Newsletter - 2009 April

Safety and Health Newsletter – April 2009

Safety Related Training 2009
• Unsealed Radioisotope Handling Course (3 days) from Monday 22nd June  http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/radioisotope
• Laboratory Safety Course (1 day) on Wednesday 1st July
 http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/lab
• X-ray Analysis Safety Course (1/2 day) on Tuesday 21st July
http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/xray_analysis
• Laser Safety in Research Course (1/2 day) on Wednesday 29th July
http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/laser_safety
• Safety and Health for Managers and Supervisors – Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th August, 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm (two sessions)
http://www.osds.uwa.edu.au/about/workshop.asp?workshop_id=566

Draft UWA Inspecting the Workplace Procedures – Open for Comment until 29/05/09
Safety and Health have developed a draft of new UWA Inspecting the Workplace Procedures which are now open for comment. This contains an introductory page giving guidance on inspections and includes 19 checklists. Detailed inspection checklists from the Laboratory Safety Course notes have been retained and are valuable for laboratories that are new, refurbished or where there has been significant change to operations or personnel. These checklists can be edited and tailored for specific areas. Regular workplace inspections are required under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1986). The frequency of inspections should be based on the type of hazards and the rate of change of activity in the area. It is desirable that the inspectors have some independence from the area to be inspected.

The following checklists have been included:

To view the Draft UWA Inspecting the Workplace Procedures and checklists see:
http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/inspecting_the_workplace__draft_2009

Safety and Health would appreciate feedback and suggestions on this page and the checklists by 29th May 2009. All comments should be addressed to Eddie Stoelwinder at eddie.stoelwinder@uwa.edu.au.

WA Universities Laboratory Conduct Code – Open for comment until 29/05/09
A new Laboratory Conduct Code Guidelines has been developed in collaboration with the other Western Australian Universities.  Safety and Health is seeking comments on this by 29th May 2008.  All comments should be addressed to Lyall Munslow-Davies at:  lyall.munslow-davies@uwa.edu.au
The current Code is available at:  http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/whats_new   (April 2009)

Swine Influenza
There is increasing news reporting on human sickness and fatalities from swine influenza (flu) internationally. Response measures will be made in accordance with any Federal and State Health Department directives should they be implemented.

The University has more information at: http://www.uwa.edu.au/swine-flu

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
The Vice-Chancellor recently approved a new UWA Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs.  The policy sets out the principles that guide the University's management of alcohol and other drugs by staff, students, contractors and visitors to the University. The University expects all of its community members to be responsible citizens and appropriate behaviour is required when participating in University related activities including studying, teaching, conducting research and University related social functions.   The policy is available through the University Policies website at:  http://www.universitypolicies.uwa.edu.au/welcome   
or more directly at: 
http://www.universitypolicies.uwa.edu.au/search?method=document&id=UP09%2F5   

Hazardous Substances Information System Updated
Safe Work Australia has completed an update of hazardous substances on the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) online database. The HSIS online database is an internet resource that allows users to find information on substances that have been classified in accordance with the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)] 3rd Edition and /or have National Exposure Standards declared under the NOHSC Adopted National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:1003(1995)]. The HSIS online database was first released by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) in January 2005. The update comprised a total of 958 entries of which there are 564amendments to existing entries, 391 new entries and 3 deletions. Refer:  http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/

Flexible Work and Leave Practices
UWA offers a range of flexible work and leave arrangements to assist staff to balance the demands of work with other aspects of their life. These flexible options are at the centre of the UWA Life Balance Strategy.  The following site explains the available flexible work and leave options and provides guidelines for staff and supervisors or managers on how to request, implement and manage flexible working arrangements.  Refer:
http://www.hr.uwa.edu.au/hr/flexible_work_and_leave_practices

WorkCover NSW SafetyZone for Young Workers
Young workers have a higher risk of getting injured at work than older workers, not necessarily through carelessness but due to their lack of workplace experience. WorkCover NSW has produced an interactive multimedia internet site to help young people when they first go to work. WorkCover NSW has also developed a Safety Zone on their website, which includes typical workplace scenarios young people are most likely to encounter and has released a series of young worker fact sheets.  Refer:  http://workcover.cadre.com.au/index_1st.html

University Safety Committee
The University Safety Committee last met on 21st April 2009.  The next meeting is on Tuesday 9th June 2009.   Approved minutes from previous meetings are available from the Safety and Health website.  http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/people/committees/safety

Previous Safety & Health Newsletters
For those who have missed out on our earlier editions, copies of previous newsletters can be obtained from the following web site:  http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/newsletter.  All are encouraged to share relevant safety information in each edition to the rest in your respective workplaces.

The University of Western Australia
Safety and Health
Bus.  08 6488 3938
Fax. 08 6488 1179
Web:   www.safety.uwa.edu.au
Email: safety@uwa.edu.au
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