Hazard Alert - Trip Hazards in Lecture Theatres, Seminar and Tutorial Rooms

Regular hazard and incident reports are received related to the trip potential from equipment security cables, electrical cords, microphone cables, recessed pit covers, etc in Lecture Theatres and Seminar / Tutorial Rooms. UWA Audio Visual Services have put measures in place to help reduce such trip hazards. These and the following are useful measures to adopt to reduce the potential of trip hazards :

1. The layout concept should involve localising as much of the audio / visual equipment to one side of the podium or room. 
2. The lecterns on the podium have specially insulated and encased looms to protect the cables housed within. The access of this loom from the ground pit should be as close to the lectern as possible to preclude tripping. Excess slack in the loom should be neatly wound and kept inside the pit. The covers for these power and data point pits should be flush with the floor surface.
3. Additional cables i.e. microphone, laptop, internet, audio and connection cables are already neatly bundled together and "tyrapped". After use, these bundled cables should be neatly looped around the hooks, conveniently attached to the lectern. 
4. When laptops/notebook computers are being used, they should be placed either on the lecterns or on a table immediately next to the lecterns. This is to preclude the introduction of additional cables straddled across the floor that may increase the tripping hazard. 
5. VCRs and other equipment like visualisers should be placed on appropriate racks or on a trolley, which should have trays for the cables to be properly stored. 
6. Security cables for equipment should be shortened, as far as possible, to reduce the risks of tripping or snagging.

Users of the equipment in Lecture Theatres and Seminar / Tutorial Rooms have a responsibility to check that the risk of tripping is kept to a minimum, through correct location of equipment and tidying of cables. Proper housekeeping should be employed at all times.

For further information, please contact UWA Audio Visual Services on 64882026.