Safety First March 2011

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Solutions Guide

March 2011

INSIDE: OH&S ● Height safety ● Waste & hazardous environments ● Material handling ● Production line ●

>>> A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY REED BUSINESS INFORMATION

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CONTENTS

SafetyFirst.

Editor David Stone Tel: (02) 9422 2862 Fax: (02) 9422 2722 E-mail: david.stone@reedbusiness.com.au

contents

Victoria sales Project Manager Michael Northcott Mobile: 0448 077 247 E-mail: michael.northcott@reedbusiness.com.au

Essential OH&S records

New South Wales sales Anthony Head Tel: (02) 9422 2368 Fax: (02) 9422 2966 E-mail: anthony.head@reedbusiness.com.au

Miller Kernmantle anchorage lines and lanyards Railok 90 Fall Protection Systems

OH&S

Height safety

Queensland sales Sharon R. Amos

Waste & hazardous environments

Tel: (07) 3261 8857 Fax: (07) 3261 8347

More Speed, Less Haste Grape harvesters can spread phylloxera

E-mail: sharon.amos@reedbusiness.com.au Associate Publisher Michelle Graves Tel: (02) 9422 2391 E-mail: michelle.graves@reedbusiness.com.au Production Co-ordinator Mary Copland Tel: (02) 9422 2738 Fax: (02) 9422 2655 E-mail: mary.copland@reedbusiness.com.au Graphic Design Nicolle Lawson Tel: (02) 9422 2714 E-mail: nicolle.lawson@reedbusiness.com.au

Material handling safety

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OPTX 20/20 'Stick-On' Magnifying Reading Lenses Safety tips on how to use high-pressure hydraulic tools New high strength beam improves OH&S in high volume DCs

Production line safety

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Predicting who will cause workplace safety incidents

Circulation/Customer service Tel: (02) 9422 2666 E-mail: customer.service@reedbusiness.com.au

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Contents Copyright. Published by Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Pty Ltd (ABN 80 132 719 861) Tower 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067 Locked Bag 2999, Chatswood Delivery Centre Chatswood, NSW 2067 Tel: (02) 9422 2999 Fax: (02) 9422 2922 web: www.reedbusiness.com.au Printed by Offset Alpine Printing All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Utmost care is taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial matter. Product specifications and claims are those of the manufacturers.

Manager’s Occupational Health and Safety

Solutions Guide

March 2011

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Printed four times a year, Safety First is inserted in the March, June, August and October issues of Manufacturers' Monthly, FEN, Food and PACE with a distribution of 35,000.

Behind the cover For proven competence in development, design and standards in the Australian machine safety arena, JOKAB SAFETY products from ABB offer a safety solution for the majority of industrial applications and all are available from one supplier.

ABB JOKAB SAFETY product offerings include a complete range of safety products, from Category 4 dual safety, circuit safety relays, light curtains, sensors and switches to bumpers, mats and fencing systems. ABB JOKAB SAFETY is one of only a few manufactures that offer a complete Australian Certified safety system offering the highest level of protection for both man and machine.

INSIDE: G G

OH&S G Height safety G Waste & hazardous environments Material handling G Production line >>> A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY REED BUSINESS INFORMATION

For more information on JOKAB SAFETY products from ABB contact: ABB Australia Pty Limited | www.abbaustralia.com.au

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OH&S

Essential OHS records – Positive Performance Indicators

By Ray Schaffer New National Workplace Health and Safety Law Employers of small to medium businesses (SMEs) are well advised to re-examine the OH&S records they currently maintain.

Where these records are currently important in evidencing a business’ “due diligence”, they will become of even greater significance under the new OH&S law - soon to come into force. The new draft law is currently available online for comment until 4th April. See: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au The Australian Institute of Company Directors last year reported the results of a survey indicating that many employers view OH&S law in Australia as imposing a serious ‘personal liability’ on directors of businesses. While the reasons for this are multiple and complex, it is, nevertheless, apparent that much needs to be done to reduce this onerous burden.

One of the changes needed, and this will be even more necessary under the new OH&S law, is that businesses must maintain better and more comprehensive OH&S records.

The new OH&S law will impose a whole swathe of new OH&S duties on Directors. One of these will require Directors and management to be better informed about OH&S processes in their business. This can be achieved by senior management ensuring they establish and maintain a comprehensive OH&S record keeping system.

This will entail establishing records not only of the usual, typically ‘negative’ nature, but also information that includes positive performance indicators. (PPI) A key step here will be to begin identifying the type of PPI records that demonstrates “due diligence”.

The concept of “due diligence”, under the new law, will mean, in a practical sense, that the board of directors have a duty to develop protocols for verifying “due diligence” in the business, which will

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Employers of small to medium businesses are advised to re-examine the OH&S records they currently maintain.

businesses must maintain better and more comprehensive OH&S records

be referred to as the PCBU - a term defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act. This will include preparation of a formal OH&S Governance Statement with supporting procedures, for example; the keeping of comprehensive OH&S records.

Continued on page 06

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www.spanset.com.au

International website www.spanset.com

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OH&S

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Negative records Often business owners will compile a spectrum of OH&S records that focus solely on negative occurrences: accidents, near miss incidents, lost time injuries and workers compensation statistics. A better representation of a business’ OH&S records (and therefore a better indicator of the business’ OH&S processes), would include a range of figures that specify PPIs. Examples of PPIs include – the percentage of compliance by employees with formal Safe Work Method (SWM ) protocols; successful AS 4801 (the Health Safety Standard) Audits; planned and executed plant and equipment maintenance programmes; programmes that implement safe access to workplaces, where-ever that may be – above ground, confined spaces or via raising platforms etc; worksite compliance with Local Council OH&S requirements; toxic chemicals information dissemination, with SWM protocols and training in the safe use of controls that minimize the risks.

