angle, this is due to anunseen ceiling holding the smoke down. Regarding confined spaceentry, that ‘invisible lid’ canbe dangerous in that gas samplingmaybeignoredbecausetheentrantassumesallofthecombustiblegaseshaveescaped.
Do you know when combustible and flammable gases can be detected?ThenexttipstartswithaquestionIalwaysgetaskedwhenconductingtraining in thefield: “Whyam I seeingacombustiblegas readingonmy instrument now (after lunch) but I didn’t this morning?” A com-monmisunderstandingaboutcombustibleorflammablegasesiswhentheycanbedetected.ThereasonIusebothterms,‘combustible’and‘flammable’,isveryimportant.HereisinformationfromtheNFPA(USNationalFireProtectionAssociation) regarding the two.
DefinitionandclassificationofflammableandcombustibleliquidsareaddressedinSection1.7ofNFPA30.Aflammableliquidisdefinedasaliquidwhoseflashpointdoesnotexceed100°F(37.7°C),whentestedbyclosed-cuptestmethods,whileacombustibleliquidisonewhoseflashpoint is 100°F (37.7°C), orhigher,alsowhentestedbyclosed-cupmethods.Thesebroadgroupsare further classifiedas follows:
•ClassIA-FlashPointlessthan73°F(22.7°C);BoilingPointlessthan 100°F (37.7°C);
•ClassIB-FlashPointlessthan73°F(22.7°C);BoilingPointequaltoorgreater than 100°F (37.7°C);
•ClassIC-FlashPointequaltoorgreaterthan73°F(22.7°C),butless than 100°F (37.7°C);
•ClassII-FlashPointequaltoorgreaterthan100°F(37.7°C),butless than 140°F (60°C);
•Class IIIA - Flash Point equal to or greater than 140°F (60°C),but less than200°F (93.3°C);
•Class IIIB -FlashPointequal toorgreater than200°F (93.3°C).
Averysimpleexample iskerosene.Kerosenehasaflashpointof100°F(37.7°C),whichmeansthatkerosenewillnotgiveoffanyvapoursthat are detectable with a combustible meter until its temperature isclose to that 100°F (37.7°C) mark. If you have ever used a kerosenelamp or a backyard torch, when lighting it you would place a matchup to the wick and start to warm the kerosene. White vapours startappearingandfinallyaflamewouldappear. It is thosesamevapoursthatareignitedthatcanalsobedetectedbyacombustiblegasmeter.
Gasoline, on the other hand, is much different. Its flash point is-45°F(-42.7°C).Gasolinewillalwayshavevapoursthatcanbedetected.Styrene’sflashpointissomewhereinthemiddleofthesetemperatureswithaflashpointof88°F(31.1°C).Thatleadsusbacktothequestionofwhencombustibleandflammablegasescanbedetected.Theanswercanbefound inknowingwhatmaterial(s)maybepresent,andwhentheywillproducevapoursthatcanbedetected.AgreattooltoassistwiththisinformationistheNIOSHPocketGuidetoChemicalHazards.It has 677 chemicals listed in its 2005 edition with information onexposurelimits,chemicalandphysicalproperties,synonymsandevenemergency treatments.
Are you prepared to enter the confined space?One common mistake I see when people are preparing to enter aconfined space is the sampling time it takes to properly detect theatmospheric conditions of their space. First, you need to understandthe tools used for this task. Most instruments’ manufacturers useelectrochemical sensors for detection of oxygen and toxic gases,and Wheatstone-bridge catalytic sensors for combustible gas detec-tion. In both cases, the methods of detection are not instantaneous.The electrochemical sensors need time for the chemical reaction tooccur.Thatisthesensors’abilitytochangethechemicalreactionintoaformofelectricitythattheinstrumentcandisplay.Thereadingsareineitherpartspermillion(PPM)fortoxicgasesorpercentbyvolumefor oxygen. The catalytic sensor burns the gases on its surface andrequiresthetemperaturetostabiliseforaproperdisplayofinformation.
Atypicalresponseinbothcasesisreferredtoas‘T90’orthetimeit takes to see a 90% response. Finally, allow two minutes for com-pletesampling.Youmustcheckwithyourinstrumentmanufacturerofchoiceregardingtheirguidelinesforsensorresponse.Usingaremotesampling device (pump) along with your instrument is the only sureway of knowing you are getting the information you need to safelyenteraconfinedspace.Experienceisagreatteacher;however,whendealingwithconfinedspacesandtheirinherentdangers,learningthosedangers before you enter may save your life. Look to those peoplewhohaveexperienceandlisten,thenputtheirknowledgetoworkforyou, andfinally train, trainand trainsomemore.
Industrial Scientific Corporation
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U206
*Mike Platek is a Training Specialist for Industrial Scientific Corporation. With over 25 years of experience in gas detection, Mike has worked in many industries training them in instrumentation, confined spaces and hazardous materials.
16 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NEWPRODUCTS
CA
SE
STU
DY
Don’t overheat in fire-retardant workwear
AproductlaunchedbyHardYakkameansthatworkersdon’thavetooverheatontheinsidetoavoidburnsontheoutside.TheHardYakka Protect with Tecgen Select is a range of inherent fire-retardant(FR)workwearthatprovidesworkerswithcomfortandprotectionfromarcflash,flashfireandheatstress.
Speakingattherecentproductlaunch,DrHowarddeTorres,burnsspecialist andplasticsurgeon, said, “Unpredictablefirescancauseseriousburns.Burninjuriescanleadtoskingrafts,infection, months in hospital and even amputation. Even if theindividualthinksthechancemaybesmall,whywouldyoutakethechance?Preventionisdefinitelybetterthanthecure.”
TheHardYakkaProtectwithTecgenSelectFRrangemeetsandexceedsthemoststringentfiresafetystandards,currentlyset in theUSA (includingNFPA70EandNFPA2112).Suitableforoil,gas,electricalandmineworkers,theproductalsomeetsAustralianandNewZealandStandardsforHighVisibilityAS/NZS4602.1:2011.The range is claimed tobe the lightest-weightFRworkwearavailableinAustraliawhichmeetsNFPAHazardRiskCategory2(HRC2)requirementsofArcThermalPerformanceValue(ATPV)8cal/cm2orabove.
TestsconductedbyindependentlaboratoryPrecisionTestingLaboratoriesfoundHardYakkaProtectwithTecgenSelectshirtstobeonaverage25% lighterandpants 14% lighterthanotherFRproductsthatalsomeetHRC2requirements.Thetestresultsshowedtherangetobe63-68%morebreathablethancompetitorsandwickssweatonaverage15%better.
In hot climates or extremely labour-intensive work, sometradespeopleforgothetraditionallyheavyFRworkwearinordertostaycoolandcomfortable.Thisincludesoptingforcotton-basedworkwearwithnoFRqualitiesatall,whichisoneoftheworsttypesofworkweartobewearinginthecaseofanarcflashorflashfire-bothofwhichcanoccurspontaneously.Cottonfabricburnsandwillcontinueburning,whileHardYakkaProtectgarmentsareselfextinguishing.
BrennaMathews,SeniorProductManager,HardYakka,said:“Whenarcflashorflashfireeventsdooccur,thosedressed in
cottonorpoly-cottongarmentsaretheleastprotected.Untilnow,traditional FR workwear was typically heavy, thick and can getveryhot.HardYakkaisproudtosignificantlystep-upthelevelofprotectionworkerscannowget,withoutcompromisingthecomfortandbreathabilitythatHardYakkaisknownfor.”
The Tecgen fibre used in the construction of Tecgen Selectconsists of two characteristics. One is a outer carbon sheaththat’sheatresistantandwillnotburn.Theotherisadurableinnervisco-elasticcorecapableofstretchingandtwisting inordertoprovidemaximumwearcomfort.Theinherentfabricensuresthatthefire-retardantqualitieswon’twashorwearoutandtheself-extinguishingnatureofthefabricmeansitactsfasttoreducetheextentandseverityofburnstothebody.
TheproductwillbeavailableinJune2013fromsafetyspecialistworkwearandPPEdistributors,specialistworkwearstores,HardYakkaWorkwearCentresandwww.hardyakka.com.au.Therangecomesinhi-visibilityshirts,coverallsandpants.
