Student Guide to Safety and Health

Foreword

Safety and health is an important aspect of our lives and one for which we are all responsible. This guide is intended to provide you with the basics of the University Occupational Safety and Health policy as it applies to you and provides a numbers of useful tips for life on and off campus.

Introduction

Our Committment

The University of Western Australia acknowledges that the provision of a safe and healthy work environment for employees, students, contractors, and visitors is not just a moral and legal responsibility but also a prerequisite for it to achieve its primary mission of conducting teaching, research, and scholarship at the highest international standards. This commitment to protecting its human resources also extends to ensuring the University’s operations do not place the local community at risk of injury, illness or property damage.

Your Responsibilities

Students (and staff) must take reasonable care of their own safety and health and that of others. You must comply with the Safety Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and School Rules. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. You are required to report all known hazards, incidents and injuries. By all pulling together and reporting injuries and possible hazards the University will become a safer place to study, conduct research and work.

Training and Risk Assessments 

Your School is required to inform you of its own safety and training arrangements. This is particularly important should you be required to undertake laboratory, field work or other activities where you may be exposed to significant hazards. You should always carry out a risk assessment to identify the known and potential hazards of an activity or operation before beginning work. Above all, it is vital to remember that if you have not received appropriate information, instruction or training to safely undertake the intended tasks then you should NOT be doing it unsupervised.

Safety Inductions

The University requires that all new staff receive a safety induction, which is conducted by their immediate supervisor/manager. Safety inductions are an essential part of the process to ensure that staff are made aware of the various safety roles and responsibilities within the University, general University safety and health policies and procedures, specific workplace hazards and requirements for safe working procedures.

Safety inductions, using a suitably modified checklist, should also be conducted for post graduate students and visitors to the University who are accommodated in offices, laboratories, workshops or other workplaces at the University. The University has an induction checklist to assist heads of School and supervisors and this can be down loaded via the Safety and Health web site. Further information is available from the University Safety and Health Training Guidelines

INCIDENTS AND INJURIES

FIRST AID

Notices are prominently displayed in each School giving details of the name, extension number and location of School First Aiders, the location of first aid equipment and who the next closest First Aider is. Details are also given for out-of-hours emergencies. Security Officers are trained in emergency first aid techniques and can be contacted on 6488 2222 or toll free on any public phone on campus on 1800 655 222. The Security Office is located at the northern end of campus.

Each College has a first aid box available at all times with at least one person trained in emergency lifesaving techniques available at nights and weekends

In the event of an injury or sudden illness you should call the nearest First Aider, who will be able to assess the situation and provide first aid treatment.

If a first aider is not available during normal Medical Centre hours the person should be brought to the Medical Centre if possible, or the Centre should be contacted on 6488 2118 or an ambulance called through the emergency number 6488 2222 for severe illness or injury.

Incident Procedures

An incident is defined as any unplanned event resulting in, or having a potential for injury, ill health, damage or other loss. If an incident or injury occurs at the University or during normal University activities, it must be reported to your School Safety Officer. If the incident occurs elsewhere, you should report it to the responsible person: Warden of a College, Manager of UWA Sports or Manager at the Sport Centre as appropriate. Alert Security if outside normal University hours, but inform the appropriate person as soon as possible. You will be asked to complete an Incident/Injury Report form, which may be down loaded from the Safety and Health web site on www.safety.uwa.edu.au/forms/incident

Fire

REMEMBER THE 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER ======== 6488 2222

A continuous alarm will sound in the event of an emergency.

You are always required to evacuate a building on an alarm.

Emergency Evacuations

Make yourself familiar with fire escape routes and evacuation procedures in your School and residential accommodation. Notices are displayed in all University buildings. Fire drills will be held at least once a year. You must follow any instructions given to you by your Lecturer, Tutor, Demonstrator, Wardens, Security Officer or the Emergency Services.

Please be aware of anyone in your study area or on your corridor who might need help during evacuations because of restricted mobility (eg. someone with a leg in plaster) or special needs. This includes anyone with a long-term disability and individuals that might not hear an alarm.

Do not use lifts. Do not re-enter buildings until the Emergency Services gives permission.

