News

August 2014

SAFETY

PERFORMANCE SURVEY

2014

UPDATED

DANGEROUS GOODS

CODE

RIGGER Vs DOGMAN

WHAT IS THE

DIFFERENCE?

VIC OHS REGS

AMENDED

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 2

WHAT’S NEW IN AUGUST? Welcome to the August Edition of Safety Action News.

This month we provide many updates to regulations and

standards, including our lead article which answers your

questions about changes to the Victorian OHS regulations. We

also provide further updates on machinery safety standards and

the dangerous goods code.

Thank you to those who have submitted data for our annual

safety performance survey. There is still time to provide

information, and the greater number of participant organisations

the better the quality of the industry averages and trends. A copy

of the survey form is on the last page.

Lastly: do you know the difference between a dogman and a rigger? See page 5 to find out!

Stay Safe!

Gary Rowe, CEO

Em

ily C

art

er •Bullying &

Investigations

•Contractor Management

•Reporting Tools &Surveys

Ste

ph

en

Web

er

•Research

•At-risk Workers

•Accident Investigation

Gary

Ro

we

•Strategic Planning

•Facilitator

•Safety Culture &Leadership Training

• IndependentInvestigations

Ph

illi

p K

am

ay

•Asbestos

•Training & Coaching

•Culture & SafetyLeadership

An

dre

a R

ow

e

•Chemical Management

•Machinery Safety

•Stress

Kati

e W

eber •Machinery Safety &

Zero Access

•System Development

•Audits

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 3

CHANGES TO VIC OHS REGS

In last month’s newsletter we mentioned the recent amendments to the Victorian OHS

Regulations. Over the last month we have had several enquiries relating to these changes

and share some of the questions and responses with you here.

What items of plant do I need to register with VWA?

You no longer need to register items of plant such as; boilers, pressure vessels, self-erecting tower

cranes, lifts, building maintenance units, amusement structures, concrete placing units (truck

mounted with boom), mobile cranes. You also do not need to renew registrations every five years,

like you did previously.

If you manufacture or import certain types of plant and machinery you need to register the

designs with VWA. Some items of plant for which designs need to be registered include: chairlifts

(new requirement), concrete placing units- truck mounted with boom (new requirement), Pressure

vessels and boilers, tower cranes, lifts, escalators, boom-type elevating work platforms, amusement

structures (except non-powered amusement structures).

If you alter the design of plant or machinery to the point that new control measures are necessary,

the new design must be registered with the VWA.

Employers must still ensure maintenance and inspections are carried out on plant, and keep

records of these inspections and maintenance.

Plant and Equipment Requirements

Register new item of plant when purchased

Renew plant registration every 5 years

Register new plant designs

Register altered plant designs

Maintain plant and equipment

Keep records of plant inspections and servicing

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 4

Does an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) need to be dated within 5 years?

Yes. Suppliers of chemicals (hazardous substances) must review

and update the MSDS at least every five years and provide a

copy of the updated MSDS when requested or supplying for

the first time. To ensure your employees have access to the

most current version of the MSDS, we recommend that you

check with your suppliers if your copy of the MSDS is older

than 5 years old, and request an updated version.

What’s an SDS?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the same as an MSDS. It is a document which provides health and

safety information about a hazardous chemical (hazardous substance or dangerous good)

including: the identity of the chemical, health and physical hazards, safe handling and storage

procedures, emergency procedures and disposal considerations. The term SDS is now commonly

used in Australia. SDS is also now the term used internationally instead of MSDS. In Victoria, you

may have either an SDS or MSDS for your chemicals.

Do I need a High Risk Work licence to maintain plant such as forklifts?

You do not need a licence to work with plant to test, install, commission, maintain or prepare

the plant.

You do need a high risk work licence if you work with scaffolding, dogging or rigging for

maintenance.

You do need a licence to drive or operate the plant e.g. to load on or off a transportation

vehicle.

UPDATES TO THE SAFETY OF MACHINERY STANDARD

20 parts of Australian Standard AS4024 Safety of Machinery Series have been

updated. The standards are now also New Zealand standards. Most of the

changes are minor and keep the standard in line with international and

European (ISO and EN) standards.

More information in next month’s newsletter or call Safety Action

on T: 03 9690 6311

MSDS/SDS Folder

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 5

RIGGER VS DOGMAN

We have been asked a few times lately - what is the difference between a rigger and a dogman?

Both roles require a “high risk work” licence and are often seen on construction sites or in facilities

with cranes or hoists. So the question is – Do we need a qualified rigger or dogman? Depends

upon what you need done. Below is a summary description of what the respective training

qualifications allow for each role.

Dogging A licensed Dogman can:

Select and inspect lifting gear;

Sling loads per trained techniques;

Direct a crane or hoist operator in the movement of loads.

Basic Rigging A licensed Basic Rigger can:

Move plant and equipment;

Erect steel & material hoists;

Install static lines and safety nets;

Erect mast climbing personnel platforms;

Install and maintain perimeter safety screens & shutters &

crane loading bay platforms.