Shock absorbing lanyard rangeCapital Safety has launched the improved DBI-SALA Force2 Shock Absorbing Lanyard Range which is
lighter, stronger and more durable. It features: Hi-10 energy management material, a small shock pack,
light and strong connector combinations, durable Repel technology webbing and a rugged and du-
rable soft cover with protected labels.
The Hi-10 shock pack is claimed to be 66% smaller and 40% lighter than comparable prod-
ucts. Consisting of high-tenacity fibre energy management material, it is resistant to abrasion,
moisture, chemicals and cuts, and is claimed to use less than half the material content than
competing products.
Constructed with Repel technology water-repellent webbing to reduce the attraction of mould and
dirt and provide better abrasion resistance, the lanyards are also equipped with an expanded range
of lighter and stronger connector combinations including triple action karabiners, snap and scaffold
hooks. The range also includes the WrapBax lanyard, specifically designed to withstand the rigorous
requirements of tie-back applications, making the application simple, fast and efficient.
DBI-SALA’s i-Safe intelligent safety system using RFID technology is built into each product in
the Force2 shock absorbing lanyard range to track inspections, control inventory and manage
information. The range meets all the strict requirements of the AS/NZS 1891.1:2007 standard.
Capital Safety Group (Australia)
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U172
18 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NEWPRODUCTS
CA
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Workplaces prepare for flu season
Vaccination programs are being implemented by an increasingnumberofbusinessestominimisetheimpactthefluwillhaveontheirworkplace,accordingtohealthandsafetyserviceproviderMedvet. Employers Mutual has experienced the benefits of aworkplacevaccinationprogramagainst influenzaforthe lastsixyears. The companyworked with Medvet last year to offer fluvaccinationstoallitsstaffanditwasreportedmorethan30%oftheworkforceparticipatedintheprogram.
“Weallleadbusylivesandoftendon’thavetimetomakeanannualappointmentwithourGPforafluvaccination,”EmployersMutualGeneralManagerGregConnorsaid.“Wefoundthatprovidingourstaffwiththeopportunitytobevaccinatedduringworkhoursnotonlyenhancedtheirpersonalhealthandwellbeing,butalsohelpedtolimitthespreadofthefluthroughouroffice.
“Wewill continue to offer our staffMedvet’s fluvaccinationservice in2013.”According toMedvetManagingDirectorGregJohansen:“The2013fluseasonhasarrivedearlyinAustraliaandhasofficiallybeendeclaredapandemicintheNorthernHemisphere.
“Influenzaconstitutes10-12%ofallabsenteeismintheworkplace,costingAustralianbusinessesanaverageof1.5milliondaysofsickleaveandatleast$175millioneveryyear.
“It has been predicted that the number of people affectedby influenza in2013will bedouble thatof last year,whichwillconsiderablyimpactAustralianbusinesses.”Johansensaidmorebusinesseswere realising thatworkplacevaccinationprograms
couldsignificantlyreduceabsenteeismresultingfromthespreadofinfluenzaandsubsequentlyincreaseproductivity.
“Implementinga‘hassle-free’vaccinationprogramforemployeescanincreasethepercentageofyourworkforcewhohavesomeformofprotectionagainstthevirus,”hesaid.
Medvetoffersavaccinationprogramthat canprovideon-sitevaccinationservicesagainstinfluenza,hepatitisA,hepatitisBandtetanus (which also provides protection against diphtheria andwhooping cough). Experienced and qualifiedvaccination nursesadministerthevaccines.
Medvet
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T577
Coverall for liquid and particulate protectionThe DuPont Tyvek Classic Xpert coverall
is designed to provide a high level of
protection and comfort in the Type 5/6
category. According to test data, it provides six times more particle
protection (holds out 99.2% of dust) and three times more protection
against liquids than the Tyvek coveralls it replaces.
The lightweight, durable suit provides the wearer with good liquid
protection due to its patent-pending seam technology. It passes
the Type 6 test method (EN ISO 17491-4 Method A:2008) and also
demonstrates greater protection when tested according to the more
stringent whole suit Type 4 spray test (EN ISO 17491-4 method B).
The fabric is certified as offering protection against infective agents
(EN 14126), as well as against chemical permeation by some water-
based dilute chemicals. With only 0.8% whole suit inward leakage, it
also reaches Class 2 for nuclear particulate protection.
Features include: hood design that fits to the contours of the face
and neck reducing exposure risk; longer sleeve design ensures a
good fit; glued-in elastic waist reduces the number of seams; bigger
zipper puller to make it easier for the wearer to fasten and unfasten
when wearing gloves; and locking zipper ensures that the coverall
will not accidentally unzip when working.
The suit is robust and abrasion resistant with antistatic treatment
on both sides. It is silicon free, low linting and both air and moisture
vapour permeable, which maximises breathability and wearer comfort
while providing a high level of liquid and particulate protection.
DuPont (Aust) Limited
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T973
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Do you know if your candidates
are thinking safety?
R-SAFE DOES!
W: www.paqs.com.au T: 4949 4500 E: admin@paqs.com.au
TRY IT FOR FREE
20 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
New ProTag Optima SystemAustralia’s Most Compact Appliance
Testing and Tag Printing System.
Call EMONA Instruments on tel: 1 800 632 953 email: testinst@emona.com.au or www.protag.com.au
The new ProTag Optima System tests portable appliances and RCDs,
and prints test tags in a compact system weighing only around 2kg.
No interface cables between the tester, printer and scanner provide
maximum mobility on construction sites, factories and workshops.
Light weight, wireless, battery powered and with logging of visual
inspections and risk assessments, the Optima System guarantees
greater efficiency, huge time savings and a lower cost per tag.
Arc-safe wet weather protectionWorkers in the electrical industry are often exposed to hazardous
and potentially dangerous workplace conditions while working
outdoors in the rain. Improvements have been made to the
fabric of the Zetel ArcSafe wet weather apparel, developed
to protect workers against electric arc flash in wet weather
conditions, including modifications to the components and construction to improve
the ATPV rating from 8.9 to 11.0 Cal.
ArcSafe wet weather gear is available in two levels: ArcSafe Wet Weather that
provides HRC 2 level protection in a full waterproof wet weather jacket and trousers;
and ArcSafe GR FRAS (flame-retardant, antistatic), which is the same ArcSafe mate-
rial with an interwoven carbon grid to provide antistatic properties to the garment.
The clothing is highly visible, waterproof, breathable, windproof, flame-resistant and
offers protection against electric arc hazards.
Zetel ArcSafe is a three-layer, flame-retardant, durable, breathable, waterproof
and windproof fabric that offers electric arc flash protection of HRC2 (ATPV 11). It
conforms to the requirements of EN1149-3:2004 - Protective clothing electrostatic
properties-surface resistivity.
Zetel ArcSafe GR is a three-layer, flame-retardant, antistatic, durable, breathable,
waterproof and windproof fabric that offers electric arc flash protection of HRC2 (ATPV
8.9) and incorporates core conducting trilobial yarns which offer good antistatic perfor-
mance and durability. It conforms to the requirements of EN1149-3:2004 - Protective
clothing electrostatic properties-surface resistivity.
Features of the ArcSafe jacket include: weight - 271 gsm; garment rating HRC 2
ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11; test shot rating HRC 2 ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11.
Features of the ArcSafe trouser include: weight - 271 gsm; garment rating HRC 2
ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11; test shot rating HRC 2 ATPV (Cal/m2) = 11.
Zetel ArcSafe wet weather jackets and trousers have been tested by Kinetrics
Laboratory in the US to ensure they meets the highest possible standards required
by electrical workers. The arc-safe jacket and trouser showed no failures in the test
results and are said to be the most effective arc flash wet weather gear available.
Elliott Australia Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T718
NEWPRODUCTS
Siphon-fed spray nozzlesExair’s siphon-fed spray nozzles atomise fluids in a
range of spray patterns for a wide variety of uses.