Discovering a Fire 

If you discover a fire, immediately raise the alarm by following the instructions at your nearest alarm point. Warn people in the immediate vicinity and evacuate the building.

Fire Extinghuishers

Make yourself familiar with the location of your nearest fire alarm call points and the types, location and operation of fire extinguishers in your study areas and places of residence.

If you discover a small fire you should raise the alarm and, if it is safe to do so without personal risk, attempt to extinguish it with an appropriate extinguisher before leaving the area. Close all doors behind you. Water and foam extinguishers must not be used on electrical fires.  Dry powder or CO2 extinguishers should be used after disconnecting the electricity supply where possible (unless there are local instructions to the contrary).

Fire Prevention 

Fire prevention is common sense. All staff and students have an active duty to report any defect or situation involving any School of the University, which has the potential to cause fire or an evacuation. Remember that all School workplaces are no smoking zones.

Other Emergencies

Electric Shock 

The duration, magnitude and path of an electric shock are of critical importance. The most common paths are from hand to hand or from hand to opposite foot, via the heart.

You can prevent your body from becoming part of an electrical circuit by following these common rules. Never use an electrical appliance, which seems faulty or looks to be in poor condition. Avoid simultaneously touching an exposed metal surface whilst using an electrical appliance or piece of equipment, and always use double insulated appliances when working in wet areas.

If someone receives an electric shock, immediately switch off the current. If they are unconscious do not waste time looking for the switch or socket; stand on dry non-conducting material, such as a rubber mat, wood or linoleum, and use rubber gloves, dry clothes, dry rope or wood to push or pull them away from the source of electrocution. Follow the steps for emergency resuscitation and recovery.  Call the emergency number         6488 2222.

Medical advice should always be sought after an electric shock incident, whether or not the person lost consciousness. It is a legal requirement that all electrical faults are reported. Either complete incident/injury form or notify the Technical Officer (Electrical) on 6488 2036.

Spillages

If you are uncertain about how to deal with a chemical spillage, STOP and alert your lecturer, demonstrator, supervisor, manager or School Safety Officer, who have expert knowledge. They also have access to emergency kits for cleaning up spillages.

Always wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves to avoid skin contact with spillages. Some situations may also require respiratory protection to be worn

Gas Leaks  

If you suspect a natural or domestic gas leak, check whether a pilot light has gone out or if gas taps are on. Turn off the gas supply if possible and ventilate the area. Do not touch electric switches or use a naked flame. Report the leak immediately on 6488 2222 (Security) if on campus or 131 352 (Alinta Gas) if off campus.

Any suspected defects in various types of compressed gas cylinders must be reported immediately to a responsible person able to assist.

Earthquake

During the earthquake stay calm and find shelter inside under a table or in a door arch and keep well away from glass and external walls. If you are outside move well away from buildings and structures. After the event ensure no naked flames are used, as there might be gas leaks. Put out any fires, help out others and then evacuate the building. Do not re-enter the building until authorised by the Emergency Services.

Bomb Threat  

The person receiving the bomb threat should try to obtain as much information as possible from the caller, particularly the specific location and detonation time. Don’t hang up the phone after the caller hangs up, leave the phone off the hook. Use another phone to call the Emergency number 6488 2222, and notify the operator of the threat and the building involved. Then inform the relevant Head of the School of the threat. 

Good Housekeeping 

Personal Safety 

Good housekeeping contributes to personal safety and fire prevention in the workplace. Always use a tidy and systematic method of working. Rubbish, empty containers and waste paper can be hazardous; please make sure they are disposed of correctly at the end of each day.

Make sure that you are familiar with your building and area emergency procedures in the event of fire, spillages or other accidents. Do not enter restricted areas unless you are authorised to do so, and at all times observe the warnings given.

Clear Access

Do not wedge open fire doors, and never block or obstruct doorways, gangways, corridors or stairs. Do not tamper with door closures. Do not leave drawers and doors open unnecessarily and do not trail cables or power cords across the floor.

Spills

Cleaning fluids, photocopier chemicals and other such substances should always be stored correctly and spillages dealt with immediately. If in doubt about what is best practice, ask your supervisor or manager.