Under the new OH&S law, instead of paying attention to the negative outcome of work practices, employers will replace these with process indicators that measure how effectively the businesses safety management system is being implemented.

New methodology In going about identifying these new OH&S parameters, regard must be given to the nature of the work being performed in that particular workplace and what in that particular industry are the characteristic serious injuries, even fatalities, that occur.

Clearly, this methodology will deliver OH&S records that will provide the PCBU’s management with a snapshot of how well (or not) a particular process is being managed in the PCBU. Far more so, than a simple accident statistic or a worker’s compensation claim. In this way directors will have access to records that patently evidence their “due diligence” Ray Schaffer is the principal consultant with the firm- R. M. H. Schaffer & Co. Health, Safety and Environment consultants based in Sydney. www.environmentdiy.com.au.

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Investigation launched following safety breaches at Australia’s nuclear reactor The Science Minister, Senator Kim Carr, has called for an investigation into safety of Australia’s nuclear reactors.

As reported in The Australian on the 9th of February, Senator Carr has urged the department officials to work alongside the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency – the independent safety regulator – to assess the occupational health and safety practices of the radiopharmaceutical product facility, which is based in Sydney’s Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

A recent report by Australia’s workplace regulator, Comcare, which was brought to the public’s attention by ABC’s Lateline, reveal shocking details concerning the facilities OH&S practices. The report highlighted safety breaches, plus a failure to investigate allegations of workplace bullying, which happened as a consequence to the breaches.

The Australian reported Senator Carr saying, "I take allegations such as those aired last night very seriously". Carr also claimed, "I have been closely monitoring these events for a considerable time."

The safety breaches cited in the Comcare report included a member of staff having dropped a vial of radioactive molybdenum 90, causing radioactive levels near the incident to be “abnormally high”.

An inspector commented on this particular incident, saying "This [the radioactive level] is 100 times what would have been expected," and went on to say that the facility staff had been poorly trained and were unaware how to report incidents; with staff having received no safety feedback following the dropping of the vial.

Model OH&S Laws The aim of the harmonisation of workplace health and safety laws is to reduce the incidence of workplace death, injury and disease in Australia.

The harmonisation will also create consistencies in the laws around Australia, making it easier for companies to do business.

Model Work Health and Safety Act A draft model Act was released for public comment in September 2009, subsequently receiving 480 submissions, which helped inform many of the amendments to the first draft of the Act. The Workplace Relations Ministers' Council endorsed the draft model act on the 11 December 2009; this was titled the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act. Public comment period - Draft model Regulations and Codes of Practice

The Model Work Health and Safety Act was released for public comment in September 2009

The draft model Regulations and Codes of Practice have been released by Safe Work Australia and are now available for public comment. The public comment period is open until 5pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time Monday 4 April 2011.

For more information please see www.worksafe.com.au

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DON’T DIE WISHING YOU HAD USED A MATHAND LADDER LIFT MatHand Solar Panel Ladder Style Lifts The MatHand 150 Solar Panel Ladder Style Lift is the ideal choice for solar technology industries to safely lift solar panels & hot water systems. It is a sophisticated lifting system with versatile load-bearing ladder style lifting rails and a special platform fixed to the load carriage that ensures safe transportation of the panels onto the roof. Rubber rests protect panels from being damaged while the clamping device fastens them safely to the platform. MatHand Ladder Style Lifts are European designed, safe, top quality, with first class components. They are an extremely lightweight, safe and versatile lifting solution to meet virtually all demands on any building site. MatHand 150 Solar has a 150kg capacity, easy to maintain and easy to fit drive unit with a 1.1kW motor. The power supply is 240volt single phase with safe 24volt control pendant and 5metres of cable. All electric cables are plug-in joints. The assembly is extremely easy & the low weight makes positioning possible Model MatHand 150 Solar without any difficulties. The ladder rails are joined, the frontal positioned drive unit snap Code L20238 locks onto the base rail & the load carriage is fitted. The versatile load carrying platform Capacity 150kg can then be easily fixed to the carriage, by latch locks. Safety plays an extremely important Lifting speed 25m/min factor whilst using the compact MatHand Ladder Style Lifts. All carriages are equipped *Standard lifting height 12.0metres with a parachute device as standard feature in order to avoid a crash of the load in the 47kg unlikely event that a cable should break & large foot plates ensure safe standing support of Weight of drive unit all MatHand Ladder Style Lifts. Units can be used either to be inclined against a building * Maximum lift height available is 20.30metres or inclined onto a roof.

Adjustable angle The standard 12metre MatHand Solar Ladder Lifter consists of: bend section 1 x 2.0m foot section, 4 x 2.0m extensions, 1 x 1.0m extension 1 x Bend section-0.6m long, adjustable 20-45 degrees with hardened steel pulleys The compact 1 x 0.3m head section with hardened steel pulleys drive simply 1 x Drive unit with 44metres of wire, for heights up to latches on 20.3metres & with 22metres of limit switch cable.