They require no liquid pressure and can be
used with gravity-fed liquids or lift liquids from a
siphon height as much as 91 cm. They combine
liquid and compressed air to create a thin coat-
ing of liquid that can be easily adjusted to meet
specific needs.
The nozzles can coat, cool, treat and paint a
variety of products using compressed air and
liquids with a viscosity of up to 200 cP. Used with
water, atomising nozzles are suitable to evenly
cool hot items in automated processes.
The stainless steel construction provides dura-
bility and corrosion resistance. The nozzles are
available in a variety of flow patterns and rates
and internal and external mix atomising nozzles
are also available. All models are adjustable.
Compressed Air Australia Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R580
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 21
Whenpeopleoriginallydesignedequipmenttoprotectyoufrom a fall, they designed body belts that would wraparound the waist, fitted with 6 foot (1.86 m) 3-strandpolyesterropewithoutanyenergy-absorbingproperties,
whichweredesignedtoeitherpreventyoufromreachinganedgewhereyoucould fall or, in theworstcase, suspendyourbodyaftera fall.
The result of a fall in a bodybelt is never pretty - the fall forcesapplied in a concentrated area of the body can bring about severeinternal injuries.Somuchso that beltswere removed fromrecogni-tion in fallarrestapplications,alongwiththepolyester rope lanyardswithout energy absorbers, some time ago. They were replaced withfullbodyharnessesandfallarrest lanyardsorself-retractinglifelineswithenergy-absorbingsystems, bothofwhichoffer ahigherdegreeof user safety during and after the fall, as well as lower impact onthebodyasa resultof the fall itself.
The inclusion of shock-absorbing systems has now been part offall protection for over 20 years. As their name suggests, they aredesigned to absorb energy that is created as the body falls towardsthegroundunderthatalmighty force-gravity.The ‘shock’ofthe fallis reduced with an energy-dissipating system that starts to take upenergy applied to it over 200 kg of force. Under the Australia/NewZealand design standard AS/NZS1891.1, this must not allow the bodytoreceiveaforceexceeding6kN(kiloNewtons-ameasureofforcenamedafterthefamousscientistSirIsaacNewton).Inestimatedterms,1 kN of force is approximately equal to 100 kg of force. So even in
the event of a fall where a person is subjected to the full force ofgravity,this isa lotofforce,buttheaveragehumancanwellsurvivesuchaneventprovidedthattheycorrectlyusetheequipmentthathasbeendesigned forsuchapurpose.
So how does a webbing shock absorber actually work?The predominant methodology of achieving shock-absorption prop-erties is the use of sacrificial ‘tear webbing’ as a component of atotal lanyardassembly. Insuchapplicationswhereapersonusesthelanyardin‘restrainttechnique’,thedevicewillnotdeploy.Thismeansthat anyone can easily ‘lean’ into a lanyard and place their full bodyweightagainstthedeviceat itsfull lengthandtherewillbenoeffectonthe lanyard. It isonlywhenasignificant,sustaineddynamic forceexceeding 200 kg is applied to the lanyard (such as would occur ina fall) that youwill start tosee thedevicedeploy.
Tearwebbingisdesigneddifferentlytootherwebbingasmightbeusedinaharness.Itgenerallyinvolvesusingtwostrips(orhalves)ofwebbingthatarethenwoventogetheragainasecondtimeto formasingle piece of webbing, but with two end ‘ears’. The ears are thensewntogetherwithapieceofregularwebbinginacircularloop,whichisdesignedtobea ‘back-up’device.This isvery importantas if thetearwebbingweretoseparatecompletelyintheeventofamajorfall,theseparationcouldallowthepersontofallrightthroughandnotbesaved. This was actually typical of the first shock-absorbing lanyard
SHOCKABSORBERTECHNOLOGY
Michael Biddle, Managing Director, Capital Safety
INFALLARRESTLANYARDS
Youhaveheardofa‘shockabsorber’before,butwhatdoesithavetodowhenitcomestofallprotection?Or,maybeyouhaveheardofashockabsorberbuthave you ever wondered how it works?
22 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
1. Deployed shock pack 2. Modern-day shock-absorbing lanyard in use
designs in the 1980swherethe lengthof tearwebbingwasquiteshort.However, these were soon replaced by those with the back-up strapfeatureonce theconsequenceswere fullyunderstood.
Testing has shown that in most fall events, it is very unlikely that afulldeploymentoftheshockabsorberwilloccur.Alongwithtesting,thelawsofsciencealsoprovethattheshorterthefalldistance,thelowertheamountofdeployment(ortear-out)thatactuallyoccurs.Thisis,therefore,a reminder that you can minimise fall distance and impact on the bodyfrom a fall by using an adjustable lanyard or connecting at the highestanchoragepointpossible.
Energy-absorbinglanyardsareprovidedwithaworkerweightlimitandcareshouldbetakentoensurethattheuserdoesnotexceedtheselevels.
In the event a fall arrest lanyard is involved in a fall, it must be imme-diatelyremovedfromserviceandneverusedagain.There isnosuchthingaskeeping it fora ‘seconduse’.Andwhen indoubt, tag it out!
Capital Safety Group (Australia)
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U168
SHOCK ABSORBER
THE INCLUSION OF SHOCK-ABSORBING SYSTEMS HAS NOW
BEEN PART OF FALL PROTECTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
AS THEIR NAME SUGGESTS, THEY ARE DESIGNED TO
ABSORB ENERGY THAT IS CREATED AS THE BODY
FALLS TOWARDS THE GROUND UNDER THAT ALMIGHTY
FORCE - GRAVITY.
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 23
NEWPRODUCTS
Machinery safety trainingAn internat ional ly recognised
machinery safety course is to
be offered in Australia in
September to provide an
expert level of training and
an industry-wide recognised
level of competence.
A collaboration between
two international leaders in
their respective fields, Pilz and
TÜV NORD, the Certified Machinery
Safety Expert (CMSE) training is
targeted at professionals who require a thorough
understanding of the safety life cycle and who actively lead,
coordinate and review the more complex and demanding activities
in machinery safety.
Training is delivered over four days in the form of individual modules
containing lectures, discussions, problem solving and practical
workshops. The final day is an open-book examination conducted
by the independent TÜV NORD Group to verify understanding and
enable certification. The course is aimed at professionals involved
in machine specification, design, construction, maintenance and/or
upgrades. Gaining certification will enable participants to:develop a
greater understanding of the requirements of the relevant regulations
and standards; discover how these may be applied to the design,
build, maintenance and operation of machinery; understand the
obligations to be met when specifying, designing, constructing or
putting machinery into service; manage projects from risk assessment
to safety upgrade and implementation; design functional safety
systems in accordance with ISO 13849 and IEC62061; and attain
an internationally valid certificate from TÜV NORD.
The training is available in Melbourne from 10 to 13 September
and in Sydney on 16 from 19 September. To book, call 03 9544 6300
or email training@machinesafe.com.au and for further information
about about CMSE visit CMSE.com.
Pilz Australia Industrial Automation LP
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T952
Monitor vest for emergency personnelA vest that uses Bluetooth and can monitor the heart rate, breathing
rate, activity level and movement has been manufactured by Tait Com-
munications. It also monitors core body temperature, stress levels
and posture of the wearer. The vest can sound alerts when sudden
changes in these measurements occur, give location information
via GPS and is lightweight and machine washable. The Tait BioLink
vest is the result of a collaborative project designed to give vital
information to incident commanders so they can make critical deci-
sions quickly. The company worked with partners Zephyr Technology.
The vest is still in the early development phases, initially focus-
ing on firefighter training scenarios. Beta trial cycles are due for
completion in mid-2013.
Tait Communications
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S977
24 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NEWPRODUCTS
Test and calibration stationThe Dräger X-dock series allows automatic bump testing
and calibration at reduced test gas consumption and
short test duration. At the same time, the networked
database system provides extensive documentation
and evaluation.
The X-dock is available in different versions. The X-
dock 5300 comprises a control unit including a module
for a gas detector of the X-am 1/2/5x00 or Pac product
range. The X-dock 6300/6600 versions are fully configu-
rable, include a control unit and are expandable with
up to 10 modules.