Sharps

Never put sharp objects such as needles, razor blades or broken glass into waste bins without wrapping and labelling the items carefully to protect those emptying the bins. It is preferable to use sharps containers where they are provided.

Storage

Make sure that shelves are not overloaded and that glass and heavy objects are stored at working height where they will be easier to handle. 

Use steps or ladders to reach items at height; never climb on benches, tables or chairs.

Recycling

The University seeks to recover and recycle as much material as possible, including waste paper and glass. Check and make use of your School recycling arrangements. All materials must be free from contamination before being placed in recycling containers.

Remember that finishing work includes tidying up!

Laboratory Safety

During your time at the University you may have the chance to participate in laboratory classes. These are new and exciting especially for first year staff and students. However they can also be place of danger as a lack of experience and knowledge may contribute to a safety and health incident. We can never totally eliminate the risk of injury, however you can reduce them by abiding by a number of safety and health rules. 

1. Ensure that you follow all instructions that your supervisor gives you.
2. Wear the correct clothing such as covered shoes and laboratory coats. Laboratory coats can easily be forgotten and thought of as waste of time however they provide valuable protection against such things as spills.
3. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hearing and respiratory protection when needed. Remember to always wear your laboratory coat and other protective equipment.
4. Eating, chewing, drinking, smoking, taking medication, or applying cosmetics is forbidden, as is mouth pipetting.
5. Never undertake potentially hazardous activities whilst working alone.
6. Familiarise yourself with the emergency preparedness procedures. Know the location of the nearest emergency shower, eyewash station, first aid kit, firefighting equipment and emergency exits.
7. If chemical spillages do occur and you are unsure of how to deal with it, STOP and immediately contact your supervisor. You should however always know how to clean up the chemicals you are working with prior to beginning your work.
8. Never undertake repairs of electrical equipment. Unauthorised modification to electrical equipment is not allowed; only qualified persons are permitted to carry out electrical work.
9. Ensure you know how to operate equipment and machinery safely before beginning.
10. When planning a new experiment always consider the hazards that might occur and take the necessary precautions to eliminate or reduce these hazards.
11. Always report all known or observable hazards, incident and injuries to your supervisor and complete and submit the necessary report forms.
12. Be aware of posture: ergonomics. Prolonged postures without regular change are to be avoided.

Remember to always wear your laboratory coat and other protective equipment.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping in the laboratory can reduce the risk of injury.

1. Keep corridors and doorways clear.
2. Store chemicals in an appropriate cabinets or storeroom areas to ensure proper segregation.
3. Always use the sharp disposal containers provided.
4. Clean up all spills immediately.
5. Keep laboratory free from clutter, clean up work surfaces.
6. Store gas bottles in their correct manner.

Laboratory Safety courses are available through the Safety and Health.

Workplace Safety

Visual Display Units (VDUs)

Working on computers long periods can cause eyestrain, overuse syndrome in the fingers, poor posture and muscle fatigue. To reduce the chances of these problems occurring -

1. Try to mix screen based work with other work.
2. Take regular breaks every hour, stand up and stretch causing your posture to change.
3. Look away from the screen frequently to allow you eyes to relax.
4. Alternate mouse use with key strokes. Also try to alternate between hands when using the mouse.
5. Make sure you adjust the workstation and chair to suit you. Your forearms should be approximately horizontal with the keyboard, to avoid bending your wrists, and the top of the VDU casing should be at eye level. The keyboard only requires the lightest touch.

UWA Safety and Health can provide advice on workstation set up.

Long  Hours

It is sensible to take regular breaks whilst working. Mental or physical fatigue causes loss of concentration and drowsiness and makes you more prone to mistakes and incidents. Do not become a liability to yourself or others.

Noise

Noise induced hearing loss is irreversible. Warning signs are placed at the entrance to and/or adjacent to areas where noise is a hazard. Such areas should not be entered without appropriate protection. If you find yourself raising your voice to be heard by someone two metres away, you should consider using hearing protection. Your supervisor, manager or School Safety Officer will be able to advise you on this.