1 x Standard carriage L02201 Rail sections - 2m Load carrying platform 1 x Solar platform (600W x 350D x 850Hmm) L20232 with long, weighing 10kg is easily attached to the Tilting carriage Can be rubber protection buffers only. Maxium rail standard or tilting tilted at top and bottom. length 20.30m. carriage.

If units are required higher than the standard 12m versions, order additional 1 or 2m extensions.

Bend section - Adjustable from 20°-45°. Heavy duty hardened steel pulleys for long life of rope.

Drive unit - Hoisting speed 25m/min, suitable for standard and tilting carriage, maximum payload 150kg.

Solar platform - Safely and securely lifts solar panels.

Standard carriage - For use when there is no need to tilt for unloading. A broken rope device prevents the carriage from falling in the event of a rope failure.

Hand control with push buttons UP / DOWN / EMERGENCY STOP on 5m long cable.

SF1103

Drive unit - Hoisting speed 34m/min, suitable for standard and tilting carriage, maximum payload 250kg.

Rail support - Extendable from 2-5.5m, a second support is necessary for rail length exceeding 16m.

Our website: www.materialshandling.com.au Phone us: 1300 65 00 35 Fax us: 1800 68 68 96 Email us: result@materialshandling.com.au

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HEIGHT SAFETY

Capital Safety introduces Railok 90 A new range of vertical fall arrest rail systems from Capital Safety is designed to optimise safety and maximise freedom of movement while working at height.

apital Safety has unveiled its new range of fall arrest rail systems, which have been designed to optimisesafety and improve freedom of DBI-SALA, a Capital Safety brand dedicated to fall protection systems has launched their new Railok 90 vertical fall arrest rail system designed specifically to improve safety for workers as they ascend and descend fixed ladders.

The shuttle in the fall protection system travels smoothly along the entire length of the rail, allowing the user to move up and down the ladder. The shuttle does not snag or resist the climber’s motion.

In the event of a fall, the shuttle locks on the rail arresting the fall while minimising fall distances and load forces on the user. Additionally, the system does not restrict foot space on the ladder rungs, and offers users complete freedom of movement as they climb.

Suitable for a number of diverse

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Capital Safe has introduced the Railok 90, a new range of vertical fall arrest rail systems

applications, Railok 90 vertical fall arrest systems can be deployed across multiple industries requiring fall protection for climbing applications such as wind energy, telecommunications, oil and gas as well as construction.

Greg Peterson, Systems Manager for Capital Safety, Australia and New Zealand comments that safety while ascending and descending ladders is a key issue in many industries. While providing safety, solutions cannot restrict operators from completing their work.

Railok 90 vertical fall protection

systems offer users a rigid rail system solution combining optimal worker safety with maximum worker productivity.

Key features of Railok 90 vertical fall protection systems: ■ Innovative metallic shock absorber enhances safety and prolongs the life of the system ■ Shuttle device employs a revolutionary integrated metallic absorber that restricts fall distances and significantly reduces the forces on the user in the event of a fall ■ Made from high-strength extruded stainless steel and aluminium ■ Easily installed without special tools ■ Available with a wide range of brackets, providing installation options in different configurations ■ Integrated solution utilising rail components machined to accept ladder rungs is available for applications requiring the use of a ladder ■ Ladder rail solution provides dual benefits of fall protection while meeting the need for efficient ascent and descen Capital Safety designs and manufactures height safety, confined space and industrial rescue equipment, operating at 12 sites worldwide.

Capital Safety 1800 245 002 www.en.capitalsafety.com.au

Sperian introduces Miller Kernmantle anchorage lines The new range consists of the Miller Adjustable Kernmantle Rope Lanyard and the Miller Kernmantle Anchorage Line; both which are manufactured using heavy duty abrasion resistant 11mm Miller Kernmantle rope, a static braided rope which is utilised in rescue operations.

The Adjustable Kernmantle Rope Lanyard offers workers the flexibility to adjust the length of their lanyard to suit any fall arrest application. It is fully adjustable down to 850mm, and has a maximum adjustment length of two metres.

The Adjustable Lanyard also includes a compact energy absorber as an added safety feature. The absorber, which is available in a longer five metre version, expands smoothly in the event of a fall for greater shock absorption.

The Adjustable Lanyard is certified to Australian and New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 1891.1 – 2007.

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The Kernmantle Anchorage Line is ideal for use as a backup line when using winches or fall arrestors. It is fitted with a 26mm triple acting karabiner (TAK) and a handy rope adjuster which allows workers to customise the length of their anchorage line.

Offering workers flexible access and helping to minimise fall distances, the Miller Anchorage Line is also available in a variety of lengths to suit a number of at height applications.

Sperian Protection Australia Pty Ltd Miller Adjustable Kernmantle 1300 139 166 Rope Lanyard and the Miller Kernmantle Anchorage Line www.sperian.com

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HEIGHT SAFETY

Capital Safety, home of the world-renowned DBI-SALA and PROTECTA brands, has announced the release of their Every Worker’s Guide to Height Safety Essentials.

Height Safety Essentials, the manual alls when working at height put you at serious risk of injury and in the worst case, even death. Effective fall protection ensures that every worker facing these hazards makes it home safely at the end of their day.In the interest of worker’s safety Capital Safety has developed a handy guide to height safety essentials aimed at informing and educating users in working safely at height.

