Industrial Safety News - Sep&Oct 2013

Massive health and safety shakeup gives inspectors greater powers

• Going where few have ever been – difficult access solutions • Creating a safety culture • Are we cheating on safety?

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September 2013 RESPONSIBLE CARE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE

NEWS

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University undertakes biggest bridge testing in the country New Zealand’s biggest testing of a concrete bridge took place at the University of Canterbury (UC) last month.

The bridge part is a fully prefabricated half-scale multi-column bridge support for a typical 30 metre long New Zealand highway bridge.

Dr Alessandro Palermo says building of bridges since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes has changed significantly. The rebuild of Christchurch will involve huge labour and big construction companies like Fletcher and Fulton Hogan who are starting embrace new methods based on accelerating bridge construction (ABC).

Prefabrication of bridge elements are now being made in an off-site factory. The bridge parts are transported to the construction site for the assembly.

This allows the bridge to be constructed within a few weeks or even days, compared to the traditional cast-in-place construction, which can take several months.

“Prefabrication also provides advantages such as minimised traffic disruption, rapid construction, improved safety on the work site, higher quality control of the materials, higher durability, lower life-cycle costs and a reduced environmental impact.

“Prefabricated bridges have been used in areas of low seismicity since the 1990s, in countries such as the USA and Taiwan. In the USA, prefabrication of bridges has become common and in some states, such as Texas, prefabrication is now the preferred construction method for highway bridges.

“Prefabricated bridges are not yet in use extensively in areas of high seismicity due to uncertainty of the seismic performance.

“The specimen tested at Canterbury weighs more than 22 tonnes. It

was loaded with an additional 60 tonnes to simulate the weight of the bridge deck it will support.

“The specimen was pushed to failure point in order to assess its seismic performance for extreme earthquake events. The test was a world-first at an international level as the concept was only proposed in 2011 by the National Co-operative Highway Research Programme in the USA but has not been tested at this scale with multiple columns.’’

The testing was part of the Left to right – Mustafa Mashal, Dr ABC research project funded Alessandro Palermo, Sam White at the UC by the Natural Hazards bridge testing site Research Platform and supervised by Dr Palermo. A UC engineering student, Mustafa Mashal, is doing his PhD on the project and is in charge of testing.

WorkSafe New Zealand acting chief executive-designate announced The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) acting chief executive, Greg Patchell, recently announced the appointment of Geoffrey Podger as the acting chief executive-designate for WorkSafe New Zealand.

Mr Podger’s role will be to assist MBIE and the establishment board to create WorkSafe New Zealand as a separate entity, and to ensure a smooth transition for Health and Safety Group staff. He will begin on 16 September.

Between now and December, MBIE deputy chief executive health and safety, Geoffrey Podger Lesley Haines, will remain responsible for the work of the Health and Safety Group. This includes embedding a new service delivery model, and decisions and implementation of national office changes affecting the Health and Safety Group.

In December, when WorkSafe New Zealand is expected to start operations, Mr Podger will become acting chief executive. He will continue in this role until 28 March 2014 by which time a permanent chief executive

September 2013

should be appointed and available to start.

Mr Podger is currently the chief executive of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the United Kingdom. He will complete his contract with the HSE two months early to take up the New Zealand role, at which point he will end a 39-year career in the British Civil Service.

“We are delighted that we have attracted a person of Mr Podger’s calibre and experience to this interim role, and we are grateful to the HSE for its support,” Mr Patchell says.

Mr Podger has been the HSE chief executive since 2005. Prior to that, he was executive director of the European Food Safety Authority and inaugural chief executive of the UK Food Standards Agency. He has an MA from Oxford University.

The HSE is highly regarded internationally for its role in improving the health and safety record of the UK, and it is sought after for advice and widely used as a benchmark.

“An important focus for Mr Podger in the pre-establishment period will be to plan and design for the new functions and services of WorkSafe New Zealand that will give effect to the government’s reform package that is due out shortly in response to the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety report.”

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this issue

News Canterbury University researchers undertake biggest testing of a concrete bridge, while the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment appoint acting chief executive-designate for new entity, WorkSafe New Zealand (P3).

PPE US agencies combine to create a robotic talking head to test respirator fit research (P8).

Access Fire & Safety Training plan and execute a successful and safe access deep under the Opuha Dam (P10&11), while ISO establish a committee to create a new international standard for health and safety (P12). The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment hosted a breakfast last month to further safety for workers involved in the Canterbury Rebuild (P13).

Hazmat Argest has contracted Wormald to maintain fire protection systems and equipment at 2 200 government owned schools in New Zealand (P14), while Intertec releases a new range of fire-resistant shelters designed to protect critical safety equipment in industrial plants (P15).

Health Testing the structural integrity of materials for deep water applications with integrity management (P16). 3M launches a new intrinsically safe respirator and the British Safety Council launches campaign to ensure summer workers are kept safe in the UK (P17). In November a forum jointly hosted by the Cancer Society of New Zealand and the Centre for Public Health Research at Massey University focuses on reducing worker exposure to carcinogens (P18)

Management Grant Nicholson and Olivia Moller from Kensington Swan analyse some of the changes to the country’s health and safety regulations with the creation of WorkSafe New Zealand (P19&20). Creating a safety culture is part of Site Safe’s philosophy in promoting best practice (P21), while Mark Taylor from Safety Matters (NZ) asks if we are cheating on safety (P22). The Red Cross reflects on creating first aid training that is fit for purpose (P23) and Sharyn Devereaux-Blum talks about proactive training before any particular emergency (P24).

Environment At their recent conference the EEA recognises four organisations with its annual industry safety and engineering awards (P25), while the Health and Safety Executive in the UK releases examples of health and safety myths in practice (P27). Enerpac’s EVO heavy lifting system offers greater accuracy and safety (P28).

Injury Recently released research says that employees are put at risk because they don’t fully understand their company’s health and safety information, documentation and paperwork (P29).

National Safety Show A snapshot of the successful National Safety Show held in Auckland in July (P30).

Supporters Athenry Electrical Ltd (P22), Colourgrip Surfacing (P25), DM Standen (P12), Eyepro (P19), Fire & Safety Training (P11), Impac (P20), Lynn River (P9), MACK Boots (P8), NZ Red Cross (P23), Oliver Footwear (P31-32), Quality Safety (P13), Smart Innovative Products (P18), Responsible Care (P2), Vanguard (P21), Vertical Horizonz (P6-7)

P13

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September 2013

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September 2013

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Specialist programmes for safety practices in confined spaces The first step in dealing with issues relating to safety practices in confined spaces is to take advantage of the consultancy services offered by Vertical Horizonz.

Vertical Horizonz has a wellearned reputation in New Zealand and Australia for the quality its range of short courses in the transport, crane, rural, industrial safety, health and safety, first aid and professional development sectors. Perhaps less well known are courses offered in support of its consultancy service covering confined space hazards, entry and atmospheric testing, they can also train in the specialist field of the water industry and the energy and chemical environment all with refreshers available on a regular basis. “Confined spaces are 150 times more dangerous than office work and safety in confined spaces is paramount at all times. Our confined space training is delivered to the current standard of AS 2865-2009 ” says the group’s managing director Bruce Mazengarb. “We will come onsite and carry out audits, inspections or identify specific training requirements and back that up with a written evaluation.” This consultancy is not driven by the requirement for a NZQA qualification, rather to help employers determine training needs within a confined space working environment.

Confined space entry (2 day programme) Candidates will achieve unit standards 18426, 17599 & 25510 The programme teaches candidates to be able to identify hazards in terms of their potential for serious harm and put control measures in place to eliminate, isolate or minimise the risk within confined spaces, develop an emergency procedure plan, operate an atmospheric testing device to determine a suitable atmosphere exists to work safely and complete the necessary legal documentation required for a confined space entry. The course is a fine blend of both theoretical and practical applications including conducting various entry scenarios into a confined space. “Other standards can also be integrated and assessed within the course,” says Mr Mazengarb.

Hazards in confined spaces (1 day programme) Candidates will achieve unit standard 18426. In addition to learning the entry control, legal and planning requirements for confined spaces listed above, trainees for this course will be able to implement control measures to eliminate, isolate, and minimise the risk of confined space hazards. They should be able to describe the responsibilities and duties of people entering confined spaces or conducting observation duties for confined spaces and assist in the formulation of evacuation strategies. Those qualified with unit 18426 must be in direct supervision by someone qualified with unit 17599 (two day course on confined space hazards) at all times.

Confined space specific to the water industry (1 day programme) The programme is designed for people who work on water, wastewater or stormwater reticulation systems. Trainees should emerge from the course able to establish a work procedure in a water industry environment, examine critically the entry plan to ensure completeness and then safely enter, complete the work, and withdraw from the confined space.

They will need to have completed NZQA unit 18426 and demonstrate knowledge of hazards associated with confined spaces ahead of the course.

Confined space refresher (1 day programme) At the successful completion of this theory and practical refresher course, candidates will be confident in their knowledge to identify hazards and controls within confined spaces, develop an emergency procedure plan and complete the necessary documentation required for a confined space entry.

About the group Vertical Horizonz is an industry leader in the delivery of practical, skill based training, of high quality, to industry clients and agencies wanting consistency in training. The group employs more than 50 staff and contractors and manage these through the rigorous application of a robust quality management system overseen by a specialist academic manager. It is regulated by a dedicated compliance manager and supported by a quality assurance coordinator. Unit Standard based courses and assessments are standardised and pre-moderated. In addition to its core business the group also provides consultancy and management support services on an “as and when required” basis in such areas such as risk assessment and security, organisational resilience and capacity building and human resource development and training.

Apart from New Zealand operations there is a registered training organisation in Australia, which provides the opportunity to extend similar training and services to those companies operating in both countries by sharing resources for benchmark outcomes. In some cases, the group is able to award dual qualifications.