Intermediate Rigging

Intermediate Riggers can:

Rig cranes, conveyors, dredges and excavators;

Erect precast concrete panels and tilt up panels;

Demolition work;

Dual crane lifts;

Erect material and man hoists.

Advanced Rigging Advanced Riggers can:

Rig: gin poles, shear legs, flying foxes, cable ways, guyed derricks and guyed structures.

Erect suspended scaffolds and fabricated hung scaffolds.

So remember to ask - what tasks do we need carried out here?

If you have any questions you would like answered by our experienced safety team, contact

us on T: 03 9690 6311.

Dogman connecting slings

Rigger working on steel structure

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 6

UPDATED DANGEROUS GOODS CODE

National Transport Commission (NTC) is responsible for monitoring the Transport of

Dangerous Goods (DGs) laws in Australia. The key piece of law for DG transport is the Australian

Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code). In June, a new edition

of the ADG code, edition 7.3 was released. The new amendments better align Australia’s DG rules

with those in place overseas.

Some of the new amendments include:

Better clarification of the description of a dangerous good,

Adding new materials to the list of dangerous goods,

Requiring minimum sized markings on large packages of dangerous goods,

Ensuring the transport of infectious substances comply with the law,

Ensuring appropriate ventilation is on a vehicle that is transporting flammable gasses

so as to prevent the build-up of vapours,

Requiring that an emergency must plan be activated or emergency procedures

followed if a dangerous situation occurs,

Providing clearer requirements on how and where transport documents are kept on a

vehicle transporting dangerous goods.

Download the FREE updated ADG Code, edition 7.3 here

http://www.ntc.gov.au/viewpage.aspx?AreaId=35&DocumentId=1147

An example of a vehicle transporting dangerous goods

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 7

When do the updated laws come into effect?

A voluntary transition period will commence on 1 July 2014 and it is proposed that the updated

laws will become mandatory on 1 July 2015.

It is very important that people reading the ADG code read it in conjunction with the specific

dangerous goods legislation that applies to their state or territory e.g. your state’s DG Act and

Regulations or WHS Act and Regulations, hazardous chemicals.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Rowe, T: 03 9690 6311.

QUEENSLAND WHS AMENDMENTS

The Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 commenced in

Queensland in May 2014.

This Act amends the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 with some changes, including:

Requiring WHS entry permit holders to give at least 24 hours, but not more than 14 days,

prior notice before they can enter a workplace to inquire into a suspected contravention. This

will align with other entry notification periods in the WHS Act and the Fair Work Act

2009 (Cth).

Increasing the penalty for non-compliance with WHS entry permit conditions and introducing

a new penalty provision for failure to comply with the WHS entry permit holder notification

requirements.

Removing the power of HSRs to direct workers to cease unsafe work. Workers will continue to

have a right to cease unsafe work.

Removing the requirement for a PCBU to provide a list of HSRs to the WHS regulator. An up-

to-date list of HSRs must still be displayed at the workplace.

To view the amendment Act click here:

Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 8

SAFETY LEADERSHIP 2-DAY COURSE

17th & 18th September 2014

Safety Action Boardroom,

Melbourne

$1,500 + GST per person

This 2 day course is conducted as a small and interactive group, providing participants with

specific training to help them fully understand their leadership role.

It will deliver proven tools and techniques and give you the confidence through practical tips and

exercises to become a true safety leader. A comprehensive manual is also included.

“The facilitator’s passion for safety is inspiring. I never could have imagined that 2 days of safety training

could have been so interesting, informative & entertaining. Thank you.” – Metro Trains Melbourne

For further details, please contact Danielle Smith on T. 03 9690 6311 or email enquiries@safetyaction.com.au

Limited

places, book

now!

NEW CODES FOR NSW Twelve new codes of practice (adopted model WHS codes) commenced in New South Wales in

July.

The new codes are:

1. First aid in the workplace

2. Construction work

3. Preventing falls in housing construction

4. Managing electrical risks in the workplace

5. Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace

6. Managing the risks of plant in the workplace

7. Safe design of structures

8. Excavation work

9. Demolition work

10. Welding processes

11. Spray painting and powder coating

12. Abrasive blasting

They can all be downloaded from WorkCover NSW website: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/Pages/default.aspx?Category=Legislation&SubCategory=Codes+of+Practice

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 9

2014 Benchmarking Safety Performance

A reminder to submit your benchmarking survey data for 2014, see page 11.

The survey is designed to allow you to compare your organisation’s safety performance

with similar businesses, industry averages and to identify best practice performance.

The benchmarking of performance in safety is a collaborative effort and the more

organisations willing to compare data*, the more accurate the results become.

We encourage you all to participate.

*Note: all information provide to Safety Action is kept confidential. Only you will know the details

of your business performance within the benchmarking report.

National WHS guidance material released

Safe Work Australia has released nine packages of guidance material to support the model

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and WHS Regulations.

The topics are:

Workplace traffic management

Managing cash-in-transit security risks

Managing risks in forestry operations

Industrial lift trucks

Amusement devices

Safe design, manufacture, import and supply of plant

Working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines

Formwork and falsework, and

Scaffolds and scaffolding work.