The booklet is written as an introductory guide to height safety, intended to improve your understanding of fall protection and enhance your safety when working at height. It is ideal for use when evaluating your fall protection requirements. The guide covers, the

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Capital Safety’s Every Worker’s Guide to Height Safety Essentials

A,B,C’s of fall protection, fundamental facts, swing fall hazards, fall clearance, inspection & maintenance, training, regulations/authorities and includes a glossary of fall protection terminology.

The booklet is available at no cost from

their website in either PDF or hard copy format. To get your FREE copy go to www.capitalsafety.com.au and simply click on the Tools tab to access the PDF file, or to request a hard copy.

The booklet is not intended to replace competent training, but rather serves as a reference guide to fall protection basics.

Capital Safety provides accredited competency based training in a variety of fall protection disciplines via open enrolment with some modules available via online learning. Further information can be obtained from their training department or via their website.

Capital Safety www.capitalsafety.com.au

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HEIGHT SAFETY

Miller has unveiled its latest fall protection Miller Fall Protection, which is part of Sperian, has introduced their latest heavy duty fall protection equipment: the Miller Miners Harness.

Available in an underground and surface version, the full body harnesses are manufactured from a new heavy duty and light weight 43mm Duraclean webbing.

The webbing is treated with a coating which forms an invisible barrier around it to prevent water, oil and dirt from being absorbed into the webbing, helping to prolong its working life.

The harnesses also have a flame resistant KMAX.4 vest style model, which has been designed for above ground welding applications.

A key feature of the underground harness is the inclusion of the Prospector Miner’s Belt, which is designed to carry emergency breathing apparatus and other underground safety tools.

It incorporates a battery and self rescuer strap.

The belt allows the user to wear the self rescue units at their side rather than at the back, eliminating discomfort when sitting down.

Both the surface and underground variants of the harness include a floating frontal D-ring, as well as rear dorsal fall arrest and extension D-rings, confined space loops and fully stainless steel components.

The Miners Harness also includes adjustable leg straps with quick connect buckles.

For increased comfort, they also feature wider back pads for support.

The Miller Miners harness is certified to AS/NSZ 1891.1 2007 standards.

Miller by Sperian 1300 139 166 www.millerfallprotection.com.au

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Ferno Hardpoint Harness New to Ferno’s range of safety harnesses is the Australian Standards approved Ferno Hardpoint harness, which is perfect for work positioning, fall arrest, rope access and rescue scenarios. ased on Ferno’s renowned Centrepoint 2 harness, you can expect to see the same great features with the Hardpoint including: ■ Offset (cranked) pole strap attachment points ■ Quick connect buckles on waist and legs ■ Front and rear free fall arrest D-ring attachment points ■ Limited free fall arrest attachment point ■ Soft gear loops for storing hardware ■ Extra wide, padded waist and leg straps for superior comfort when hangingfor long periods ■ Removable moisture wicking 3D mesh should and back pad which provides unrivalled shoulder and neck protection ■ Fully adjustable rear leg risers to ensure a perfect fit What distinguishes the Hardpoint from the Centrepoint 2 is the front web belay loop, which has been replaced with a hard connection point, the adjustable rear webbing and the Hardpoint also includes hard ring loops for storing extra hardware.

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The new Hardpoint Harness from Ferno

The Hardpoint is also available with an integrated chest ascender providing increased mobility when ascending.

Ferno 1800 804 647 www.ferno.com.au

Safety at height protection through the roof Engineered to provide workers with a safe and secure temporary anchorage point when undertaking roof work, the Miller Roof Clamp acts as a single fall arrest anchor point, when connected to an anchorage line or a TurboLite system.

The Miller Roof Clamp is manufactured using high quality steel tubing and angle pieces and is powder-coated in a bright orange colour to provide high visibility for workers when working at heights.

Clamping easily onto any roofing material, the Miller Roof Clamp requires no screws to mount, making it the lightweight portable fall protection solution for roof tilers, electricians and antenna installers, builders and anyone else working on roofs The Miller Roof Clamp is certified to AS/NZS 1891.4 2009 standards, and should only be attached to a roof structure which conforms to the load requirements in AS/NZS 1891.4 2009.

Miller by Sperian 1300 139 166 www.millerfallprotection.com.au

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WASTE & HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

More Speed, Less Haste Why improving efficiency doesn’t mean cutting corners on safety, by Tony Repaci, Intermec Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand t’s no secret that chances cannot be taken when it comes to worker safety, especially in environments where unavoidably hazardous materials or practices are present. While the idea of keeping workers safe in these kinds of environments is not a new concept, the advent of mobile computing devices adds a new level of complexity to warehouse and logistics organisations who store or transport these potentially harmful goods. The mistake that many logistics providers make is assuming their operation needs to give up mobile computers and the accuracy and time saving benefits the technology can provide, in some cases even reverting back to time-consuming paper based systems.

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Mobile computing devices can help warehouse and logistic organisations who store or transport potentially harmful goods

It’s becoming increasingly important for supply chain professionals to understand the terminology and technology available in terms of sealed and safe computers. Warehouse and logistics organisations are implementing more sophisticated systems to monitor and manage a variety of work environments, due to growing safety, security, regulatory and reporting requirements. Mobile computers can be important components of these systems because they provide the ability to automatically collect and communicate data from remote and challenging environments regularly encountered by logistics companies.

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WASTE & HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Continued from page 11

However, confusion over regulations and certifications has led some warehouse and logistics organisations to incorrectly conclude they can’t use mobile computers to support maintenance, monitoring, data collection and other activity where combustible gases and liquids are present.