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September 2013

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Trained to respond Workplace first aid training can sometimes seem like a lifeboat on a liner – you have to have it, but it will only prove its usefulness if something goes wrong.

In reality, however, well designed first aid training not only prepares workers to deal with emergencies, but can also help prevent harm by enhancing their awareness of risks and hazards.

Vertical Horizonz New Zealand offers a variety of first aid qualifications based around Unit Standards 6400, Manage First Aid in Emergency Situations, 25459, Provide First Aid for Young Children, and 424, Respond to an Emergency Care Situation for Outdoor Activity – with courses ranging in duration from a few hours to two full days.

The most critical skill for all first aiders is resuscitation, and full training, to New Zealand Resuscitation Council standards, is included in every course. Along with airway maintenance, choking and CPR training – using adult, child and baby manikins – participants learn how to use automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). VHNZ’s health and safety manager Charli Crocker says this is an important ability for first aiders to have, even if there is no defibrillator on site.

“There is a website - www.aedlocations.co.nz – which uses your address to tell you where the nearest public defibrillator is,” she says. “In an emergency, knowing where to find one, and how to use it, can make a life-or-death difference.”

While all VHNZ courses give an excellent grounding in these core skills, those wishing to become certified first aiders will need to do the training as part of a two-day Workplace First Aid course, structured around the 6400 standard. It provides in-depth coverage of a wide range of injury and accident scenarios, and can be tailored to suit individual workplaces or industry groups.

“Where possible we like to do these courses on site, so we can relate the training to actual work situations,” Crocker says. “Our trainers come from a number of different industries, so they often have useful background knowledge, but we also like to go in and talk to the health and safety manager so we can target specific hazards that the workers will relate to.”

Fake accident scenes, with gruesome body-painted injuries, provide trainees with an opportunity to put their new knowledge into practice.

“They learn by doing, but it’s not just about the patient. They also have to be aware of all the workplace hazards they may encounter, and think about what to do following the accident, in terms of both looking after those who may be in shock, and securing the scene for the investigation team.”

Playing out such a scenario in the worker’s own environment helps them understand the enormity of the event, Crocker says, and often brings a renewed safety focus as participants look for ways to prevent similar occurrences in real life.

Some of VHNZ’s first aid courses are available only to those who are already certified first aiders. Refresher training, for instance, must be un-

September 2013

dertaken every two years by those wishing to retain their certification, and VHNZ uses a similar format in this one-day programme to maintain and enhance skills.

Another two-hour practical course is aimed exclusively at electrical industry workers. It provides additional training in hazard identification and electrical safety, along with extra CPR training and first aid for the types of injuries likely to result for accidents involving electricity.

Outdoor workers, such as adventure tourism or alpine sports operators, have the option of another full-day training programme to complement their first aid certification. The Outdoor First Aid Course covers topics such as pre-event and evacuation planning, managing environmental factors, and providing basic life support.

For those who don’t need to become certified first aiders and would prefer to combine resuscitation training with more generic instruction, the one-day Basic course is a good option. It leaves no time to focus on specific work situations, but teaches how to recognise and deal with common illness and injuries at a rudimentary level.

Babysitters, nannies, and providers of home-based care benefit from a four-hour course combining resuscitation training with information about common childhood illnesses and injuries.

For more details about VHNZ’s training programme Visit: www.verticalhorizonz.co.nz or Tel: 0800 72 33 848.

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PPE

Robotic talking head supports respirator fit research In the US the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), in collaboration with Air Force Research Laboratory and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), has developed a new robotic headform, or ‘talking head’, for respirator fit research.

Use of the talking head will greatly expand the opportunities for research into respirator inward leakage – ways in which respirator wearers may be exposed to various aerosol particles that could penetrate through the respirator or creep in through the sides as they go about their work.

NIOSH used the measurements of 3,997 individuals, 1,013 of whom had their facial measurements taken with a laser scanner, in order to create five digital headform sizes. True to its name, the robotic talking head, built by Hanson Robotics, performs head movements, as well as the lip and jaw movements of speech, in order to simulate the exercises a worker performs during a respirator fit test. In fact, researchers have engineered a way for them to recite the ‘rainbow passage’, a poetic string of words describing prisms of light and a pot of gold that models all possible movements of the human mouth. This simulated speech allows for researchers to test how well respirators fit to a face that moves and speaks, potentially affecting ultimate fit.

“Over five million Americans are required to wear respirators in their workplace,” says Dr Maryann D’Alessandro, director of NPPTL. “The talking head is an innovative scientific advance that offers transformational promise to better understanding respiratory protection and respirator fit for an increasingly diverse workforce.”

The talking head gracefully incorporates both art and science to emulate

the human form. It is covered in silicone elastomer artificial skin which offers several special characteristics that allow for it to mimic the skin on a human face: • First, the softness of the material compares well to that of human facial tissues, and elongates or stretches in a way similar to human skin • Second, because the material is a porous material, it is able to be compressed in a similar manner as the fluid-filled cellular material of the human face, reproducing natural creases and folds • Thirdly, this artificial skin has specified tissue depths for different locations of the face, similar to the inner workings of the human face According to Ziqing Zhuang, Ph.D, a research team leader at NIOSH, the robotic talking head can be beneficial for respirator fit evaluation research because it does not require human subject review board clearance, nor does it experience weight changes or fatigue.

“The talking head will be used to research potential respirator leakage using biological aerosols such as the HIN1 influenza,” says Dr Zhuang.

“Development of this robotic headform was needed for these types of studies because older type headforms, which usually had hard surfaces or were covered only with a thin skin of plastic or rubber, could not form a good respirator seal to the face.”

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The comprehensive range of styles has been reinvigorated – as well as the mainstream styles the range has been extended to cover the specific demands and requirements of job specific boots for every industrial and manufacturing sector.

One of the new styles, the ‘SOA, is a high visibility fluorescent boot, with a neon heal that glows in the dark. The SOA also has a superior non-woven synthetic fabric lining, which offers more comfort, durability and better moisture management.

Shortly Safety-Tech will be introducing the MACK range of safety gumboots. These have been successfully trialled in NZ as part of the development process, and proven to be durable and popular with staff because they are light and very comfortable. They will be available in black and white.

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September 2013

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10

Access

Going where few have ever been – difficult access solutions

Nathan Megger in tunnel entrance

Clambering through a slimy tunnel under 30 metres of water is no everyday experience. Doing it safely requires expertise, experience and innovation.

Ian Reid and Nathan Meager from Fire and Safety Training (F&ST) recently planned and executed safe access to the penstock under the Opuha Dam. Their two day job was to ensure their client could inspect, survey and maintain the penstock.

For the F&ST consulting team, thorough preparation is the key to safety.

This includes: Training – for all who enter the confined space to keep themselves and others safe.

Risk assessment: thorough hazard identification process minimises risk. In the case of the Opuha Dam job, there were multiple hazards to manage. These included: • A confined space with the inherent risk of an unsafe atmosphere and water engulfment • The turbines needed to be isolated, and a plug in place to prevent engulfment • Risk of slips and falls – the underfoot surface was slippery with a slight incline • Darkness – the space was a series of enclosed underground tunnels • Curvature of the tunnels – this was addressed by placing planks of wood over the floor to provide a flat surface to walk on. These were pulled along with ropes

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Notifications to the DOL Safety plans – site specific and detailed, accounting for all potential hazards.

Permits – F&ST uses its own permit to work system covering risk analysis, mitigation measures and rescue plan.

PPE – for the Opuha job, it included helmets, intrinsically safe torches, harnesses, respirators and breathing apparatus.

Toolbox talks – discussing the entire job, the roles of all involved and the rescue plan.

The job Once the atmosphere inside the tunnel entry was confirmed safe, a rescue tripod rigged and radio contact organised, Nathan and Ian completed an exploratory reconnoitre to the plug, testing the atmosphere as they went. They had a BA set with them if needed. Here they isolated access to the pipe to the turbine with danger tape, secured by industrial magnets.

When they were satisfied it was safe for others to enter the tunnel, the engineers entered accompanied with one F&ST consultant while the other maintained constant radio contact at the tunnel entrance. As engineers completed their tasks, they were signed out.

September 2013

Access

11

Ian Reid with PPE

Tripod and rescue gear set up above the tunnels entrance

Professional Training Specialists On day two, the entry process was repeated to repair the area of corrosion detected during inspection.

Again, one F&ST consultant accompanied the workers, while the other remained at the entrance and in radio contact. Respirators were necessary for blasting and spray painting the corroded steel pipe. At one point, the gas detector set off LELs and all vacated the tunnel. Paint fumes had triggered this alarm. The F&ST team rechecked the atmosphere and, finding safe levels, the work team completed the job.

Ian and Nathan say that the actual work within a confined space is often the smallest part of the overall job. The major task is the careful and skilled planning and setting up the procedures and equipment to ensure safety for those who do the work.

September 2013

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12

Access

ISO goes forward with establishing international standard

ISO has just approved the creation of a new project committee to develop an International Standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S).

The much awaited standard will provide governmental agencies, industry, and other affected stakeholders with effective, usable guidance for improving worker safety in countries around the world. The work will be overseen by ISO Project Committee (PC) 283, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements.

According to ILO statistics, 6 300 people die every day as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases – more than 2.3 million deaths per year. 317 million accidents occur on the job annually; many of these resulting in extended absences from work. Many such accidents can be prevented, and the future ISO standard will provide, for the first time, an international framework for OH&S best practice and, in so doing, reduce work-related accidents, injuries and diseases worldwide.

The secretariat of ISO/PC 283 has been assigned to BSI, the British Standards Institution, and its first meeting is expected to be held on 21-25 October this year in London. The ISO project committee will be tasked with transforming OHSAS 18001 (the OH&S management system requirements) into an ISO standard.