The new publications, initially planned as Codes of Practice are now called Guides with

supporting information sheets.

National WHS Guidance Material Released

Safe Work Australia has released nine packages of guidance material to support the

model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and WHS Regulations.

The topics are:

Workplace traffic management

Managing cash-in-transit security risks

Managing risks in forestry operations

Industrial lift trucks

Amusement devices

Safe design, manufacture, import and supply of plant

Working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines

Formwork and falsework, and

Scaffolds and scaffolding work.

The new publications, initially planned as Codes of Practice are now called Guides

with supporting information sheets.

Kirill Kouzmin Danielle Smith

News

August 2014

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 10

Facts about PPE

On 30th July, our friends from 3M Solutions presented “Everything

you didn’t know about PPE” at our breakfast briefing on the roof.

Below are some highlights.

A key takeout was most organisations have traditionally focussed

on whether workers are wearing PPE. Rarely have we considered

the correct type or fit of the equipment. As a result workers may

not be protected as well as we think.

Other valuable points:

Correct type of PPE

- It is important to select the PPE based on the specific

workplace circumstances. For example, earplugs need to be

selected to reduce excessive noise to the wearer however,

blocking out too much noise can also create new hazards,

e.g. if the wearer cannot communicate with colleagues or

hear alarms.

- Different types of PPE are best suited to different people.

When it comes to earplugs and respirators, there’s not a “one

size fits all” type.

How long do respirator filters last?

- Respirator filters stop being effective if not replaced often enough.

Many factors will determine how often is often enough, such as the

level and type of contamination, physical work person’s breathing rate,

humidity and the substance type.

- Respirator filters are only effective if the correct type of filter is chosen

for the substance you are exposed to and the respirator is correctly

fitted to the individual uses.

Storage of PPE

To retain its effectiveness, PPE must be stored correctly. For example,

respirators should be stored in an airtight container (an airtight lunchbox type

container will do fine!)

“PPE will only provide

adequate protection if it is the

correct type and fits the user”

For those in Sydney,

Safety Action will be

holding an event at the

3M Centre in December

– watch this space for

more details.

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3

Steve McCleary from 3M,

demonstrating the correct way to test

a respirator.

“What did you say? I can’t hear you”.

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd®

Page 11

Benchmarking Safety Performance 2014 Administrative Questions:

Organisation Name: __________________________________________________________________

Your Name: _____________________________ Job Title: ____________________________

Tel. No: _________________________ Email: ________________________________________

Industry Type: __________________________________________________________________________

e.g. food manufacturer, mining, warehousing, healthcare, government regulator etc.

Number of Employees (EFT) covered by data: _____________

Data for a recent 12 month period e.g. 2013/14 FY or calendar year 2013:

(see definitions on next page)

1. Number of LTI’s = __________________________

(lost time injuries e.g. work injury resulting in inability to work for one shift (8 hours) or

more, any time after the incident)

2. Number of MTI’s = __________________________

(Medical treatment injuries e.g. treatment by qualified medical practitioner beyond first aid)

3. Number of First Aid Injuries = ________________________

4. Number of Days Lost = _________ (due to work injuries-all years)

5. Number of Total Recordable Injuries = ___________________

6. Workers Compensation Premium $_________________________ (if available)

7. No. of Safety & Workers Compensation Personnel (EFT) ___________

(e.g. 2.5 people)

8. Inspections Conducted to Schedule = _________________ (percentage)

9. Hazards Fixed < 60 days =_________________ (percentage)

10. Safety Climate Survey =_____(Percentage positive e.g. per annual Safety Climate survey)

If you have any questions, call T: 03 9690 6311

To participate, simply email or fax this completed form to

enquiries@safetyaction.com.au or F: 03 9690 6399

www.safetyaction.com.au © 2014 Safety Action Pty Ltd® Page 12

Definitions for 2014 Benchmarking Survey

No. Employees Number of effective full time employees, including

regular casuals or contract labour.

Days Lost / 100 Employees Number days lost per 100 employees per year.

EFT Effective full time e.g. two half-time workers = 1 EFT.

Hours Worked Number employees (EFT) x 225 Work days x 8 hours

e.g. 1800 hrs./worker/year.

LTI’s Lost time injury e.g. work injury resulting in inability to

work for one shift (8 hours) or more, any time after the

incident.

LTI Rate Number of LTIs per million hours worked.

MTI’s Medical treatment injuries e.g. treatment by qualified

medical practitioner beyond first aid. Not an MTI if

only first aid, even if first aid given by a doctor.

MTI Rate Number of MTIs per million hours worked.

Workers Comp. Cost Workers Compensation premium costs only for recent

12 months period e.g. last financial year.

TRI's Total recordable injuries include; death, loss of

consciousness, lost time causes, restricted work, job

transfers, affected routine, and medical treatment

beyond first aid.

TRI Rate Number of TRI’s x 1,000,000 / Number Hours Worked.