The device is operated via a touch screen at the
master station. Up to three test cycles can be config-
ured freely. In addition to the bump test, several other
options can be activated, such as the testing of the gas
detectors’ alarm elements. The X-dock also automatically
recognises all sensor combinations and automatically
tests and adjusts them if all required test gases are
connected. The station operates independently and
can be configured without a PC. Once a gas detector
is inserted, the device is automatically detected by the
X-dock, which records all data in the database.
The X-dock Manager evaluation software analyses the
data of the calibration system and the gas detector and
processes them. This allows for a quick overview, for
instance, of the level of gas concentrations in certain
areas of the plant, if all tests have been performed and
if all devices are ready for use. In addition, a complete
log is recorded, which includes when each device was
tested and what the result was.
The reduced gas flow of 300 mL/min instead of the
500 mL/min currently used per conventional module
reduces the expenses for test gases. The testing period
is reduced to between 8 and 15 s (for standards such
as CH4, O2, CO and H2S), which reduces the daily
testing effort. The patent-pending valve concept largely
eliminates the use of pumps. The valves manage the
test gases and, if connected, even compressed air. All
Dräger test gas cylinders are already registered in the
database - by entering the item number, the required
fields for the gas configuration are automatically filled.
Draeger Safety Pacific Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T976
Diesel bunding tankSilvan Australia has added to its range a bunding tank for its
400 L Diesel Pro transfer tank which is suitable for farmers, contractors,
resource companies, earthmovers and civil engineering businesses.
In accordance with the relevant standard (AS 1940-2004), the tank
has a 440 L capacity or 110% of the unit it houses.
In the event that the
400 L capacity tank is
penetrated or subject to
an overfill or accidental
spillage, the volume will
be immediately captured
and retained in the bund.
The need for a clean-up
or collection and repair of
any damage is therefore
avoided.
With dimensions of 1800 x 960 mm and a height of 470 mm, the
tank is manufactured from impact resistant UV stabilised polyethylene.
The tank can also be suitable for a number of original low profile
Selecta diesel tanks.
Silvan Australia Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S548
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 25
CA
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Taxi drivers to receive lifesaving first aid skills
Atleastonetaxipassengeraweekwillrequireurgentfirstaidwhileenroutetotheirchosendestination.Asaresult,13CABSisprovidingtheirdriverswithsufficientknowledgeandconfidencetobethefirstresponderwhenanincidentarises.
ThenewonlineIntroductiontoFirstAid(IFA)awarenesscoursewhichhasbeenlaunchedbyStJohnAmbulanceVictoriawillequipmorethan11,000existingMelbournecabdriverswithbasicfirstaidskillsincluding:Firststepstotakeinanemergency•Howtorespondtofaintingoranunconsciouspassenger•Howtotreatsprainsandstrainsaswellaswoundsandburns•Whattodoifapassengerischoking
TheIFAawarenesscoursewillbeincludedinallnewdrivertrainingandprovidedtoallexisting13CABSdrivers.
13CABSCOOStuartOverell said themost commonfirst aidincidentsexperiencedbypassengersarefalls,breathingdifficultiesandfainting.“Ourdriversareregularlyfacedwithsituationsinwhichpassengersbecomesickorinjured,orhaveoverindulgedonanightoutandrequirefirstaid,”saidOverell.
“Equippingourdriverswith these lifesavingskills ispart ofourlong-termcommitmenttoourpassengersandtotheVictoriancommunity.”TheonlineIFAawarenesscourseisnowavailabletoallbusinessesacrossVictoriaandisrecommendedforbusinesseswithalargeemployeeandcustomerbase.Thecourseisparticularlyrelevanttoretail,hospitalityandtourism.StJohnAmbulanceVictoriaCEOStephenHortonsaidthecourseisquick,simpleandacost-
effectivewayforbusinessestoequipemployeeswiththebasiclifesavingskills to respond ina wide range of emergencysituationsthatmayaffectstaff,patronsorcustomers.
“We’vespecificallydesignedthis course for businessessotheirstaffcanaccessfirstaid traininganytimeandanywhere,”saidHorton.
“Howyourespondinthefirstfiveminutesfollowinganincidentcancriticallychangeitsoutcome.ThenewIFAawarenesscoursewillequipemployeestoactquickly,andwe’reproudtobeworkingwith13CABStohelpimprovethesafetyoftheirpassengers.”
HortonsaidStJohniscallingforallemployerstofollow13CABS’leadandincludethe60-minute,IFAawarenesscourseinworkplaceinductionprograms.“ThedevelopmentoftheIFAawarenesscourseisanothersteptowardsourgoalofmakingfirstaidapartofeveryone’slife.Thiscoursewillequipemployeeswithvaluablelifeskillsthatcanbeappliedbothinandoutoftheworkplace,”hesaid.Forbusinessescommittedtoworkplaceand/orcommunitysafety,theIFAawarenesscoursestartsthefirstaidcertificationprocessbyprovidingbasicawarenesswhichwillbeenhancedbyface-to-facetrainingfromStJohn.
St John Ambulance Australia
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T711
26 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
GaryNeave,DirectorProgramDeliveryServices,ParsonsBrinckerhoff,contributedtooutstandingsafetyoutcomesthrough innovation and initiative on a benchmark pro-ject inSouthAustralia for the state’swaterutility,SA
Water. As Project Director for SA Water’s $400 million NorthSouth Interconnection System Project (NSISP), Neave activelyinfluencedteambehavioursandcontributedtoallsafety forums:in the office, in the client’s office and on site.
“By delivering consistent safety messages and driving be-haviours across all project sites and personally acknowledgingoutstanding safety leadership and initiative I was ‘active’ andeffectively communicated the expectation that teammembers dothe same,” said Neave.
Butsafetyismorethanjustcompletingoneobservationayearbecause it is mandated. Active safety management proactivelyinvolveseveryprojectteammemberineverythingthatinfluencesthe safety and wellbeing of the team members, their colleaguesand the project’s end users.
Active safety managementBeingactiveinthemanagementofsafetygoesbeyondmerecompli-ance.Itrequiresengagingbroadlytosupportcolleagues,constructioncontractors,clients,projectownersandoperators,andthecommunityto deliver safety outcomes. Everyone from the CEO to the projectdirector to the graduate engineer plays a significant role.
Establishing an effective framework that supports an activesafetymanagementcultureisarguablymoreimportantthansettingtheprojectorbusinessunitbudgetandschedule.Seniormanage-ment plays a key role in ensuring safety’s ongoing inclusion inthe culture, discipline and behaviours of staff. And every teammember is part of the safety team.
The key components of active safety management include:•ensuring every hazard, no matter how minor, is identified,
recorded, considered and mitigated;•reporting and investigating every incident and near miss
accurately;•supporting colleagues every step of the way if they feel at
risk, unwell or are hurt, however slightly;•maintaining a consistent approach to the safety of all team
members, regardless of their role or location;•collaboratingwidelytoensurerepresentativesfromallproject
stages are included in all safety forums (eg, constructionand operations staff must attend Safety in Design sessionswhen there is still opportunity to influence concept andpreliminary design);
•implementingacharterorsimilaragreementthatestablishesa behaviour platform across the team; and
•building a team culture that truly supports the behavioursrequired for successful delivery (eg, no blame and reward/celebration of safety achievements.
SUPPORTINGPROJECTDELIVERYWITH
Safetyprecautionsareeverywhere.Whetheritbeahandrailandkickboardsonapumpstationplatformor personal protective equipment and safety briefings on a construction site, safety is a critical partof allwe do. Initiatives such as ‘ZeroHarm’ support the importanceofvigilance and safety in everyaspect of working life.
ACTIVESAFETYMANAGEMENT
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 27
ACTIVE SAFETY MANAGEMENT
A major project delivery team typically includes a group ofsafety professionals who identify and assess risks and hazards,write and implement work method statements, educate and ad-vise team members, and monitor performance and compliance.Goodsafetyoutcomesresultfromrigorouscompliancetomaturesafety policy, proven standards and comprehensive procedures.
“The challenge and innovation for active safety managementis to move away from a compliance-based culture to one whereeveryone is actively thinking and involved,” said Neave.