“The economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices

is estimated at four percent of global Gross Domestic Product each year, according to ILO. Employers face costly early retirements, loss of skilled staff, absenteeism, and high insurance premiums due to work related accidents and diseases. The future ISO standard has the potential to improve occupational health and safety management on a global level,” says Charles Corrie secretary of ISO/PC 283.

The ISO project committee will bring together experts and interested stakeholders in OH&S management. The committee’s job will be to develop a standard following the generic management system approaches pioneered by the likes of ISO 9001:2008 for quality management or ISO 14001:2004 for environmental management and since applied to other objectives.

“Creating a safe work environment is critical to the success of any business, and is one of the best ways to attract/retain staff and maximize productivity. Though it’s still in its infancy, the future ISO standard will provide businesses around the world with a strong foundation to achieve long-term success,” says Mr Corrie.

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September 2013

access

Focus on safety for Canterbury Rebuild workers In a commitment to keeping workers on the Canterbury Rebuild safe, more than 300 people from the construction sector attended a safety trade breakfast in Addington last month.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) held the trade breakfast on the approach to preventing falls in the residential sector when undertaking roof construction.

“Our inspectors were telling us that many people in the construction industry wanted more information about how to work safely on residential roofs,” says the MBIE’s Canterbury Rebuild health and safety programme director Kathryn Heiler.

“The industry also wanted more information on MBIE’s approach to in-

13 specting and enforcing work at height,” Ms Heiler says.

“We are delighted with the turn out. It shows a huge commitment from the industry to helping to keep their workers safe and follow appropriate guidance.

“Falls from height are estimated to cost $24 million a year in ACC claims – and that doesn’t even touch the human cost of losing a loved one, a valued worker and a member of the community.”

The trade breakfast included presentations from inspectors, MBIE staff and a construction company, on best practice for working safely on roofs and preventing falls from height.

“With the government’s [recent] announcement of an extra $10.8 million over four years going towards the Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety Programme, we are planning to hold more of these events to help employers, contractors and workers understand the hazards they are facing and how to manage them,” Ms Heiler says.

“People can also expect to see more of our inspectors on rebuild sites, as we look to focus on high risk areas such as asbestos exposure, falls from height, and mobile plant such as cranes, elevated work platforms, and all terrain forklifts.”

QSI Achieve IANZ Accreditation

An impressive drop test tower dominates the skyline at the factory and distribution centre of Wanganui company, QSI. Drawing on over 30 years of height safety experience, they have now become the first New Zealand company to achieve IANZ accreditation to test harnesses and lanyards to the AS/NZS 1891.1 2007 standard.

Jason Myburgh, manager of QSI’s height safety division, says the company has been designing and manufacturing health and safety equipment in New Zealand for almost a decade, and describes the accreditation as a major milestone for the company.

“As a local manufacturer, we’ve always had the advantage of speed n impressive drop test tower dominates designing and manufacturing health and the and flexibility, and the ability to customise our products to meet e skyline at the factory and distribution safety equipment in New Zealand for almost requirements of our customers. Now that we can also test and certify entre of Wanganui company, QSI. a decade, and describes the accreditation as our products on site, we can bring them to market even faster.” rawing on over 30 years of height safety a major milestone for the company.

IANZthe accreditation, Mr Myburgh confirms QSI will conxperience, they Despite have nowtheir become “As a local manufacturer, we’ve always st New Zealandtinue company to achieve IANZ to subject their products to rigorous, testing and had the advantageindependent of speed and flexibility, ccreditation to test harnesses and lanyards and the ability to customise our products to certification. the AS/NZS 1891.1 2007 standard. meet the requirements of our customers.

QSI love to innovate and welcome the challenges that come with son Myburgh, manager of QSI’s height Now that we can also test and certify our being a bespoke fety division, says the company has been products on site, we can bring them to manufacturer.

The market even faster.” latest product to Despite their IANZ accreditation, Mr from their Myburgh confirms QSIemerge will continue R&D department is to subject their products to rigorous, independent testing and thecertification.

Illuminator system QSI love to innovate and welcome the that uses electrolumichallenges that come with being a bespoke nescent technology manufacturer. The latest product to emerge to light up the wearer from their R&D department is the Illuminator for added safety system that uses electroluminescent working technology to light upwhen the wearer for addedat safety when working at night. It night.

It is isin the in the final stages of development and will soon be final stages of deavailable on a wide range of QSI harnesses. velopment and will soon be available on a wide range of QSI harnesses.

Lanyards in production at QSI’s ISO9001 approved factory

QSI Achieve IANZ Accreditation

Introducing the latest innovation from QSI:

Stay safe and be seen with the QSI Illuminator system.

Using advanced electroluminescent technology, we’ve made sure you no longer have to rely on torches or reflective tape to be seen in the dark.

Strobing effects further improve your visibility while extending battery life.

The Illuminator system is available in several colours on our Colourscopic range of harnesses.

The IANZ accredited drop test tower at QSI’s e IANZ accredited drop test tower at facility QSI’s Wanganui facility. Lanyards in production at QSI’s ISO9001 approved factory.

Wanganui

September 2013

Talk to us today to see what Illuminator can do for you.

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Download a copy of our latest catalogue from qsisafety.com.

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14

hazmat

Keeping New Zealand schools fire safe

The fire protection systems and equipment at over 2,200 of the country’s government owned schools are efficiently maintained thanks to a range of advanced solutions from fire protection specialist Wormald.

Building and compliance management company Argest has contracted Wormald to carry out regular servicing of the fire safety systems and compliance features at the New Zealand schools. Wormald inspects and maintains fire protection systems and equipment including sprinklers, fire alarms, emergency lighting, passive features and security systems with smoke detectors.

Using a range of sophisticated online scheduling and reporting systems, the Wormald team ensures that the fire protection systems are maintained efficiently in compliance with the Building Act and relevant New Zealand Standards.

“Providing a safe environment for students and staff is our number one priority so we require fire protection equipment and systems that are maintained to the highest standards,” says Bruce Hay-Chapman, general manager with Argest.

“Wormald has proven expertise within the sector and, with locations throughout the country, offers the nationwide coverage that we require from a fire protection specialist. The range of solutions offered

by Wormald ensures improved service delivery and facilitates effective communication between our teams.”

When carrying out servicing and maintenance works Wormald collates all information into a single system called Electronic Schools Processing.

This enables the transfer of verified fire protection data to the Argest team.

Servicing is managed and tracked through the Work Output Program which schedules and records contracted inspections on fixed systems and

passive fire equipment. Schedules generated through the Work Output Program are set through a consultative process which involves input and feedback from each Wormald branch and the Argest representatives.

To assist the management of the inspection schedule, Wormald utilises an internal reporting system called Testview Screens. This system gives each Wormald branch a transparent view of the work flow to ensure all inspections are managed and completed as required. To further enhance transparency Argest has access to Wormald Connect.

Wormald Connect is a Trademark of Tyco New Zealand Limited, Wormald’s online web portal which delivers real-time information on routine tests, service calls and defect calls.

The fire protection systems and equipment at each school are fitted with barcodes so that the Wormald technicians can scan each item as it is tested. This provides live inspection reporting direct from site, links to electronic defect reporting and asset management data for fire protection equipment and systems.

“We work closely with our customers to ensure they have an efficient, hassle free service experience. Wormald’s range of scheduling systems ensures complete transparency and efficient reporting,” says Graham Williamson, national key account manager from Wormald.

Plant comes clean

Experienced plant operators know that a clean machine is a well maintained machine. Australian Pump Industries has designed a steam cleaner specifically for cleaning heavy equipment. ”We have developed an innovative blaster with the plant operator in mind,” says Aussie Pumps’ Dean Fountain, “We know that construction sites are one of the most demanding situations for machinery and we’ve made our blasters tough enough to take it.”

Called the Aussie Super Indy range, the product line-up includes single and three phase steamers with pressures as high as 3,000psi and temperatures to 120 degrees C. “This provides real shifting power” says Mr Fountain, “It’s obvious that if you can’t see the leak for the dirt it isn’t going to get fixed quick enough.

Prompt preventive maintenance reduces downtime, increases efficiency and a better bottom line.”

In line with onsite requirements, the new machines feature a heavy duty stainless steel cover that is impact resistant. The cover is mounted on a robust steel chassis with integrated front mounted bumper.

“We decided to move away from European style machines with their traditional poly or plastic covers” says Mr Fountain. “We have consulted with the industry and these machines are designed to take anything a

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construction wash bay or maintenance depot can deliver.

The pumps are heavy duty Italian triplex design running at 1450rpm for long continuous trouble free life. The range starts with a 240 volt single phase machine delivering 1500psi (100 bar) and 12lpm flow. The machine reaches 120 degrees C, providing loads of steam power when needed.

Three phase machines are also available when more performance is required with flows of up to 21lpm. Stainless steel burner coils are available for applications involving ‘hard’ water.

The new Aussie Super Indy range offers timed ‘Total Stop’ designed to shut the machine off after the operator releases the trigger of the gun.

This not only reduces wear on the machine but saves power.

Other intelligent features include a ‘Micro Leak control. The Micro Leak shuts the machine down if a leak is detected in the high pressure system.

This is essential for maintaining optimum performance and eliminates breakdowns and subsequent downtime. Low water and low fuel cut outs have also been incorporated to offer state-of-the-art reliability.

Ergonomic dials give the operator infinitely variable temperature control.

That means the machine can vary from cold water to full 120 degree steam by simply turning a dial. This steam function shifts heavy grease and dirt efficiently and economically.