Regulations and certifications Much of the confusion centres on the terms “intrinsically safe (I-safe)” and “non-incendive,” which have different meanings.

“Non incendive” generally means the device does not generate sparks and is incapable of igniting gases, vapors or liquids under normal operation. Nonincendive devices are not necessarily sealed against gases, vapors or liquids.

According to the International Electrotechnical Commission Nonincendive devices are: “a concept in which any arc or thermal effect produced under intended operating conditions of the equipment is not capable, under specified test conditions, of igniting the flammable gas-air mixture.”

Intrinsically safe indicates a higher level of safety and protection. Devices designated as intrinsically safe will not spark or cause ignition to an explosive environment. The International Electrotechnical Commission defines intrinsically safe devices as: “not capable of causing ignition of a given explosive gas atmosphere.”

Warehouse and logistics organisations should also be aware and understand the relevant Ingress protection (IP) ratings of the devices they may use within their business. IP ratings primarily apply to device enclosures and are defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. IP ratings are measures of how well a device is protected or sealed against water, moisture, dust, powder and other substances, which are designated by various letter and number codes. Ratings are typically expressed by the letters “IP” followed by two numbers. The first number indicates the level the device is protected against particles, and the second digit is the protection against water. For example a mobile computer rated IP54 has level five particle protection, meaning

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Intermec CK31 carries the most extensive list of global hazardous environmental ratings of any handheld computer

Devices designated as intrinsically safe will not spark or cause ignition in a potentially explosive environment

dust deposits may form on the unit but will not affect performance, and level four water protection, allowing it to function when splashed or exposed to low-pressure spray.

Importantly for warehouse and logistics companies who handle potentially dangerous goods, intrinsically safe and non-incendive standards apply to all equipment that can create one or more of a range of defined potential explosion sources including: Electrical sparks, flames, hot surfaces and static electricity.

Intrinsically safe Intrinsically safe mobile computing devices are ideal for application in areas where workers handle unstable or dangerous goods such as employees loading and unloading fuel at service/petrol stations, monitoring gas flow and instrumentation on a gas pipeline and managing inventory of fuel products in a warehouse.

Intrinsically safe devices can be used in non-incendive environments, but the reverse is not true. Therefore intrinsically safe devices not only provide more protection, they provide more flexibility, because they can be used in more places.

Intrinsically safe mobile computers are also a good choice for future-proofing warehouse and logistics operations and systems because they can be used in

potentially hazardous environments without having to be replaced should conditions change.

In response to the growing recognition that Intrinsically Safe mobile computing devices are essential to being able to deliver the accuracy, cost and time saving benefits of a mobile computer in potentially hazardous environments; Intermec undertook years of research into developing the safest rugged handheld computer in the world today.

Intermec’s CK31 was designed from inception for hazardous environments, meeting the most stringent requirements not only for flammable gases, vapours, liquids, but also for dust, fibres and flyings. The mobile computer has been IECEx certified as well as ATEX-certified for use in Zone 1 (gases) and Zone 21 (dusts and fibres) environments—the highest possible safety ratings, requiring double-fault protection of circuitry. The CK31 also carries the most extensive list of global hazardous environmental ratings—including ATEX, IECEx at launch, UL shortly thereafter—of any handheld computer, so it can be deployed by warehouse and logistics companies anywhere in the world.

By taking a systematic approach to managing mobile computers and wireless networks, and understanding safety certifications, warehouse and logistics organisations will be able to specify products with the right level of safety for each area within their enterprise. The results of this approach will be a lower total cost of ownership, simplified device management and support, and – most importantly – a safer, more productive work environment.

Intermec Inc1800 333 120 www.intermec.com.au

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WASTE & HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Grape harvesters can spread phylloxera The Victoria State Government’s Department of Primary Industries has advised all operators of mechanical grape harvesters to follow the regulations relating to movement between grape phylloxera quarantine zones and to maintain good cleaning procedures between vineyards. ictorianDPI Senior Biosecurity Officer John Whiting said mechanical harvesters could be a primary means for the spread of phylloxera and other exotic pests and diseases.

"All operators need to ensure they comply with the regulations and follow good hygiene practices in order to minimise potential biosecurity risks," Mr Whiting said. “Phylloxera can be present in the grapevine canopy during the harvest period and become lodged within the machine, then transported to other vineyards if the machine is not cleaned down.

"In some vineyards the symptoms of phylloxera may not be recognised for three to five years after infestation, so phylloxera can be unwittingly spread to other vineyards unless good cleaning and hygiene procedures are followed."

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In some vineyards the symptoms of phylloxera may not be recognised for three to five years after infestation, so phylloxera can be unwittingly spread to other vineyards unless good cleaning and hygiene procedures are followed Grape harvesters that move out of a Phylloxera Infested Zone or move into a Phylloxera Exclusion Zone need to be cleaned and disinfested according to the regulations, and only moved under a permit from DPI Plant Standards.

"Grape growers should inspect any harvesting machines as they arrive at to their property and make sure they are clean and accompanied by the permit before commencing harvesting," Mr Whiting said. For more information "For the movement of grape harvesters between vineyards within a Phylloxera Infested Zone, Phylloxera Exclusion Zone or Phylloxera Risk Zone, it is advised that harvesters be thoroughly cleaned to avoid the potential transfer of phylloxera or other unwanted pests, diseases or weeds onto other vineyards."