Thisapproachissupportedbytwoelements:everyone’sactionsareanexample toothers, andeveryoneat all levelsparticipatesin ongoing, active engagement.
Active safety management on NSISPSA Water’s $400 million NSISP is a crucial component of theGovernment of South Australia and SA Water’s Network WaterSecurityProgram,along-termstrategytodeliveraflexible,inte-gratedsolutionforwatertransferanddistributionuntil2050andbeyond. It has upgraded and connected metropolitan Adelaide’snorthernandsouthernwatersupplynetworks.ThishasgivenSAWatertheflexibilityitneededtouseitswaterresourcesefficientlyand has increased the community’s security of water supply.
NSISPwasdeliveredbyanintegratedprojectteamwhosemainresources were selected on a best-for-project basis, regardlessof their source or employer.
Parsons Brinckerhoff provided key members of the projectleadership team, design services, construction and commis-sioning resources, and supported the stakeholder engagementand project controls teams throughout the project life cycle. Itworkedwiththeclientandpartnerprofessionalservicesprovid-ers to ensure exemplary safety outcomes for all stakeholders.
Neave said the innovative approach taken to safety heavilyinfluenced the project’s safety outcome.
“Safetywasembeddedintheculturethroughteambehaviour;asafetycharter; andcontinuousengagementwith thecontrac-tors,theclientandallmembersoftheteamregardlessoftheirrole and location.
“This resulted in safety being every project team member’sresponsibility,fromthedesignersholdingSafetyinDesignwork-shopstotechnicalmanagersandcontractorstalkingaboutsafetyandapplyingpolicyandprocesstositeactivity,”explainedNeave.
The NSISP team used SA Water’s existing safety manage-ment systems and developed new safety initiatives during theproject delivery phase to meet the challenge of a complexand high-risk work environment. They focused on continuousimprovement and introduced new initiatives that augmentedthe existing systems to ensure strong safety performance andculture across the entire project.
The safety group, supported by the wider NSISP team, es-tablishedsystemsthatencouragedsharedlearninganda‘safetyfirst’ culture. The complexity of the construction, challengesand high-risk nature of work across multiple sites throughoutmetropolitanAdelaidenecessitatedactivesafetyawarenessandacommitment tomeetingdailysitesafetychallenges.Contrac-tors inthe field,SAWaterstaffandNSISPseniormanagementsupportedtheseaimsbyuphold-ing the Zero Harm vision andconsidering the future.
Celebratingsafetysuccessesreinforcedtheactivesafetyman-agementmessage.AmajorsafetymilestonewasreachedinFebru-ary 2012 when the NSISP teamcelebrated one million hours ofworkcompletedsafely,withzerorecorded lost-time injuries.
“The event acknowledgedthe efforts of the entire teamand reinforced the team safetyculture,” said Neave.
The team celebrated at aBBQformorethan400workersacrosseightsites.Thefestivitiesincluded a motivational speechon safety from leadership andanNSISPdrinkbottle inscribed
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28 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
withasafetymessageforover1000safetycontributors.NSISPwas handed over on time, within budget and with outstandingsafety outcomes. The project achieved zero recorded lost-timeinjuries and a benchmark low ‘all recorded injury’ frequencyrateovermorethan1.8millionhoursworkedonhighlycomplexandchallengingtasksacrossmorethan120sites.Theexcellentsafety record continues well into operations, which is a testa-ment to the rigour applied to the management of safety fromconcept to handover.
The future of active safety managementWithsafety, success forone isasuccess forall.Atrueactivesafetymanagementprojectregardssafetyasatoppriorityatalltimes.Andactivesafetymanagementwill become increasinglyimportant. It will include all the currently practised elementsof good communication, Safety in Design in initial stages fol-lowing through to construction and completion, commitmentfrom leadership - including the client - to drive initiative andembeddingsafetyinteamculture.Innovationsintechnologyandsystems offer exciting possibilities, such as safety reportingthrough mobile devices making critical information, reports,
THE CHALLENGE AND INNOVATION FOR ACTIVE SAFETY
MANAGEMENT IS TO MOVE AWAY FROM A COMPLIANCE-
BASED CULTURE TO ONE WHERE EVERYONE IS
ACTIVELY THINKING AND INVOLVED," SAID GARY NEAVE,
DIRECTOR PROGRAM DELIVERY SERVICES, PARSONS
BRINCKERHOFF. THIS APPROACH IS SUPPORTED BY TWO
ELEMENTS: EVERYONE'S ACTIONS ARE AN EXAMPLE TO
OTHERS, AND EVERYONE AT ALL LEVELS PARTICIPATES IN ONGOING,
ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT.
ACTIVE SAFETY MANAGEMENT
guidelines and notices available in real time. Several elementsare essential to ensuring active safety management is incor-porated in projects.
“It is important to break through barriers that prevent col-laborationamongmultiplepartners,toreflectonlessonslearntfrom previous projects, to incorporate behavioural charters incontractual frameworks and to drive individuals’ KPIs beyondtheir technical role to ensure shared safety responsibility,”said Neave.
Everystakeholdercancontributetosafety.Wheneveryone,whethertheybeclient,com-munity member or worker, is active and ac-countable, safety becomes more than a planandregister.Itisinherentineverything-everyproject planning document, every budget,every conversation. Zero Harm is no longeran aspiration - it is real.
Parsons Brinckerhoff
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U182
NEWPRODUCTS
Rescue kitsThe Miller QuickPick Rescue Kits provide a solution during unexpected, peer-
rescue situations involving those working at height. The rescuer can remotely
attach the system to the suspended worker while remaining securely anchored
to the working surface. All rescue components are included in an easy-to-store
kit with no assembly required and only requiring an overhead anchorage.
The kit comes with a back-up braking system to eliminate accidental release
during a rescue situation and an efficient hauling system with
a 5:1 lifting ratio, making heavy loads easy to lift.
The kit contains: back-up braking system; high-strength
colour-coded aluminium pulleys for easy orientation; 1 mm
kernmantle rope; remote connection rescue pole - 1.2 m
collapsed, 3.6 m fully extended; karabiner clip and pigtail;
tool lanyard; cross arm anchor connector; backpack for easy
transportation; and a carry case for the pole.
Honeywell Safety Products Australia Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U143
Gary Neave
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 29
NEWPRODUCTS
Fixed cable and hose retainerSwift Metal Services has expanded its range
of cable and hose brackets to include the
fixed cable and hose retainer.
From working with site managers and project
coordinators at large infrastructure and construc-
tion companies, the company identified a need to
suspend larger diameter and heavier hoses, cable
and pneumatic lines on building sites, energy in-
frastructure, mines and machinery workshops. This
has resulted in the Swift retainer bracket that allows
for multiple mounting positions including hooked
or bolted configurations.
Designed primarily for the power and energy
industries, the cable brackets can used across a
broad spectrum of applications and industries in
any area that requires hooks or brackets to lift cables,
power leads or hoses out of walkways or traffic areas.
Typical sizes hold up to 50 mm cables with custom designs
available. Cable hooks are available in 304 stainless steel,
powder-coated or hot dip-galvanized finishes.
SWIFT Metal Services Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S073
Anchorage deviceThe Protecta Dual-Ring Cable Tie-Off
Adapter anchorage device has been
designed to provide an alternative to
‘choker’ style anchors and as a safe
replacement for material handling
slings that are being used for fall
protection. The design replaces
incompatible ‘basket’ type configura-
tions such as those used with some
slings, or slings requiring multiple
hooks into a single connecting element,
or connecting combinations of hooks or
karabiners together.
Lightweight and durable, the dual ring design
provides a safe and compatible fall arrest-rated
connection for personnel, as recommended in
the AS/NZS 1891 standard. Portable and re-
usable, the tie-off adapter is easily repositioned
without disconnecting or loosening the device
and can easily be slid across a beam.
Capital Safety Group (Australia)
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T581
30 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
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Fluke_SafetySolutions_Jun-Jul_Ad_Corrected.indd 1 4/06/12 10:04 AM
Withover42,000students,DeakinUniversitycomprisesthreeseparatecampusesinMelbourne,GeelongandWarrnambool,which are over 260 km apart. The Wormald team installedadvanced MX Technology fire detection systems at each ofthe three campuses, which are interconnected using theuniversity’sintranet.ApplyingtheMXfiredetectionsystemsacrosssuchavastareaisclaimedtobeafirstfortheindustry.