September 2013

HAZMAT

15

Unique passive fire shelter technology Outdoor enclosure specialist Intertec offers an extensive range of fire-resistant shelters, including ‘1709’ models designed to protect critical safety equipment from exposure to high temperature fires in hazardous areas. The shelters are entirely passive, maintenance-free and impervious to a wide range of corrosive chemicals – including salt, sulphur dioxide and sour or acid gas.

Typical applications for the 1709 versions include protecting valves and actuators in the emergency shutdown and fire fighting systems of refineries and chemical plants, and offshore oil and gas production platforms.

Another key application for Intertec’s fire protection materials is separating hazardous and non-hazardous areas on ships and on offshore drilling, processing and storage platforms.

Intertec has extensive experience of fire resistant shelters, having produced models tested in accordance with the German DIN 4102-2 standard for 20 years. Throughout this period the company has continually improved materials and construction techniques to meet more challenging specifications, culminating in a new patented design that keeps contained equipment below 60 degrees C (140 F) for 90 minutes, even during ‘rapid rise’ hydrocarbon fires that can reach 1,093 degrees C (2,000 F) within five minutes. This level of protection is believed to be unique for passive fire shelters – many competitive models only specify 30 minutes of protection.

“Our fire-resistant shelters provide significant technical advantages to process plant safety designers,” says Intertec’s Martin Hess. “They provide an extended safety margin of up to 120 minutes, but without the drawbacks of other fire-protection technologies such as metal cases, intumescent coatings, blankets and bags. They are rigid, so they can incorporate easy-open access points for maintenance, yet they are also exceptionally light and can be mounted directly on pipework.”

There are no specific international standards for fire shelters designed to keep contained equipment below 60 degrees C, so Intertec has defined rigorous test procedures. The company’s standard fire shelters are designed to withstand the type of fires that can occur in business and residential buildings, which are relatively slow burning; they typically take about 30 minutes to reach 800 degrees C (1,472 F), eventually reaching a maximum of 1,100 C (2,012 F) after about three hours. The shelters are tested against the standard nominal time-temperature curve that is defined in ISO 834 and used in many fire protection standards, and are available with ratings of 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes.

Intertec’s 1709 fire shelters are designed to withstand hydrocarbon fires with a ‘rapid-rise’ time-temperature curve. This curve is also used in the ANSI/UL 1709 standard for the protection of structural steel, which plant designers tend to use as reference because of the lack of alternatives.

However, the permissible temperature for structural steel is 550 degrees C, because the metal retains its integrity up to this level. Intertec’s 1709 fire shelters, on the other hand, are designed to keep valves, actuators and electronics operational by preventing their temperature exceeding 60 degrees C throughout the protection period. The shelters’ design has been verified by an independent agency, which confirmed that its protection period exceeded 90 minutes, and that during this time the surface temperature of a sample electrical actuator in the shelter did not rise above 55 degrees C (131 F).

Intertec fire shelters are constructed from a proprietary composite material comprising one or more layers of fire resistant mineral wool ‘sandwiched’ between sheets of advanced glass reinforced polyester (GRP). Depending on the model, the walls may consist of a single or double sandwich of this composite material. GRP has major advantages over metal, which is used in many conventional passive fire shelters. It has an excellent strength/weight ratio – GRP is almost as strong as stainless steel, but four times lighter – and is highly resistant to weathering

September 2013

and the corrosive effect of salt and other aggressive chemicals, as well as to most common petrochemicals. It is also an electrical insulator and has a much higher thermal resistance than metal, which makes it easy to avoid condensation. These attributes make the material ideal for the external and internal walls of fire shelters intended for long-term use in harsh environments, especially when weight is a consideration, such as offshore.

The composite material used for Intertec’s 1709 fire shelters incorporates multiple layers of mineral wool and other fire resistant insulators, together with special fire retardant mineral coating. This material is the result of extensive development by the company and is specifically designed for graceful degradation, to ensure that cabinets and shelters maintain their mechanical integrity and thermal insulation properties for as long as possible in a fire.

The inherent rigidity and low weight of the construction material makes it ideal for shelters that are designed to be directly supported by process pipes, or for larger enclosures intended to accommodate non fire-safe valves as well as their actuators. For maintenance purposes, shelters can incorporate removable panels – these facilitate much faster access than other common forms of fire protection which helps to minimise service time and costs.

Visit: www.intertec.info

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16

health

Putting a test case for integrity management Widely-publicised catastrophic failures of forged materials in deepwater applications have called into question the structural integrity of such products and focused industry attention on the need for carefullymanaged ‘integrity management’ of key components.

Errors in material selection at the design stage, the use of incorrect heat treatment techniques and inconsistent mechanical testing regimes, often involving test pieces not taken from the actual components, can lead to product failures during operation, typically resulting in significant environmental, safety and financial costs.

With suppliers to the oil and gas and marine industries particularly appreciating the need for integrity management of deep sea components to prevent expensive failures or prolonged shutdowns, Yorkshire-based independent heat treatment and metallurgical testing specialist Keighley Laboratories in the UK is experiencing an upturn in demand for first article inspection of pre-production components, to ensure meeting operators’ engineering specifications.

It is a preventative measure that the company believes could be adopted more widely, especially with the life expectancy of products extending from ten years to 25 years or more, often in extremely harsh and corrosive environments.

“Product failures bring problems that engineering companies simply don’t need, wasting time, money and damaging their commercial reputations, when customers are inconvenienced,” says Leonard Stott, customer support manager for Keighley Labs’ technical services division.

“More than ever there is a definite requirement for proven product reliability and fitness-for-purpose, as well as a need for consistent mechanical and corrosion properties that can only be achieved by applying the correct processing and heat treatment techniques. Also, product testing procedures need to be accurate, not least the correct positioning and orientation of test sample pieces, to ensure optimum and consistent test values.

“It would be costly for suppliers to set up the necessary in-house procedures to ensure critical mistakes don’t happen, so it is worthwhile

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sub-contracting the metallurgical testing of components to independent experts like ourselves,” he says. “We are specialists in the analysis, testing and heat treatment of metals, holding many leading quality accreditations relevant to various industry sectors, and we have the indepth metallurgical knowledge and experience for the assessment of potential failures and the development of risk mitigation strategies.”

It was the catastrophic failure of a mooring shackle in the Gulf of Mexico and a second incident involving two sockets in another mooring system, which highlighted faults in the original heat treatment process as a likely cause. A subsequent report by the US Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) concluded that defective heat treatment during component processing resulted in a metal unable to meet Charpy impact test requirements for material toughness and that testing parameters were either not followed or not adequate to ensure specifications were met.

The MMS recommended that operators should revise their specifications to make sure that testing and manufacturing produces a satisfactory product, which will meet future usage demands. It also commented that operators should review their requirements for both destructive and non-destructive testing of critical elements, as well as ensuring that test coupons, or pieces, are properly representative.

Indeed, it was later found that the test pieces were not samples taken from the actual product and subsequent research indicated the importance of sample positioning in achieving representative and consistent toughness values. Thus, while energy absorption in a longitudinal orientation achieved a satisfactory 70-80 joules, the same test in the transverse direction recorded a disastrously low four joules. It was also easier for a smaller test piece of 2 inch cross-section to pass the impact test, rather than a larger, more representative section.

September 2013

health

17

Campaign aims to look after summer workers British employers have been urged to take extra care of young people beginning summer jobs.

Workers are far more likely to be injured in workplace accidents during the first few months of a new job than at any other time says the British Safety Council. With the British holiday season approaching, employers were urged to pay extra attention to the health and safety of young people hired for temporary, summer work.

By taking some simple steps, says Alex Botha, chief executive officer at the British Safety Council, the risk of injury to young workers can be easily prevented. “Vacation jobs are a great way for young people to earn money, get some experience and develop skills but we know they can be particularly vulnerable when they start work,” he says. “There are many reasons for this – a general lack of work experience; unfamiliarity with the workplace, machinery or work processes; a lack of physical

capability to do the job or the confidence to raise concerns; a failure of employers to provide the necessary training and familiarisation.”

“Leadership is key in preventing injury to a young person at the start of their working life. Organisations need to ensure that safe and healthy work practices are the rule and they have a culture that promotes and values safe behaviour. The first step is to plan ahead and establish what the risks are – risks from lifting, working at height, using machinery, moving around the site, inhalation of dust, are the most common ones. Then using the knowledge of experienced staff decide how best to control these risks including through the provision of relevant training. Do check that young people have understood what they have been taught.

“The British Safety Council is determined to keep health and safety simple and has a priority to reduce the risks young people face at work. We have worked closely with schools and have provided resources to help them develop hazard awareness among young people. We have a dedicated website that is easily accessible, with information that is simple to understand and advice that is helpful for any employer working with young people. I strongly advise employers to check out the resources we have made freely available.”

Risk education is crucial to achieve the British Safety Council’s vision that nobody is injured or made ill at work. Its Speak Up, Stay Safe campaign highlights the particular risks that young people face and puts good communication at the heart of good health and safety.

3M launches intrinsically safe respirator With worker safety in mind, 3M’s new 9923V specialty respirator is designed with a non-aluminium noseclip, allowing use in underground coal mines and other intrinsically safe environments.

The 3Mtm 9923V disposable specialty respirator with P2 rated filtration that offers protection from hazards such as coal dust, diesel particulate matter, other dusts, mists and fumes. The added carbon layer effectively reduces exposure to odours and unburned fuel and organic vapours such as those from heavy machinery equipped with diesel engines.

The 9923V features 3M’s Cool Flow™ Valve that helps release hot humid exhaled breath as well as assists with minimising unpleasant build-up of heat inside the respirator. This provides a cooler, drier wear making it ideal for long periods of wear or when doing physically demanding tasks.

In addition to use in underground coal mines and other intrinsically safe environments, this new 3M respirator is also suitable for use in metalliferous mining, welding, work sites using machinery powered with diesel fuel and for workers exposed to lead fumes.