Grape harvester operators should also be alert to weak patches of vines within vineyards and advise the vineyard manager to check such areas for phylloxera or other potential causes.

Further information: www.new.dpi.vic.gov.au

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MATERIALS HANDLING

Safety tips on how to use highpressure hydraulic tools This list of better use and safety tips for the handling highpressure hydraulic tools was compiled by Enerpac and is based on the Safety And Better Use (SABU) seminars conducted

by Enerpac, the high-force tool specialists for industry around Australia.

enerally, work undertaken with high-pressure hydraulics involves bending, pushing, lifting or pulling.

Using hydraulic technology, this work can be undertaken with a degree of precision and control that cannot easily be achieved with other forms of equipment.

Like most equipment, there are rules and disciplines to be observed to ensure the safety of other people in the vicinity of the job and the longer life and efficient functioning of the equipment.

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Standard safety rules Before handling high-pressure hydraulic equipment, standard safety rules should be observed.

Safety glasses, a hard hat, gloves, safety shoes or boots and protective clothing should be not only the norm in safety apparel, but also enforced essentials.

Necessary precautions When using hydraulic tools and systems, one naturally takes the obvious precautions to avoid mishaps and accidents, improve production levels and to enhance the life of the equipment.

The majority of problems encountered in a hydraulic system are the result of improper assembly or operation.

Operating instructions should be studied carefully before using any hydraulic equipment.

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ZU4 Series Z Class, Portable electric pumps from Enerpac

Making the job easy An operator should avoid lifting a load that exceeds the capacity of a system.

Overloading not only damages cylinders but also blows seals and bends plungers.

The following points should be considered: ■ A good rule of thumb is to estimate the load and then double it.

■ Remember that some pumps have relief valves, while others do not.

■ Use a gauge to indicate safe operating loads.

■ Before making or breaking any hydraulic connection, make sure there is no pressure in the system..

■ Before advancing or retracting a cylinder, it is good practice to make sure the area is clear.

Looking after cylinders Basically, at the working end, there are two types of cylinders - single and double acting.

Single acting cylinders can be either the push type or the pull type and, again, they can be either spring return or load return.

Double acting cylinders are advanced and retracted hydraulically.

There are some specific rules concerning

cylinders that should be observed, such as: ■ Always position the cylinder on a firm base of sufficient bearing strength.

Wherever possible, use a jacking base. If not, use a steel plate or timber to spread the load.

■ Avoid point loading on the saddle. Make sure the load is across the entire saddle.

■ Keep well clear of areas directly below loads supported by hydraulic cylinders.

■ Position cylinders so that the hose and coupler have sufficient clearance when the cylinder extends.

■ Keep equipment away from excessive heat; above 65°C will soften packing and weaken hoses. If it is necessary to use heat, shield the cylinder with a heatresistant blanket or a piece of metal to deflect the heat.

■ Oil connections should be kept clean.

■ Couplers should be wiped before connecting.

■ Dust caps should be used to keep dirt out, otherwise cylinder walls will be scored causing seal failure.

■ Cylinders should not be over-extended.

Not all makes of cylinders have safety stop-rings.

■ Cylinder mounting threads should be protected.

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■ Protectors should be used to prevent damage to the thread.

■ Avoid disconnecting extended cylinders and then adding oil to the pump. If there is insufficient space in the reservoir to take all the oil, then the reservoir will become pressurised. It is not a pressure vessel. The end will blow off or the reservoir will rupture.

Hand pumps For single acting cylinders, a pump with a 2- or 3-way valve (i.e. one outlet) should be used. For double acting cylinders, a pump with a 4-way valve (i.e. two outlets) is necessary.

The level of the pump reservoir should be checked before use.

The most commonly used system is a hand pump with a single acting cylinder.

The release valve should be closed, finger-tight and then pumped with firm, full strokes. As pressure increases, the stroke should be shortened to ease the pumping action.

The use of an extension on the pump handle should be avoided and will make the pump unstable.

Without a relief valve, the system will be pressurised beyond its safe limits and will be dangerous.

With a double acting cylinder, the control valve handle should be moved toward the hose that you wish to pressurise.

Power pumps Power pumps come in different outputs and power options - air, electric or petrol engine.

Make sure the pump has the correct type of valve for the cylinder being used. The pump should be on a firm level base and

there should be slack in the hoses because, as hoses pressurise, they shorten.

Check that the oil level is correct. The breather should be fully open and the control valve set at neutral before starting the pump.

The pump's electrical specifications should be checked against the supply voltage. If using an air-operated pump, make certain that the compressed air is clean and lubricated, as dirty air will soon

These are the basic rules in an often hazardous environment destroy an air motor.

The pump valve should not be relied upon for load holding. Shut-off valves or safety valves should be used where necessary to hold cylinder pressure.

Pump Selection Guidelines ■ Determine appropriate ratings for oil capacity, maximum operating pressure, cycle duration and frequency, flow rate, and valving.

■ Compare overall cost. Increased productivity and reduced manpower requirements should be considered.

■ Check safety and ease of use. Portability and weight determine how much strength and dexterity the operator must have. Sound levels should be low.

■ Match tool speed. As pump size increases, power requirements escalate.

Pumps should be sized to the required speed and not beyond.

■ Check power requirements. Available

power often dictates the type of pump used.

Oiling the system It is advisable to adopt the manufacturer's recommendations on the type of oil to use.