Thecomprehensivefiredetectionsolutionincludes17MX1fireindicatorpanels.Wormaldprovided4000high-performanceanalogaddressabledetectors,includingMX814HheatdetectorsandMX814Psmokedetectors.
The system provides staff with improved control overpotentialfirerisksontheuniversity’scampuses,whichincludemultiple disconnected buildings. The system’s graphicalinterfaceinstantlydisplaysthestatusofthefiredetectorsateachbuilding.Universityemployeesnowhave theability tomonitorthefiredetectionsystemsfromanycomputerwithaninternetconnection.Theycanalso investigateordeactivatealarmswithoutphysicallyvisiting thebuilding.By receivinginformationfromeachindividualdetector,thelocationofafirecanbeeasilyidentifiedandanappropriateresponsedevisedquickly.
RussellOrmston,BuildingServicesEngineeringManageratDeakinUniversity,said,“TheWormaldMXsystemhasgivenuscontroloverthefiredetectionsystemsatmultiplecampusesfromasinglepoint.IwasveryhappywithWormald’sprojectplanningandmanagement.Theteamcompletedtheworkwithinaverytighttimeframeandminimiseddisruptionsbycompletingtheinstallationduringuniversityholidays.”
AccordingtoTonyAntoniou,BusinessDevelopmentManagerwith Wormald, “While the installation at Deakin Universitypresentedsomechallenges,theadvancedcapabilitiesoftheMXsystemmade it an idealsolution.Tohelpcontrolcosts,ourteamre-usedmuchoftheoriginalfiredetectorwiringandintegratedthesystemthroughtheuniversity’sexistingintranet.Furthermore,thesystem’sflexibilitymeansitcanbeexpandedorreconfiguredasnewbuildingsareaddedorexistingbuildingschangefunction.”
The MX Technology system complies with AustralianStandardAS 1670.1-2004 - Fire detection,warning, controland intercom systems - System design, installation andcommissioning-Fire.
Wormald (Tyco/Fire & Security)
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T895
Fire detection solution across three campuses at university
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 31
NEWPRODUCTS
Speed humpAWS has speed humps
that conform to Australian
Standards AS 2890.1 2004
and are made to withstand
a high amount of traffic.
The high-profile speed
hump is made out of tough
thermoplastic, the same
material that is used to
make motorcycle helmets.
It has reflectors to show
location at night and a
cable protector tunnel un-
derneath.
The hump is simple
to install and comes in
250 mm modules of black
or yellow so it can be built
to different sizes.
Australian Warehouse Solutions Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S116
Thermal imaging and security camerasFLIR’s range of A310 cameras can be used for both
temperature monitoring and security applications.
The A310 f and A310 pt thermal imaging cameras are dual-
use systems - temperature monitoring of critical installations
and perimeter security. They can be installed almost anywhere
to monitor critical equipment and other valuable assets. They will safeguard
plants and measure temperature differences to assess the criticality of a situation.
The A310 f is a fixed mounted camera. Once installed it always looks in the
same direction. It is suitable for monitoring critical installations and to protect the
perimeter at the same time. The A310 pt pan/tilt has the features and functions
to build single- or multicamera solutions. It can pan ±360º continuously and tilt
±45º. It is suitable to cover large areas. Typical application examples are wood and coal pile, waste bunker and
substation monitoring. It is a multisensor and includes a lowlight 36x zoom colour CCD camera. With a thermal
A310 pt, the operator can monitor the perimeter security continuously, while equipment in the field of view can be
monitored at the same time. At selected times, it can also audit temperatures of equipment in other locations, then
return to the main task of security monitoring. A fixed A310 f camera can also perform both functions simultaneously.
Other applications include: power generation and distribution; critical equipment monitoring; natural gas process-
ing, transport and storage; fire prevention in waste storage areas; flare detection.
Both cameras can detect temperature differences as small as 0.05°C and contain analysis and built-in alarm
functions. MPEG-4 video output can be streamed over ethernet to show live images on a PC. Composite video
output, PAL and NTSC is available. The cameras come standard with a built-in 25° lens with both motorised focus
and autofocus. Optional lenses are available.
FLIR Systems Australia Pty Ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S432
www.SafetySolutions.net.au32SAFETYSOLUTIONS-JUNE/JULY 2013
RESPIRATORYPROTECTIONFORWOODWORKING Terry Gorman,
Senior Occupational Hygienist, 3M
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 33
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Wood dusts and other contaminants are produced in various tasks commonly carried out both in theworkplace and in the home/hobby situation. These materials, if present in high enough levels, are arespiratory hazard and suitable precautions should be taken.
In 1995, the International Agency for Research on Cancer(IARC) designated wood dust as a known human carcinogen(Group 1). This was on the basis of the confirmation of thecorrelation between inhalation of wood dust and a rare type
of adenocarcinoma involving the nasal sinuses.Hardwoodandexoticwoods,ratherthansoftwood,arethemost
likelycandidates for inducing thiscancerouseffect.Certain typesof hardwoods (eg, beech, oak) are potentially a source of moresevere outcomes.
Research has found that there is evidence of an increasedincidence of nasal cancers in chronic exposure areas like thefurniture and cabinet-making industries and a similar outcome issuspected in sawmilling, carpentry and joinery, and in the paperand pulp industry. This type of cancer has a latency period ofaround 40 years. However, cases have been reported as little asfiveyearsafterexposure.Thismakestheuseofexposurecontrolsand suitable respiratory protection essential where overexposureto wood dusts occurs routinely.
The most common effect from overexposure to wood dustis irritation of the respiratory tract, starting from the nose andreachingdown into the throat.Thedust in theseareascancausecoughing, irritation and hoarseness.
Respiratory and dermal hypersensitivity in woodworkers hasalso been observed resulting in asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis.The complex chemical compounds in wood are thought to beresponsible for these allergic reactions.
Symptoms of overexposure may include:•coughing, sneezing, breathing problems•nose bleeding, vomiting, nausea•headache, giddiness, vision disturbancePotential exposure processes:•sawing, milling, planing•chipping, sanding, routing•shaping, thicknessing, tenoning•moulding, jointing, turningThe wood that has been most studied is Western Red Cedar.
ResearchersinBritishColumbiahaveidentifiedasthmaticresponsesprovokedbyinhalationofplicaticacid,awater-solublecomponentin Western Red Cedar. In Australia, Safe Work Australia has setexposure standards for certain hardwoods at 1 mg/m3 and forsoftwoods at 5 mg/m3 as the 8 h average concentrations, whichshouldnotcausediscomfortoradverseeffectsinnearlyallwork-ers. Note that sensitised individuals may have reactions to muchlowerlevels.TheAmericanConferenceofGovernmentalIndustrialHygienists(ACGIH)hasrecommendedanexposurestandardof0.5mg/m3forWesternRedCedarinTLVpublicationforseveralyears.
SolutionsPreventativemeasures suchasextractventilation, filteredair andwatersprayscanhelpcontroldustexposures.However,wheretheseare not available or not practicable, use of respiratory protectionis indicated. This will be the case in the majority of situationsencountered during common woodworking tasks.
For exposures to levels up to 10 times the exposure standard,the respirators are available that will provide suitable protection.
3Mhasavailablethefollowingsuitablerespirators:valvedflatfoldrespirator9312P1;flatfoldrespirator9310P1;valvedcuppedres-pirator 8812 P1; cupped respirator 8710 P1. These products usedand fitted correctly will provide protection against wood dust upto 10 times the exposure standard.
Higherconcentrationsofdustswill requirerespiratorydeviceswithhigherprotectionlevelssuchasfullfacerespiratorsorpoweredairpurifyingrespiratorslikethe3MJupiterwiththeM-106headtop.