This respirator is meets performance requirements of AS/NZS 1716:2012 and provides a protection factor of 10 times the applied Exposure Standard.

September 2013

For more information Visit: www.3M.com/nz/PPESafety

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18

HEALTH

Forum on workplace carcinogens Come December the new government workplace health and safety agency starts its work. The issues that arise from on-going workplace exposure to carcinogens need to be better addressed.

Ground Tents

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Of the total number of cancer related deaths in New Zealand in people 30 years or older, threesix percent is due to an occupationally caused cancer. At current figures this equates to over 250 preventable deaths each year. This forum – jointly sponsored by the Cancer Society of New Zealand and the Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University – seeks to look at the current Dr Aaron Blair issues and suggest ways forward to reduce the number of preventable deaths due to occupationally caused cancer in New Zealand.

The key note speaker will be – Dr Aaron Blair, Scientist Emeritus, National Cancer Institute, USA. Canopies s Aerial Tents s Umbrellas s Tent Heaters Dr Blair is an Emeritus Investigator in the Occupational and Environmental Pop’n’Work tents and umbrellas haveBranch proved of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and GenetEpidemiology ideal shelters for the telecommunication ics, National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health. industry, construction industry and specialty application fields for over twenty five years.

He was chief of this group for over 25 years until he stepped down in SAFETY September, 2004. He retired from NCI in 2007, when he became a NIH High visiblity Sturdy, Scientist durable construction Emeritus. Since his retirement he served as the interim director UV and flame resistant newwinds Occupational Cancer Research Centre in Toronto, Canada in Stands of up toastrong 2009 and 2010 until a permanent director was found. He continues to VERSATILITY Quick 30 second set-up or participate intake-down epidemiologic studies on cancer and occupational expoMultiple door options sures in the U.S. and elsewhere.

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Connectable

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The integrated frame and covers of the ground tents have exceptional wind stability and are free standing.

Made with urethane coated polyester they are flame retardant to meet CPAI-84 and are water repellent and UV treated.

Our non-breakable hinges are made of cold rolled steel and bolted at both ends.

All with twin doors available to accommodate any work situation, a pitched roof which provides extra headroom and structural strength to hang tools and lights. We also have welding tents which are flame proofed for steel welding and come standard with a ventilated mesh roof.

Pop’N’Work umbrella and universal clamps provide fast and simple sun protection. Simply clamp on the side of your cabinet or vehicle and you’re good to go.

Made of fire retardant, water repellent, UV treated vinyl and steel ribs with aluminium tilt poles.

Our designs have the flexibility to meet our clients needs providing you with a truly customised, quality product - may this be branding with your logo or changing colours.

We offer a 5 year warranty on all tent frames and 1 year warranty on fabric for manufacturing defects.

September 2013

management

19

Massive health and safety shakeup gives inspectors greater powers

By Grant Nicholson and Olivia Moller The government recently announced WorkSafe New Zealand, a new Crown agency which will replace the Labour Group within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (‘MBIE’) as the regulator of health and safety in the workplace. The new agency will take effect from 1 December this year.

Grant Nicholson

Olivia Moller

Response/triage inspectors This team will be responsible for making an initial assessment of the seriousness of incidents notified throughout New Zealand via the WorkSafe 0800 number and determining the appropriate response. Their role is to ensure a consistent approach to notifications throughout the country.

In less severe instances they may request a duty holder review be completed setting out what happened, what caused the incident and what you intend to do about it.

The agency’s establishment is a result of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Pike River Mine Tragedy and the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety.

WorkSafe’s main objective will be to promote and contribute to the prevention of harm to all people at work or in the vicinity of, a workplace.

The agency aims to work collaboratively with employers and employees to promote good workplace health and safety practices, set standards and provide guidance to businesses. This is on top of its compliance and enforcement role.

The creation of WorkSafe is just one facet of an overall package of reform that is set to overhaul the current workplace health and safety system in New Zealand in favour of a regime that is more closely aligned to the Australian Model Law. More details of these reforms were released on 7 August as part of the government’s ‘Working Safer’ blueprint document.

Inspector’s roles divided so they can delve deeper Since 1 July this year, MBIE has been actively preparing for the implementation of the new regime and has included the introduction of a new model inspectorate. From now on there will be three types of labour inspectors:

September 2013

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20

management

Assessment (or proactive) inspectors Assessment inspectors are tasked with working with businesses that need assistance to lift their game. They will be focussing on some key areas including – forestry, The Canterbury Rebuild, working at heights, safe machinery use, and quad bikes.

Investigative inspectors Investigative inspectors will be those that undertake investigations of the most severe workplace serious harm incidents. Their role will be to understand what went wrong, how businesses can improve practices so that the event doesn’t occur again and determine if enforcement action is required.

Impact on high risk sectors Businesses in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, forestry and fishing will be a key focus for the new agency.

However, all businesses will need to re-asses how they deal with health and safety in the workplace, particularly in terms of policies and procedures to respond to the obligations set out under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (and its likely replacement legislation).

Increasing worker participation in health and safety initiatives will also become a major focal area for businesses.

Enforcement will bring hefty fines It is likely we will see more enforcement action being taken against business, employers and

employees who do not come up to standard.

The Working Safer reform package indicates the Australian tiered model will serve as the basis for new offences and penalties.

Under this system, a Category One offence (Reckless Conduct) would see an individual facing a maximum fine of $600,000 and up to five years in prison, while a corporate could be looking at a $3m fine. It is possible an offence of corporate manslaughter may be adopted.

For now, all businesses should take the time to ensure their health and safety systems are in order.

Some key questions to ask are: • Do you have paperwork to support your system?

• Do you have a process to review hazards?

• Do your Standard Operating Procedures and Job Safety Assessments cover off exposure to hazards?

• Are you documenting toolbox meetings, staff meetings, and health and safety meetings?

• Do you have an appropriate emergency response plan?

• What investigation procedures do you have in place?

Grant Nicholson is a partner at Kensington Swan, specialising in health and safety law; Olivia Moller is a solicitor in their health and safety legal team of experts. www.kensingtonswan.com

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September 2013

management

Creating a safety culture

Site Safe’s philosophy is about promoting best practice and creating a positive safety culture – so that every worker goes home at the end of the day.

Creating a health and safety culture takes leadership, accountability and commitment: How can you take that leadership path towards improving your company’s health and safety culture?

Leadership drives culture – “the way things are done around here” Culture plays a huge part in determining behaviour and the ‘unwritten rules’.

Therefore a real change in culture must start at the top, as leaders send signals to their employees about what is important and worth doing. Leaders should communicate their health and safety system’s responsibilities and expectations clearly, monitor performance, provide constructive feedback and look for ways to improve.

Accountability – setting out expectations To clearly outline what is expected onsite, define accountabilities and then specific responsibilities for employees: a responsibility is the action to perform and accountability is to ensure that responsibilities are met. Key Point Indicators (KPIs) are a tool to use to outline and measure employee accountabilities, for example: the number of toolbox meetings a week, compulsory pre-start meetings and near miss/incidents reported in a week. To create a more positive approach to health and safety, try and set ‘lead indicators’ (pro-active/ positive indicators) instead of solely relying on lost time injuries (LTIs) or the number of accidents.

Managing accountabilities is successful when well communicated and monitored, and employees are provided with feedback and recognition.

21 LEADING THE WAY IN TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY SOLUTIONS SINCE 1991 Thanks to all who visited our stand at the National Safety Show in July.

We enjoyed the opportunity to meet you and showcase our innovative products

BENEFITS:

TRAFFIC SEPARATORS

BENEFITS: »» Slows traffic down on site »» Creates driver awareness to speed »» Heavy duty rubber TRAFFIC CALMERS handles heavy traffic

Communication is key If responsibilities are not written down, discussed and agreed upon, there is no accountability.

Responsibilities can be outlined in job descriptions, health and safety policy statements, emergency plans, task analysis, or the notice board. It’s important to make expectations clear and encourage involvement with your employees.

Monitor accountabilities It is best practice to check that goals are met through consistent monitoring of registers, audits, controls, and employee participation. This will provide data to give valuable feedback and make changes where needed.

Provide feedback and recognition People respond best when recognised for their performance and actions as it provides job satisfaction – so give positive comments and reinforcement.

People also respond well to incentives: reward and recognise safe behaviour at toolbox meetings, letter/email, lunch shouts, preferred contractor lists, references and post contract evaluations, or a simple ‘pat-on-the-back’. Also try the 4:1 approach – give four positives to one potential area of improvement.

Commitment to health and safety For a safety culture to change and to be successful, it needs to be strategic and well planned. Effective leadership is more about managing processes and people, rather than announcing a goal. Start with defining and managing accountabilities and responsibilities, provide feedback and recognition, and then commit to it.

Site Safe NZ Inc is a not for profit, membership based organisation, that promotes a culture of safety in the New Zealand construction and related industries.

For more information about Site Safe NZ Inc, products, training and services, or to speak to a Safety Advisor, Tel: 0800 SITE SAFE or Visit: www.sitesafe.org.nz

September 2013

»» Separates traffic from pedestrians »» Assists in directing traffic »»Post flexes when hit

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22

Management

Are we cheating on safety?

By Mark Taylor, director, Safety Matters (NZ) Ltd Lance Armstrong, winner of seven Tour de France victories, attributed his cheating to a determination to “win at all costs”. Psychologist Marc Hauser of Harvard University, who once wrote an article “Costs of Deception”, is now out of a job after the US Office of Research Integrity concluded that he fabricated and manipulated the results.

Sixteen major banks are currently under investigation for manipulation of the Libor and several major sporting celebrities have tested positive for drugs or have been found to be involved in match fixing.