Periodic oil changes are essential. Dirty oil will damage hydraulic systems.

Gauges and snubber valves Gauges indicate the 'action' of the system what's going on. These precision instruments should be treated with care.

For example, releasing the pressure in a system could suddenly cause the needle to snap back throwing the gauge out of calibration. A snubber valve can prevent this happening.

The snubber valve will also help dampen out any pressure fluctuations thus giving a more accurate, easy-to-read pressure or force indication.

On completing the job After use, the hydraulic equipment should be cleaned before storage. Wipe it down and lubricate any parts exposed to the atmosphere. Any damage or malfunction should be reported to a supervisor or the equipment should be tagged before re-use.

Conclusion For effective operation, it is important to select the correct size of cylinder, the right pump and the right choice of accessory equipment. Adopting simple safety rules will add to the power and convenience of these high-pressure hydraulic tools.

When working with such powerful tools, use them properly . . . USE THEM SAFELY. Enerpac equipment http://www.enerpac.com.au/

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OPTX 20/20 ‘Stick-On’ Magnifying Reading Lenses Are the more mature employees at your workplace provided with adequate eye protection? They can be, with OPTX 20/20 HydroTac ‘Stick On’ Magnifying Reading Lenses.

Used by ‘NASA’, OPTX 20/20 lenses are an inexpensive and effective product for turning safety glasses/goggles or sunglasses into reading glasses.

“Water adherent” and made with high quality optical material, these soft plastic lenses bond via molecular adhesion and integrate on the inside of the lens of your eye wear.

OPTX ‘stick-on magnifying lenses’ are an economical alternative to expensive prescription safety glasses.

When your safety or sun glasses get scratched or damaged, simply peel your OPTX 20/20 Lenses off and replace them into your new glasses using only a drop of water.

The lenses are totally reusable and come with six different magnification strengths.

OPTX 20/20 lenses come in two sizes; standard and Magnoptic (1.6” diameter).

They can be trimmed for custom application and can even be used in diving masks.

OPTX 20/20 Lenses provide immediate magnification, are light weight, affordable, removable, reusable and bring life into focus.

OPTX 20/20 Lenses are ANSI Z87.1 -2003 (Occupational & Educational Eye & Face Protection Devices) compliant.

Optx 1300 678 920 www.optxaustralia.com

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New high strength beam improves OH&S in high volume DCs amage to storage systems by forklifts is an ongoing and costly problem in high volume distribution centres (DCs) and can contribute to workplace accidents.

In response to high volume distributors’ need for a more robust pallet storage solution, Dematic has introduced a new, tougher ColbyRACK beam for heavy-duty operations, and a stronger clip to securely fasten the new beams to rack uprights, making accidental dislodgement practically impossible.

“Beams around the 2m level are prone to damage if reach truck operators accidentally back into them while retrieving a pallet from the opposite face of the pallet storage system,” explained Dematic’s NSW State Manager, Robert Partridge.

“To eliminate the damage and risk associated with this recurring problem in high throughput DCs, Dematic developed a totally new type of beam, made from two U-beam sections,” he said.

“The new heavy-duty Colby UU-Beam increases frontal impact resistance by over 200%, which our customers say has virtually eliminated damage, improved OH&S, and significantly reduced rack maintenance costs,” said Mr Partridge.

“We’d got used to accepting that forklift damage to storage systems in high volume DCs was inevitable, but Dematic’s turned that notion on its head,” said Woolworths Sydney Liquor DC Maintenance Manager, Bill Garriock.

“We’ve been going for well over a year

D

The new tougher Colby RACK beam for heavy duty operations from Dematic

now and we’ve typically had to replace less than one beam a month, and only a couple of rack uprights over the year!

“I’ve worked in DCs where we went through more than a thousand beams and hundreds of uprights every year!

“Safety is obviously the number one concern. Accidents happen. All the forklift driver training in the world doesn’t stop even the best operators from having an incident from time to time,” he said.

“Preventing storage systems from getting damaged in the first place not only provides a much safer workplace, the ongoing savings means the rack protection will not only pay for itself, it also reduces operating costs over the life of the DC,” he said.

Dematic Pty Limited, 24 Narabang Way, Belrose NSW 2085 +61 2 9486 5555 www.dematic.com.au

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Predicting who will cause workplace safety incidents

By John Richards, CEO, Onetest he pressure to provide a safe working environment and reduce safety incidents is well known. However, few organisations seek to identify the individuals who are most likely to cause safety incidents, preferring to focus on managing the work environment.

The view that some individuals are more likely than others to be involved in accidents or sustain workplace injuries is not new. It is now widely acknowledged that the majority of workplace accidents are precipitated by some form of human error (Hansen, 1991; Lawton & Parker, 1998). This has important implications for organisations interested in promoting a safe workplace. To the extent that these differences can be measured, organisations can reduce the risk of workplace accidents by making more informed hiring decisions (Forcier, Walters, Brasher & Jones, 2001).

Psychometric assessments have been broadly used in recent decades as part of the hiring process to identify characteristics that place a person at risk of accidents or injuries.

T

Introduction The human and commercial costs of accidents and injuries in the workplace have elevated employee safety to the highest level of business concern.

Furthermore, workplace safety is no

Employers should be aware of the importance of predicting who is more likely to cause workplace incidents

longer a concern solely for those industries traditionally considered “dangerous,” as almost every job has some degree of safety risk.