Lead paintsWorking with recycled painted wood has hazards related to thepossible presenceof lead in the paint.High levels of lead canbereleasedduringstrippingorsandingoperations,eitherintothelungsor as particles swallowed into the stomach. High lead intake cancause long-term health problems. For heat stripping of the leadpaint, there can be amounts of lead fume released.
Respirators suitable for sanding tasks available from 3M in-clude: valved flat fold respirator 9312 P1; flat fold respirator 9310P1; valved cupped respirator 8812 P1; cupped respirator 8710 P1.
Respirators suitable for heat stripping of lead paint include3M’s valved flat fold respirator 9322 P2; flat fold respirator 9320P2;valvedcuppedrespirator8822P2;cuppedrespirator8210P2.
MDF and formaldehydeUse of MDF (medium density fibreboard) raises the added pos-sibility of exposure to formaldehydevapours - this is used in thebonding process during manufacture of MDF. As well as wooddust, formaldehyde can be released during cutting or milling ofthe MDF product.
Eye and upper airway irritation are common symptoms fromoverexposure to formaldehyde while using MDF. Formaldehydehasbeendesignatedasensitiserthatcancauseaspecificimmuneresponseinsomepeople.Exposuretoasensitiser,oncesensitisa-tionoccurs,maymanifest itselfasaskin rashor inflammationoras an asthmatic condition, and in some individuals this reactioncan be extremely severe.
FormaldehydeisalsodesignatedbyIARCasaGroup1carcinogenandexposuresshouldbekeptaslowaspossiblebywell-maintainedventilation systems. Where these measures are insufficient, othermeans of control are required, PPE being one such approach.
Specific respiratory protection solutions for formaldehyde thatmeet the performance requirements of Australian Standard 1716areavailablefrom3M.Theseinclude:premiumhalffacerespirator7500 series (7501 small, 7502 medium, 7503 large) and standardhalf facerespirator6000series (6100small,6200medium,6300large). The 7500 and 6000 series respirators need to be fittedwith the company’s organic vapour and formaldehyde filter 6075or organic vapour/acid gas filter 6057. The filter, fitted with thecompany’s particulate filter 5925 P2 and particulate filter retainer501, will provide combined protection against formaldehyde andwood dust up to 10 times the exposure standard for a trained,fitted, clean-shaven wearer.
3M Personal Safety
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U201
34 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
Are you preparedfor sudden
cardiac arrest?
Call 1-800-605-555 or visit www.zoll.com.au
Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of nearly
30,000 Australians each year. It can affect
anyone at anytime. The only definitive treatment
is high-quality CPR and defibrillation, and every
second counts. The ZOLL AED Plus® features Real
CPR Help,® which provides real-time feedback
to help you provide compressions at the proper
depth and rate. The audio and visual prompts
guide you to rescue with confidence and clarity
unmatched by any other AED. Contact us today
to find out more about the AED Plus.
NEWPRODUCTS
Retractable hose reelsTechnicians working within vehicle service bay
workshops are at constant risk of exposure
to poisonous carbon monoxide, an
odourless colourless gas, and
even the mildest exposure can
cause dizziness, headaches
and nausea. An additional
risk is the exposure to diesel
fumes which contain known
carcinogens including arsenic,
benzene and nickel.
A solution to this problem
is the use of ‘at-source’ vehicle
tailpipe extraction, and the Fumex
range of retractable hose reels provides
a solution to eliminating health risks. The hose reel can be either
wall or roof mounted and, in either case, takes into consideration the
elimination of trailing hoses and subsequent tripping hazards.
The retractable hose reel is available in a spring-retractable configu-
ration or can be provided in a motorised version with remote-control
operation and is available to suit applications from the smallest car
right up to large trucks.
Laboratory Systems Group
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T186
Heavy-duty work gloveThe VisionSafe Guardsman range of protective work gloves is designed
to suit a wide variety of applications and workplace needs. Comfort and
style have been retained without sacrificing safety and user dexterity.
A work glove needs to protect the user without restricting their ability
to perform an extensive range of tasks with a degree of precision. With
this in mind, VisionSafe developed the Warrior - a heavy-duty work glove
that is light and easy to wear.
Offering maximum protection and comfort, the Warrior is a fully
lined glove suitable for heavy-duty applications. The tough synthetic
leather palm and finger pads ensure durability in hardwearing areas.
Neoprene knuckle pads provide good protection to the user against
the accidental scrapes and knocks. The spandex and lycra support
fabrics enable maximum dexterity and a comfortable fit. A snug-fitting
wrist lock ensures that the glove stays firmly in place on the hand even
while under pressure.
The glove is comfortable to wear the glove and available in a full
range of sizes from small to 2XL. It is also machine washable for easy
cleaning and maintenance.
Vision Safe (PPE)
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U046
This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au 35
The LaneWorkSafe Split Specimen Cup is made to meet Australian Standard AS4308:2008 cut-off levels. Used by NSW Police for testing serving Police Officers.
LaneWorkSafe deliver all clients the highest quality and best value on-site devices currently available in Australia. Unlike others we stand behind our product with after-sales and backup support.
LaneWorkSafe are wholesalers of Urine Drug and Saliva Testing Equipment. LaneWorkSafe offer competitive prices and can guarantee continuity of supply on our quality equipment.
Ph: 1800 429 219www.laneworksafe.com.au
NEWPRODUCTS
Safety appThe Sentis Safe Leader iPhone
app is designed to enhance and
improve the delivery of safety pre-
start meetings. Built around a variety
of safety share topics which prompt
and enrich critical conversation, the
app is designed to ensure your meetings are both interesting and effectual.
Providing an intuitive user experience, the app was developed around four practical
functions for everyday use: activities - prompts for daily action, focusing your team’s
safety attention; questions - targeted inquiry to stimulate mindful safety behaviour;
conversations - powerful topics to get your team talking safety; and information -
motivating facts and statistics to reinforce your safety message.
The app also provides the end user with an observation tool that can help with
safety reporting. Sychronised with the iPhone camera functionality, the app allows users
an integrated forum to: photograph hazards; apply notes and observations; set GPS
coordinates of the location; store hazard report if outside internet service provision
or; email report for internal action.
It also has a favourites list for quick retrieval of preferred content; useful inbuilt
‘how to’ guide; and help videos.
The app is fully functional and freely available on the iTunes app store.
Sentis
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T352
Safety light curtainsThe safety light curtains with thermowell and protection
rating IP69K are designed without corners and edges.
They have properties which are required in hygienic as
well as robust applications. It has an ECOLAB certifi-
cation for material resistance in cleaning processes.
The safety light curtains and light grids have been
developed in accordance with the current standards
and certified by TÜV Süd. They conform to the re-
quirements of the type 2/SIL or type 4/SIL 3 and to
the requirements of type 2/SIL 2 or type 4/SIL 3 with
ranges of 6, 9 or 15 m.
ifm efector pty ltd
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T216
36 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
We’re getting social!
www.safetysolutions.net.au/social
We are providing more opportunities for you to stay up to date with all the latest industry information from the social networks of your choice.
Follow us and join the conversation with thought leaders from your industry.
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Construction company improves safety compliance
HansenYuncken,oneofAustralia’s largestconstructionfirms, iscarryingoutmajorextensionstotheBurwoodcampusofVictoria’sDeakinUniversity.
The site foreman at the university construction site, JasonMalouhos,saidthecompanywasanxiousto increasethe levelofsafetyforitsworkersandreducethenumberofinjuriesandlosttimethroughoutitsconstructionprojects.
“Wehaverecentlyintroduceda‘gloveandclippolicy’toencouragebroadacceptanceoftheneedforhandprotection.Thisway,whetherornottheworkerwishestoweargloves,theyalwayshavetherighthandprotectionreadyforanytask.
“Ansell introduced us to a number of alternative protectionsolutions.WefoundthatwhiletheAnsellmedium-dutyglovesarequitesuitableforon-sitemanagementstaff,theirActivArmrHeavyLaborerGloveandtheActivArmrCarpenterGloveareidealformanyofthetoughmanualtasksfoundonoursites.
“Ourpeoplehavefoundtheseglovesenablethemtocarryouttheirtaskseasilyand,justasimportant,areeasyontheirhands.They’rearealupgradefromthebulkyriggers’gloves,whichwehavebeenaccustomedtoforthelast20yearsandwhichhaven’tgivenusanyflexibilityofstyleforthetaskbeingundertaken.