There have been numerous other cases in recent times of cheating scandals in the news affecting, politics, science, education, finance and this also includes health and safety.

In nature, cheating has evolved as a way for organisms to gain advantage and getting something for nothing without incurring any extra effort. Yeast cells unfairly nab the chemicals produced from the labour of other cells. Cleaner fish steal the mucus off parrotfish instead of consuming their parasites. Young female baboons cheat the alpha males by mating with the younger ones in secret.

Although it is comforting to think that most people are essentially honest, cheating – defined as to gain an advantage, is astoundingly common.

Tactical deception has always been widespread amongst primates and become even more common as our brain’s neocortex has increased in size over time.

Humans are surprisingly quick to cheat when circumstances are conducive and this becomes more apparent when cheating is rewarded.

Despite its ubiquity, cheating can be quite detrimental to individuals, teams and organisations, as falsely portrayed statistics are often used as a key element when bidding for lucrative contracts and repeat business.

Scientists have found that creativity, fear of loss and observation of dishonest behaviour can motivate cheating and even make it more con-

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tagious. Today we live in a more competitive world than ever and with the introduction of social networks it makes dishonesty more prevalent in society.

Unlike any other species we tend to worship ourselves more than anything else on the planet and seek gratification for most things we do and that’s why we often cheat.

We also fear failure and not just a loss of income or status, what we fear most is the judgement and ridicule of others and that’s why things get covered up.

Most people aren’t big cheaters and studies have proven that large rewards actually discourage cheating, but a small amount of bending the rules is quite common.

Most companies tend to measure safety performance using a range of injury statistics, lost time injuries, medical treatment injuries, first aid injuries etc. These results are rarely validated by an independent third party and therefore can be fudged to make an individual or organisation look good.

I have personally witnessed this on numerous occasions where injuries have been re-classified to fit a desired category or covered up and even not reported. And, in some instances people being told to report workplace injuries as sporting or home based ones just to keep a statistic intact. This collateral damage is no different than Armstrong’s co-riders being coerced into going along with the doping scheme and being bullied when they tried to come clean.

In addition, when a safety milestone is reached (one year LTI free) a range of extrinsic bonuses, such as cash, time off work, petrol vouchers etc are often given out as rewards. This in turn encourages individuals, teams and organisations to cheat even more to retain their status.

If we continue to use these indicators to monitor and measure safety performance and fudge them for personnel gain or as ammunition for winning tender bids, I fear health and safety in general will always suffer as a result! www.safetymatters.co.nz

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September 2013

Management

23

‘Highly confident’ ratings important for first aid training Workplace health and safety has been a strong talking point in recent months, particularly following the release of the Independent Task Force report in April. Momentum has been gathering about compliance and first aid training that is ‘fit for purpose’, and acknowledging that one size does not fit all.

Employers have obligations to ensure a safe workplace and to have trained first aiders on site during working hours. These requirements are well published, but often ignored in favour of cost cutting or taking a self-risk approach.

There are also a number of first aid providers throughout New Zealand offering cheap courses delivered in short timeframes.

In a very timely manner, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has now issued a directive to all first aid providers that are registered and accredited to provide training and assessment, that they must be fully compliant with the Training Requirements by 30 August 2013 or risk being issued with a compliance notice and the possibility of deregistration.

The directive covers three important areas, all of which are well documented in “First Aid as a Life Skill – Training Requirements for Quality Provision of Unit Standard-based First Aid Training”: • Course Delivery time: 12 hours for 6402, 6401 and 6400; 8 hours for unit standards 26551 and 26552 (or 6402 and 6401); and 6 hours for Refresher training

September 2013

• Qualification requirements for a First Aid Trainer: First aid Instructors must satisfy NZQA that they meet the Training Requirements and are competent to teach • Sub-contracting: First aid providers cannot sub-contract unless approved to do so by NZQA. Those that undertake the delivery and assessment of NZQA first aid unit standards need to be (1) a direct employee of the registered PTE; or (2) and NZQA-registered PTE; or (3) part of an NZQA-approved sub-contracting arrangement These matters are important when considering who your first aid training provider is. Quality training by an approved and accredited provider is essential. Low cost and short duration courses are not acceptable and could place people at risk through insufficient knowledge and inappropriate training.

If you are unsure about the status or accreditation of your first aid training provider, visit the NZQA website for a list of education providers – www.nzqa.govt.nz and choose a Category One (or Two) NZQA rating.

New Zealand Red Cross is a Category One training provider fully registered and accredited by NZQA with training locations nationwide. NZ Red Cross fully complies with the NZQA First Aid Training Requirements and the First Aid for Workplaces – A Good Practice Guide (September 2009). www.redcross.org.nz/first-aid/ training-requirements/

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24

Management

‘The actual emergency response is not the time to learn and practice’

By Sharyn Devereaux-Blum Our work involves talking to many interesting people and conversation has flowed recently on the importance of an on-going training programme rather than a start/stop process or reactive training when something happens in an organisation and suddenly training is needed which adds further pressure to people’s workloads.

“One of the most important principles the people within a company must learn is that they are never working alone even if they work alone. This may sound odd at first, but an organisation has to operate as a whole.”

We talk a lot in our work about the ‘we’ culture. This is how we look to support each other, how we look after our customers and clients and how we train together. The ‘we’ refers to all the people in the organisation from the chief executive to the person at reception. It is the people that accomplish the tasks necessary to fulfil the day to day business of the organisation and during an emergency response. A training programme creates flow, unity, quality and leadership in people and the organisation internally.

In reading the news recently, Steve Hansen’s comments reinforce best practice thinking further. He suggested the key to getting the best out of a player was to reinforce the fact no individual was bigger than the team.”Each individual parcel makes up the whole of the All Blacks.

We’ve got a culture, a philosophy that the team comes first. We drive that every day. We’ve never had a problem.”

So what would that look like, sound like and feel like in your organisation?

One of the most important principles the people within a company must learn is that they are never working alone even if they work alone. This may sound odd at first, but an organisation has to operate as a whole.

Even the customer service representative working alone in an office answering customer queries after an earthquake must always operate with a business mind-set that he or she must do the job in a particular manner in order to help the entire company to succeed.

So the training programmes developed have a number of positive, long term spin-offs. It provides a space for people to develop confidence in self and others, leadership is developed and practised recognising leadership during the response and recovery stages is different to day to day business and key managers and boards are well rehearsed on this concept and flow, that everyone trained enhances the organisations ability to respond effectively and manage the day to day business and the quality of service is demonstrated proactively rather than reactively.

Everyone understands their job and how that fits into the overall scheme of things.

The recent shake, rattle and rolls felt through the central part of the

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country is when the training steps up tenfold. The response teams step up and people understand their role.

Evacuation out of the building even when the alarms are sounding still means the stairwells and evacuation out of the building needs to be checked first. For a number of organisations evacuation out of their building in the tsunami zone might not be the safest option.

It could mean evacuating people up several floors, monitoring the radio and Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency website for updates then moving people when it’s safe to do so.

Communication plans developed in readiness which includes all people will ensure information shared keeps people informed. People working in Recovery and Business Continuity Management need to have backup team rotation in place so it isn’t just the same people from the start. The hard workers will keep going but recovery can be a long duration process so pace it and have trained people ready to step up and takeover.

Keep an eye on the people, care for your people, care for yourself and its ok to rest. It’s how ‘we’ look after people during and afterwards that counts.

Devereux- Blum Training and Development Limited is a tertiary education provider working nationally in the Emergency Management sector.

A NZQA Category 1 Training Provider on a four-year audit cycle, means they have achieved highly confident in educational performance and excellent in all eighteen areas which is the highest rating achieved.

They provide a wide range of services in Emergency Management, specialising in the development of the 4 Rs Reduction Readiness Response and Recovery. They have extensive experience in facilitation at a strategic level, training within organisations, coaching key people and working at the national level, in government and non- government organisations. sharyn@emergencymanagement.co.nz www.emergencymanagement.co.nz

September 2013

Environment

25

Awards highlight safety and engineering achievements

suppliers and created product able to deliver tangible safety improvement.”

Mainpower went one better by winning the 2013 EEA Public Safety Award for its entry ‘Redesign of SWER Line Insulator Extension Bracket.’ The company reacted constructively to an incident, developed a solution to improve safety and, crucially for the judges, shared their design with other electricity networks around New Zealand to improve safety around the country.

The final award in that session was the EEA Engineering Excellence Awards. This recognised recent activities or projects associated with the development of new infrastructure or the improvement of existing infrastructure for the generation, transmission, distribution or utilisation of electricity within the New Zealand Electricity Supply Industry.

The award was presented to The ElectroNet Group of companies, (Mitton ElectroNet and ElectroNet Services) for their project work to deliver an innovative turnkey (design and build) solution for the high voltage grid connection at the McKee Power Plant – a new 100 MW gasfired station located in the Taranaki region.

“Congratulations to all winners,” says Peter Berry of the EEA. “The very high standard of entries to these awards is a reflection of how important safety is to our industry, and determination to keep improving our already high standards.”

At the recent EEA Conference in Auckland, four organisations were presented with annual electricity industry safety and engineering awards.

Northpower’s Workplace Safety Award – left to right – EEA President Bob Simpson, Tim Grosser and Northpower chief executive Mark Gatland ”The Workplace Safety Awards highlights the importance of ‘zero harm’ for industry and the public and is especially important in the year that the country was presented with the Pike River report and looks forward to a new government agency for health and safety, WorkSafeNZ,” says Peter Berry, executive director of the Electricity Engineers Association (EEA).