The traditional approach to facilitating employee safety involves providing information and training programmes, comprehensive safety policies and procedures and regular monitoring of safety-related data. While these elements play critical roles in any safety strategy, it’s important to realise that some individuals are inherently more likely to pay attention to these strategies than others. This means that, despite an employer’s best efforts to address workplace safety, employing individuals who are less likely to follow

safety strategies will expose an organisation to higher safety risk.

Human Error and Workplace Injuries It’s widely acknowledged that most workplace accidents are precipitated by some form of human error and that some individuals are more likely than others to be involved in accidents or sustain injuries.

To the extent that these differences can be measured, organisations can reduce the risk of workplace accidents by making more informed hiring decisions.

An assessment that identifies risk factors in individuals affords the opportunity to Continued on page 18

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Continued from page 17

screen out high-risk people when recruiting, while also actively addressing risky attitudinal elements in successful applicants.

Safety Risk Assessments Psychometric assessments can accurately assess candidates’ safety awareness on a range of factors that have been linked to safety-related behaviours and outcomes in the workplace. Together, these factors can provide a comprehensive understanding of overall potential safety risk.

The key safety factors Safety control People with a poor sense of safety control tend to attribute accidents and injuries to fate, luck or chance, rather than their own behaviour. They are seen to present a safety risk to

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themselves and others as they may expend limited energy in adhering to safety precautions.

Risk aversion Some individuals demonstrate more high-risk behaviour than others, such as taking shortcuts, ignoring safety rules, and deviating from safety instructions. This can be because they seek excitement and enjoy the thrill of engaging in potentially dangerous activities. Others are more conservative and risk averse in their behaviour and are less drawn to risky or potentially dangerous activities. These individuals are more likely to follow safety protocols.

Stress management Stress is experienced at different times and in varying degrees by all employees while in the workplace. However, individuals differ in how they

react and cope with stress.

Some have the capacity for a calm and controlled response, and are therefore more likely to remain focused and attentive to their environment during times of stress. Others however may react in ways more prone to subsequent mistakes and errors such as loss of concentration and focus.

Drug aversion Individuals with tolerant attitudes towards drugs are more likely to have used drugs in the past and are less likely to condemn the use of drugs around them. Individuals who are drug averse tend to have very strict attitudes against the use of drugs and are therefore unlikely to work while under the influence of drugs.

Attitude towards violence Attitudes towards Violence refers to the incidents of

individuals exhibiting violent behaviour within the workplace. Individuals who view aggressive behaviour as acceptable or justifiable are more likely engage in aggressive acts compared to those with less-lenient views.

Gauging individuals? acceptance of, and predisposition to engage in violent behaviour, and their capacity to appropriately control strong emotions such as anger, offers insight into their likelihood of exhibiting such behaviour in workplaces.

Conclusion Organisations committed to improving workplace safety should consider adopting the following practices as part of their standard recruitment process: Assessing all recruits and subcontractors working for them for safety risk to identify

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It’s widely acknowledged that most workplace accidents are precipitated by some form of human error.

with over 500 respondents identified a strong relationship between their safety risk scores and safety outcomes.

Specifically, the bottom 20% of respondents accounted for 52% of serious injuries, 30% of minor injuries and 43% of accidents.

Workplace adoption

training and development needs; refusing to hire “highrisk” people or subcontractors; educating management to understand that “high-risk” people will potentially hurt themselves and their workmates; and adhering to hiring policies, even when under hiring pressure.

Finally, Boards and senior managers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe working environment.

Once aware of the impact preemployment safety assessments can have on reducing workplace incidents, it is imperative that they give adequate consideration to adopting these assessments, to bolster traditional occupational health and safety practices, in order to reduce their potential liability risk.

Case Studies Heavy Machinery Three years after the introduction of an online safety assessment, Onetest conducted an impact study of 1,243 employees to determine how effectively the assessment predicted safety incidents.

Employees who received overall safety risk scores below the 20th percentile were categorised as “high risk”, and those with safety scores equal to or above the 20th percentile were categorised as “low risk”.

This study clearly demonstrated that the “high risk” employees received

Understanding risk aversion is an important part of the hiring process

average work cover payments of $1,643, which was over 4 times higher than “low risk”, and received an average of 4.38 paid leave days, which was more than 6 times than “low risk” employees.

Had this organisation not employed those identified as “high risk”, they would have saved $101,620 on work cover claims and nearly 300 paid leave days over the period.

4 times as many injuries at work that required medical treatment (MTIs), and 5 times as many injuries at work that prevented them from working for a complete day or shift.

Retail Onetest research conducted

Online pre-employment safety testing is a reliable and efficient way to reduce safety incidents, particularly when combined with traditional OHS strategies.

Given the demonstrable improvements in safety metrics that online safety assessments can deliver, it is concerning that their adoption isn’t more widespread among Australian businesses.

Broadly speaking, such lowlevel adoption can be attributed toIt’s relatively recent introduction to the market place.

Mining Onetest conducted research with 112 mining employees who completed the online safety assessment. Those with overall safety scores in the bottom 20th percentile were categorised as “high risk”, those with safety scores between 21st and 79th percentile were categorised as “average risk”, and the remaining employees with safety scores equal to or above the 80th percentile were categorised as low risk.

The safety records of individuals in these groups were analysed and it was found that, compared to “low risk” employees, “high risk” employees experienced approximately 3 times more work accidents (e.g. falls, vehicular accidents, spills, etc.), March 2011 | Safety First |

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