“Withthetask-specificActivArmrgloves,wenowhaveaglovethat’scomfortablefortheworkandavoidsthefrustrationcausedbytheoldgloves,whichoftenhadrestrictedmovementandalackoffeelforthoseactivitiesthatrequirefinerhandmovements.
“Thanks to the rangeofAnsell’s task-specific gloves,weareexperiencingahigherlevelofcompliancewithourglovepolicy,andit’sbeenareallygoodsafetyoutcome forHansenYunckenand itspeople,”Jasonsaid.
Ansell Healthcare
Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T938
from the editor
April’s tragic building collapse in Bangladesh,
which killed over 1000 workers, has
highlighted the hazardous working conditions
and lack of safety provided for millions of
workers across the country’s garment sector.
A government investigation found poor-
quality construction materials and building
code violations were among the series of
irregularities at the site. The report also
claimed that the building was not built for
industrial use, so the weight and vibrations
of the factory machinery also contributed to
the building collapse.
Since the disaster, many international
clothing retailers have reportedly signed on
to contracts that require them to help pay
for fire safety and building improvements in
Bangladesh. Other reforms that have been
announced include the immediate voluntary
closure of a number of other factories
believed to be unsafe; a lifting of restrictions
on forming trade unions in most industries;
and the establishment of a new mechanism
to guarantee a reasonable minimum wage
for garment industry workers.
In this edition, we take a look at a safety
issue which is causing problems across
many industries in Australia - drug misuse.
Employers have a number of challenges
in addressing this problem, including
determining when to request a reasonable
suspicion drug test, providing appropriate
education and creating a safety culture in
the workplace that doesn’t tolerate workers
impaired by drugs.
We also feature the topic of working in
confined spaces with a few words from a
wise supervisor on page 14.
Carolyn Jackson - Editorss@westwick-farrow.com.au
RESOURCESWebsiteforpublicsafetyappsAwebsitededicatedtopublicsafetyandemergencyresponseappsforusebythegeneralpublic,appdevelopersandfirstresponderswaslaunchedbyAPCOInternationalonWednesday(24 April).The not-for-profit Association of Public SafetyCommunications Officials (APCO) International, based intheUS,createdtheApplicationsCommunityor‘AppComm’,where visitors can view, search, rate and comment onpublic safety apps.
Manyappsrelatedtopublicsafetyarealreadyavailableandinusebythegeneralpublicandpublicsafetyagencies.Recentinitiativesaimedatadvancingpublicsafetycommunicationstechnology are also driving new apps designed to serve apublic safety or emergency response purpose.
“APCOmembersareespeciallyqualifiedtoevaluateexistingappsanddrivedevelopmentofnewappsthatmosteffectivelyaidpublicsafetyandemergencyresponse,” said APCO President Terry Hall. Hall continued, “APCO is determined to lead thewayinfosteringthedevelopmentofappropriatestandardsandcriteriaforpublicsafetyapps.”
According to APCO Executive Director Derek Poarch, “AppComm was created to providea single, trusted online forum where public safety professionals, the general public and appdevelopers can rate and comment on apps, submit ideas for new apps to serve unmet publicsafetyneedsandsuggest additional apps for inclusionon thesite.”Thesiteprovides links todownload the apps from external websites and app stores.
TheglobalcontextoftheAppComminitiativewillbediscussedbytheAPCOGlobalAlliance,which includesrepresentatives fromAPCO International,APCOAustralasia,BritishAPCOandAPCO Canada in Manchester at the British APCO 2013 Conference next week.
“WestronglysupporttheAppComminitiativeandweareexcitedaboutwhatitwillmeanforthe Australia and New Zealand community and public safety communications and informationtechnologysector,” saidDesBahr,CEOofAPCOAustralasia.Bahrcontinued, “AppCommwillassist in creating a new wave of app innovation for public safety and emergency response.”
Visit www.appcomm.org toview the site.
DrugsafetyconferenceT2013: the 20th International Council on
Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conferencewillbeheldfrom25-28AugustattheBrisbaneConventionandExhibitionCentreandwillbringtogetherover400delegatesfromaroundAustraliaand overseas, drawn from the areas of publichealthandsafety,trafficandtransportpsychology,publichealth,law,medicine,economics,lawen-forcement,publicpolicy,education,pharmacology,toxicology,forensicscience,humanfactors,andalcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
The Designer Drugs Session to be held inconjunction with the conference will profilesyntheticcannabinoidsasthenewfaceofdrugabuse,investigatetheepidemiologicalbackgroundonthelatestnewdrugsinEurope,presentcasestudies on driver intoxication, and unveil newways for screening and confirmation of thepresenceofthesenewdrugsindruggeddrivers.
TheAustralasianRoadSafetyResearch,PolicingandEducationConferencewillimmediatelyfollow T2013 in the same Brisbanevenue from 28-30 August 2013.
OrganisedbyTheCentreforAccidentResearch&RoadSafetyQueensland(CARRS-Q)andICADTS. Visit http://t2013.com toview the site.
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38 This issue is sponsored by — People & Quality Solutions Pty Ltd — www.paqs.com.au
NOTICE:All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them.
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In my opinion
Professor Jeremy Davey is Deputy Director, Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety at Queensland University of Technology (CARRSQ). He has been a drug and alcohol researcher for over 20 years.
Whiledesignerdrugsareoneofthecurrenthottopicsinworkplacedrugandalcoholprograms,wehavetorememberthatthedrugsthat cause the most harm in the workplace are the drugs thatcause the most harm in the community - and the first one isalcohol. I’m not trying to understate the potential harm of thesedesigner drugs, but it’s important to firstly put it in context.
Testing not enough for designer drugs
One of the primary reasons why some workers are using designer drugs isbecause they are difficult to detect. While some of the drugs can be detected,theyaregenerallymoredifficulttodetectandonceyoudevelopamechanismtotest foronedrug,all theyhavetodo ischangeamoleculeandmovetoanotherdrug that will still have the same effect and can’t be as easily detected.
Whatthesenewsyntheticdrugshave identified isactuallyoneoftheprimaryflaws of basing your whole drug and alcohol management strategy on testing.You only have to look at the history of sports performance enhancing drugs,which is based on testing, to see why. Once a certain substance was identifiedand banned, another substance appeared that wasn’t identified. And this stillgoes on and on.
If you look at other examples such as the drink driving program, yes, wehave used drug testing as a deterrent but we have also spent a lot of time andenergy on community education and changing the community’s opinions andattitudes about the behaviour, about driving drunk and about being impairedwhiledriving -andthis iswherewehaveachievedagood returnonourdollar.
Some workplace programs have tended to focus on the easy way out bygettinganexternaldrugtestertoticktheboxesandthishasbeeninterpretedbythe workers as you can’t get caught positive rather than thinking you shouldn’tturn up to work impaired and endanger both yourself and your fellow workers.
After nearly two decades of workplace drug testing, we have to shift to thenextgenerationofworkplacedrugandalcoholstrategiesthataremuchsmarter.I’m not saying we don’t test but we have got to say what else are we goingto do - how do we change the culture? How do we change the opinion andbehaviour of the workers?
Theusersof designerdrugs (andanyotherdrugs)have thepotential to turnup to work impaired and are turning up to work impaired. So why are fellowworkers accepting the impaired workers and why isn’t the work group sayingthis is enough?
Moresophisticatedprogramsthataretailoredfortheuniquecharacteristicsofthesite and theworkersat thesite areneeded tochange thebehavioursof theworkplace. A good analogy to look at is how an engineering problem is solvedat a mining or industrial site - the history, theory and traditional engineeringwillbe lookedatbut theuniquecharacteristicat thesitewill alsobeexamined.Generally you find that workplaces that have a good comprehensive drug andalcoholprogramdon’thaveasmanyproblemsasthosethatrelysolelyontesting.
Weknowthatthecombinationoftesting,educationandculturalprogramsisamuchmoreeffectivelong-termstrategy than just the concept of workplace testing.
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