The Winner of the Electricity Supply Industry Safety Award for 2013 was Northpower for their entry ‘Brothers in Arms – The Mobile Burns Unit’. “Following three flashover incidents last

year, Northpower put together an impressive safety campaign and communicated it very effectively,” says Mr Berry. The initiative included dressing tailor’s dummies in protective gear (PPE) involved in incidents to bring home the importance of the having and using the right PPE. In the view of the judges one other entry stood out – Mainpower’s ‘22kV Drop-out Fuse Extension Bracket’. The judges said – “A clear example of safety by design – a comprehensive network owner lead initiative that engaged field staff, designers, engineers and equipment

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INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION/CITIES • ENERGY • ENVIRONMENT • TRANSPORT • WATER • PARTNERSHIPS • COMMUNICATION • SECURITY

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure provides stakeholders in the infrastructure industry with timely information, critical insights and detailed developments from within the country and around the globe that influence the planning, design and implementation CONSTRUCTION/CITIES • ENERGY • ENVIRONMENT • TRANSPORT • WATER • PARTNERSHIPS • COMMUNICATION ASB •eaSECURITY rns Five Green Stars of New Zealand infrastructure.

CONSTRUCTION • CITIES

• ENERGY • ENVIRONMENT

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Infrastructure focuses on the information needed to create and maintain world class cities and suburbs and develop energy, environmental, transport, water and communication infrastructure.The magazine and a comprehensive website, news carousel and electronic newsletter detail security and partner services – like investment, finance, legal, management, product provision and contractors that support and ensure the viability and sustainability of infrastructure projects.

CATION • SECURITY

August 2013 VOL 3 NO. 4

• Brazil scores own goal • Photovoltaic power 16c kWh • IT worker crisis escalates

Infrastructure works with major industry organisations and government agencies that are influential in setting and implementing the agenda for the country’s infrastructure development.

The Infrastructure Content Partners ensure that the information Infrastructure publishes across all its media platforms is strategic and relevant to more than 9,000 decision makers who read the print edition and the thousands who visit the website and read the digital edition online*. They include infrastructure owners, local and national government, public sector agencies, service providers and infrastructure users.

tAdvancing best practice in the development of world class infrastructure www.nzcid.org.nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

NZI August 2013.indd

1

8/12/13 3:58 PM

While unafraid to address critical issues such as the lack of an effective infrastructure pipeline, the Infrastructure editorial team collaborates with industry representatives to ascertain that the news, technology and analyses I N F R A Sare T Rpeer U C Treviewed U R E and revised if necessary. Infrastructure, print and online, create a much needed presented A D V E R T I S I N G targeted information resource that is indispensable to stakeholders in the infrastructure industry. The immediate Infrastructure is of the right platform at the right time! success themedia Digital Edition launched in the middle of 2012 has boosted circulation and reflects the company’s We have made sure that the people who will read our magazine in print or online are the very top executives and management who commitment to support advertisers in a competitive market. Any existing recipient of Infrastructure in print format will make decisions worth billions of dollars and who will effect the future developments of New Zealand infrastructurefor for decades can order digital editions up to five colleagues or clients. Click on the advertisements in the digital edition to to come.

We haveimmediately created an opportunity for you to of include this critical direct to the mail box.The digital edition is also available free by registering at at link free charge information source in your future marketing plans and our editorial For sales enquiries: team will be there to support your marketing team with well www.infrastructurenews.co.nz Phil Pilbrow written and highly informative articles about you, your clients, your business and all the people who are important to your future business.

Contact Phil Pilbrow to discuss your marketing opportunities.

Mike Bishara Managing editor mike@mediasolutions.net.nz Tel: 09 489 8663 027 564 7779

I N F R A S T R3,200 UCTURE A D V E R T I S9,600* ING

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Print edition circulation

CONSTRUCTION • ENERGY • ENVIRONMENT

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ONLINE

Print edition readership

8,921** 6,153** 110,611**

Infrastructure istothe right Unique visitors website andmedia platform at the right time! digital edition We have made sure that the people who will read our magazine in print or online are the very top executives and management who will make decisions worth billions of dollars and who will effect the Electronic newsletter subscribers future developments of New Zealand infrastructure for decades to come.

Website and digital editioncreated page views We have an opportunity for you to include this critical information source in your future marketing plans and our editorial * Based on an estimated readership of three persons per copy distributed ** Junewill 2013. Sources: AW Stats MailChimp your marketing team with well team be there toand support written and highly informative articles INFRASTRUCTURE DISTR I B U T Iabout O N Byou, R E Ayour K D Oclients, WN your business and all the people who are important to your future INDUSTRY PROFESSION business.

Contact Phil Pilbrow to discuss your marketing opportunities.

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For sales enquiries: For sales enquiries: Phil Pilbrow Phil Pilbrow National sales manager National sales manager phil@infrastructurenews.net.nz phil@mediasolutions.net.nz Tel: 09 489 8663 027 564 7778 Tel: 09 489 8663 027 564 7778

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ONLINE

Environment

27

More ‘elf and safety excuses exposed by UK watchdog As the heatwave in Britain subsides, it seems the country’s jobsworths [those who utilise the full power of their job titles in a deliberately obstructive or unhelpful manner] have been suffering from heatstroke as The Health and Safety Executive releases yet more barmy ‘elf and safety myths, in its drive to bring common sense back into decision making and to combat misuses of health and safety legislation.

HSE’s Myth Busters Challenge Panel was set up in 2012 to provide quick advice to people subject to ridiculous or disproportionate health and safety decisions by insurance companies, local authorities, employers and overzealous jobsworths.

The Panel has received over 200 cases since being launched in April last year with nearly all rulings finding a decision was made without having any basis in health and safety law.

Minister for Employment Mark Hoban says – “It’s time businesses and others stopped hiding behind health and safety when the simple truth is that they are either jobsworths or giving poor customer service. Their attitude gives health and safety a bad name and it undermines good health and safety which keeps people safe and enables them to enjoy the summer.”

HSE chair, Judith Hackitt says – ”The stories just keep on coming in – you just could not make them up. I am proud of what our Myth Busters Panel has achieved in exposing the real reasons behind all of these so-called “health and safety” stories. If we understand what is really driving this blatant misuse of health and safety then we can all tackle the root causes – jobsworths be warned!”

September 2013

Top myths A leading DIY store was hardly doing itself any favours when it refused to help a customer do-it-himself and cut a piece of timber in store.

The customer popped into his local branch of a high street DIY store to pick up some timber beading for his home improvements. However, when the wood was too long to fit in his car he asked staff to cut it down to size. He was stunned when the assistant said he could not help as it was against health and safety rules. The bemused customer then asked for a saw to do it himself and was again rebuffed as the store said it would liable if he hurt himself.

He approached Myth Busters who ruled that the company should be fully aware of the risks and how to safely use the tools and equipment they sell. The Panel put this case down to poor customer service and urged the store to practice what it preaches.

One might think that it would be in the best interests of hotels, restaurants and bars to provide the means for customers to leave the premises in the same way they found them.

Not so one hotel – which refuses to provide toilet brushes in its bathrooms for patrons on

the grounds of, you guessed it, health and safety.

Despite there being absolutely no law preventing the use of bog brushes in loos around Britain, the hotel has taken it upon itself to refuse to supply the bristly cleaners to customers on the well-worn excuse of ‘elf and safety grounds. Now experts at the Health and Safety Executive’s Myth Busters Challenge Panel have flushed the nonsense excuse down the proverbial pan.

Bemused customer Malcolm Forbes, 64, from Hertfordshire contacted Myth Busters after staying at a plush hotel in Newport, South Wales in June. When the company director and father of two tried to flush out the real reason for the ban, he was told it was for health and safety reasons.

The Myth Busters ruled that no legal requirements exist that prohibit the provision of toilet brushes in hotels or other public conveniences. Lots of shared toilet facilities in offices, bars, supermarkets etc do provide them with any hygiene risks easily managed.

Whatever the real reason for the brush ban, HSE thinks the hotel operator should come clean and stop pulling the public’s chain. If true grounds are for commercial reasons or reducing cost then be clear and flush these tired excuses away.

Malcolm says – “I couldn’t believe it when they cited health and safety. What about the effect on staff having to face dirty pans every morning? The hotel should not embarrass customers in this way. They have not thought this policy through and have just used health and safety as a cover.”

“I can’t imagine what the real reason is but I do know I would not want any of my family working as a housekeeper at a hotel that actively discourages residents from cleaning the pan after themselves.”

A table tennis table used by factory workers in break times was removed after a jobsworth claimed it was a health and safety risk. The panel smashed that nonsense out of the court by declaring there are no health and safety rules that prevent employees playing table tennis in their leisure time. A suitable location is all that is needed.

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environment

Heavy lift and shift system offers accuracy and safety A new generation Enerpac synchronous lifting system that replaces manual control of hydraulic heavy lifting with PLC control of multiple cylinder lifts offers accuracy, safety and productivity benefits for precision lifting of heavy resources industry machinery.

The EVO system is the result of Enerpac’s 25 years of experience in specialised hydraulic engineering and lifting technology using digitally controlled hydraulics to accurately and safely lift some of the largest and most challenging structures on earth, including mineral and oil and gas processing equipment.

Recent examples range from 1500 tone grinding mills in Western Australia to the superlifting and launch of a 43,000 tonne floating oil production system in Malaysia for the Gumusut-Kakap offshore field.

The new EVO synchronous system offers eight standard hydraulic control modes and can control 4, 8 or 12 points with one hydraulic power unit (HPU). A master control unit is also available that offers daisy chain control of up to 16 EVO systems, giving a maximum of 192 lifting points.

Instead of whole teams of lifting personnel trying to manually co-ordinate with each other lifts by hydraulic cylinders dispersed around a job, the EVO Series Synchronous Lifting System integrates the high-pressure hydraulic cylinders involved with a PLC system to monitor and control precise movement and positioning of heavy loads. Through an integrated HMI (Human Machine Interface), all movements are managed from a central control position that displays live operation with real-time status updates for each lifting position.

The multifunctional EVO-Series can be used with multiple standard 700 bar (10,000psi) single- or double-acting cylinders and is offered with a 5HP or 10HP hydraulic power unit with 250 litre reservoir.

Accuracy is one of the main benefits of using the EVO system, which also offers increased productivity, with less staffing required than for manually controlled lifting, says Mr Richard Verhoeff, Australasian integrated solutions manager for Enerpac.

“With synchronous lifting, one operator controls the entire precision lifting process, during which the status of every lifting point is constantly monitored and displayed.

“Time saving is another advantage of synchronous lifting. The process does not have to be stopped after any incremental value, checked, manually re-measured and corrected. The EVO-System carries out these actions during the entire lifting process, even with low lifting or lowering speeds. Depending on the appli-

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cation, time savings up to 60 percent can be achieved.”

Safety benefits of the PLC-controlled system include elimination of the potential for error with the multi-operator manual control approach.

The digitally precise EVO-system incorporates warnings and stop functions. It offers full monitoring and control, with programmable failsafe monitoring and safety alarms.

“The precision control offered by the EVO system reduces the risk of structural damage by bending, twisting or tilting due to uneven weight distribution or load-shifts between lifting points,” says Mr Verhoeff.

The easy-to-use and user-friendly touch screen interface displays the movement process, cylinder positions and load read-outs by lifting points and total load.

Enerpac’s synchronous lifting technology monitors and manages lifting, lowering, weighing, alignment and load transfer procedures of non-uniformly distributed heavy loads. The system incorporates a variable frequency drive (VDF) motor, which facilitates lowering of engine speeds and oil flows as required to optimize control of the speed of lifting. This feature also makes it possible to use the system

with various capacities of cylinders.

Using this ability to safely and precisely control lifting operations, as well as input parameters for load and stroke tolerance, users can safely and efficiently perform challenging lifting applications.

The EVO-Series System allows one device to control the entire lifting operation while providing status updates at every point of the process, without the need for manual monitoring. By digitally monitoring and controlling lifting operations, users enhance safety and eliminate costly downtime vs. manual operations.

For superior visibility and control, the EVO-Series offers network capabilities to link up to four hydraulic power units to a single master control. The system features a user-friendly interface with easy-to-use menus for simplified navigation. Additionally, the system can be programmed to record and store operation data at user-defined intervals to continuously monitor the pressure and position of every lifting point for safe, accurate control.

By adding a standard master control unit, EVO systems can be daisy chained together to achieve a maximum of 192 lifting points.

September 2013

injury

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Research shows skill gaps put employees at risk A New Zealand study has found that most employees are being put at risk because they don’t fully understand their workplace’s health and safety information, documentation and paperwork.

The researchers say this has significant implications for regulators and employers’ efforts to keep people safer while at work, as outlined in the recently released WorkingSafer blueprint.

Every year more than 200,000 New Zealanders are seriously harmed and more than 100 are killed in workplace accidents.

The study of 466 employees in 23 manufacturing, warehousing, hospitality and other work places was conducted by adult literacy and communication specialists, Workbase. It involved showing employees a sample of their company’s core health and safety documents and assessing what they could understand of the content.

The majority (65 percent overall, 70 percent in the manufacturing sector) did not fully understood written information about their employers’ health and safety policies and rules, hazard information, and safety procedures.

Furthermore, 80 percent of employees could not accurately complete a hazard report form.

The study also analysed the companies’ health and safety documents and found that they were consistently very complex in nature and used dense, indirect and specialist language that was not known by many employees in the study. Many documents also used unfamiliar vocabulary, which caused additional difficulties for employees with English as a second language.

Workbase’s chief executive Katherine Percy says the study’s findings have serious implications for workplace safety. “The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s recent Independent Taskforce Report on Workplace Health and Safety identified low literacy and poor communication skills as being an issue, particularly in higher risk workplaces, and our study backs this up.”

The WorkingSafer blueprint also identifies worker participation and engagement as being essential to strong safety performance, and notes that there are inconsistent levels of worker engagement in workplace health and safety issues.

“The study suggests that employers could be doing more to ensure that employees understand the specific health and safety processes and policies that they are expected to follow. It is difficult – if not impossible – to engage employees in health and safety if they can’t understand the information they are

September 2013

being given.”

Ms Percy notes that, although supervisors’ literacy levels are generally higher than those of employees, 19 percent of supervisors also struggle to read and complete health and safety information and paperwork. This affects their ability to convey important health and safety information to their teams.

The study’s findings suggest that little will be achieved by providing employees with more health and safety information or guidance documents, or by increasing hazard and incident reporting requirements.

Reducing New Zealand’s workplace accident and death rates requires a higher priority to be placed on making health and safety documentation easier to understand.

This is important because the study showed clearly that many firms have modelled their in- house health and safety documents on the formal language provided in official government documents.

“Regulators and employers therefore need to

review their health and safety information and communication, and make health and safety documents more relevant for the significant number of employees who lack the extensive formal technical vocabulary needed for health and safety compliance,” says Ms Percy.

She says that the government’s new WorkSafe agency was a step in the right direction but agreed with calls by the Employers and Manufacturers Association and others that a higher priority needed to be given to training.

“The proposed legislative framework includes a worker participation model that aims to facilitate better levels of participation and help workers to have the knowledge and accountability to keep their colleagues safe.

“Achieving this will require regulators and employers to ensure their health and safety documents are much easier to understand.

More resource also needs to be put into developing training that develops employees’ health and safety-related vocabulary, literacy, knowledge and skills.

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National Safety Show

National Safety show heralds the best of the industry The National Safety Show held in Auckland in July garnered substantial visitors keen to see the very latest safety solutions in action.

HAYLEYMEDIA exhibition director Rachel Hobbs-Price says she was pleased with both the number of visitors and the many exhibitors from around the world who attended the two day show.

“We want to thank exhibitors and visitors for making the show a success. With both MHL and the National Safety Show selling out in terms of exhibition space, the signs were always positive that 2013 would be successful.

“Exhibitors from all over the world built up their stands which were extremely professional, and many flew in from overseas just hours prior to show opening, ready to generate leads and sell, sell, sell. The visitors arrived in force and queued at show reception for their entry badges and show packs.

Our feedback tells us that most exhibitors were very pleased with both the quality and number of visitors that attended.

“The Crown VIP Breakfast was a complete success with over 150 attendees enjoying breakfast and hospitality from sponsor, Crown Forklifts before viewing the MHL exhibition. Thank you to the exhibitors who built a great show and thank you to the visitors who made it to the show from far and wide. We ended up with a great event.”

Rhys Evans, NZ sales manager for Oliver Footwear, says “Of all the exhibitions across the industry I have attended, the National Safety Show is quite special and is very well focused. The calibre of exhibitors and visitors the Show attracts is usually very high and this year is no exception.”

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September 2013

PPE

31

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The NATUREform toecap has wider profile shape for added comfort – something Oliver Footwear is noted for - while the latex cushion liner ensures that toes are comfortable and not in contact with the toecap.

The NANOlite footbed affords greater comfort and wellbeing for the wearer. The gently raised surface of the sole massages your feet as you walk, promoting a greater blood flow to help reduce fatigue. The perforated foam air control layer also enhances circulation with reduced foot odour being one of the benefits.

The unique Oliver COMFORTcushion which employs a combination of cellular urethane and PORON1 to protect the heel and ball of the foot, affording superior cushioning and shock absorption at the heel.

These features are coupled with a distinctive all terrain outer tread pattern, water resistant leather uppers and the use of Kevlar threading on critical wear seams.

And now, Oliver Footwear has led the way in responding to workplace and customer needs with the release of a new Elastic Sided Boot.

Designated the Oliver AT 55-222, the new boot gives Oliver the most comprehensive range of safety and industrial footwear choices across virtually all wearer and working environments.

The AT 55-222 is an Elastic Sided Boot that has a wheat coloured, water resistant, Nubuck leather upper with the added feature of a TECtuff® rubberised toe bumper to safeguard against premature wear caused by scuffing.

The dual density sole is heat resistant to 300°C of surface contact, resistant to mineral and organic oils and acids and also affords excellent slip resistance.

Like the other footwear styles in the Oliver AT 55 Range, the new AT 55-222 has a NATUREform® Type 1 Steel Toe Cap with a wide profile shape to suit your foot and prevent contact between toes and the toe cap.

The new boot also complies with the Australian and New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 and the International equivalents EN ISO

Oliver Footwear has taken the humble Elastic Sided boot to a new dimension with the release of the AT 55-222 combining a wheat coloured, water resistant Nubuck leather upper with all the traditional Oliver features of comfort, durability and safety protection 20345:2011 and ASTM F2413-11.

In short, Oliver the AT 55 Range offers safety footwear which combines heavyweight performance with lightweight comfort.

The AT 55 Range including the new 55-222 is available through all major safety supply retailers with size choices from 4-14.

For more information on the Oliver safety and industrial footwear choices for all types of workplaces Visit: www.oliver.com.au or Email: info@oliver.com.au.

2013 Rogers Corporation. All rights reserved.

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September 2013

www.isn.co.nz AT55-222

AT 55-222

A NEW DIMENSION

The Oliver AT 55-222 hAs TAken The humble elAsTic sided bOOT TO A new dimensiOn wiTh A wATer resisTAnT nubuck leATher, Tectuff速 TOe bumper plus All The TrAdiTiOnAl Oliver feATures Of cOmfOrT, durAbiliTy And sAfeTy prOTecTiOn. The new AT 55-222 jOins The highly successful All TerrAin series Of wOrk bOOTs prOviding innOvATive sAfeTy fOOTweAr sOluTiOns fOr All demAnding wOrk envirOnmenTs.

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