Manual Handling and Lifting 

There is always a right and wrong way to move objects safely. Never lift or move anything that is beyond your capability. Wherever possible obtain assistance or use a manual handling aid, such as a trolley. If lifting or repetitive manual operations are routine in your work, your School should ensure that you receive appropriate instruction and training on safe working practices and posture. For information on correct manual handling refer to the Safety and Health web page or contact the Occupational Therapist (6488 2784).

Always use a trolley to lift objects which are too heavy.

Contractors

The principle contractor must, so far as practicable, provide and maintain a safe working environment in which people are not exposed to hazards. Staff and students are requested to report to the Safety and Health (6488 3938) if they witness a dangerous incident or an unsafe situation. Further information concerning Contractor Workplace Safety and Health Procedures is available in a booklet from the Safety and Health and from its web site.

Insurance

Student Plan Personal Accident Insurance

Please note: medical expenses that are claimed either in part or in full through Medicare or your private health insurance cannot be claimed on this policy

Student Plan Personal Accident Insurance is a comprehensive Personal Accident Insurance program, which provides currently enrolled University of Western Australia students with 24 hour, 365 days per year cover for the following:

• whilst engaged in campus activities
• when undertaking COURSE REQUIRED work experience eg Architecture or Engineering students on practicum
• when conducting UWA approved post graduate research activities off campus

Health

University Medical Centre

The University Medical Centre is open Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm and is located in the Guild Village. They accept bulk billing for students with current Medicare cards. For more information telephone 6488 2118.

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital 

This hospital is located just off Thomas Street about 2 km from the main campus. If you require emergency care this is the closest available hospital.

Counselling 

Student Services provide counselling to students on any problems they may have in their life. They can be contacted on 6488 2423.

Sports

Participating in sports at the University is wonderful way to get fit and meet new people. A list of sporting activities is available from the Guild Recreation Centre. Make sure that you are appropriately trained before undertaking a new activity or sport. You should consider whether some preparatory fitness training might be a good idea. If you have a medical condition or are taking up exercise as a new hobby, you should seek the advice of your General Practitioner.

Always know how and where to obtain help in the event of an emergency.

Life off Campus

Rented Accommodation

Know your rights. Information and advice is available from the housing officer in student services on 6488 3547.

If your accommodation has gas fires/ heaters/ boilers, you should be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. You should also look for obvious signs of faulty wiring, damaged plugs and light switches, bare wires or insulation, and discoloured sockets. All rented accommodation off campus should be fitted with smoke detectors, they are the cheap and they will save your life. Remember to keep your house clean, as this will reduce the chances of creating a hazards or getting sick. 

Electrical Applicances and Personal Equipment  

Plugs, sockets and extension boards must not be overloaded. This is a fire hazard. Hairdryers should not be left plugged into sockets as per the manufacturer recommendations.

For the same reason, electric fires, heaters, cooking appliances and refrigerators must not be used in bedrooms in Halls of Residence.

No alterations must be made to mains wiring.

Please ensure that trailing cables and flexes are not a hazard to yourself or others.

Kitchens

Show consideration for other users of kitchens; you are part of a community, and should leave communal areas as you wish to find them.

Deep fat frying and cooking in rooms is forbidden in all Halls of Residence. You must not leave hot fat unattended, and NEVER pour water on it. Fat fires should be extinguished by smothering them with a fire blanket or a damp cloth.

Do not leave panhandles over heating elements or flames, and make sure you turn off all appliances after use. Never leave cooking appliances unattended.

Clean up spills on the floor, especially if they are greasy. Never store cleaning materials in food or drink containers.

Residential Fires

All residences should be fitted with an automatic fire detection and alarm system. If renting accommodation ensure that as a minimum battery operated smoke detectors are available and operate as intended.

Food Hygiene

Food should be eaten before its "use by" date and cooked according to its instructions for time and temperature to kill any germs or bacteria it contains. Cooked food should be refrigerated within an hour and a half of cooking. Food should be reheated only once and must be hot before eating. 

It is not a good idea to store half-used cans; the contents should be transferred to a plastic/glass container, covered and kept in a refrigerator. Raw meat may carry germs; poultry in particular should be completely thawed before cooking and cooked thoroughly.  Always use clean cooking equipment and utensils.

Fieldwork/Expeditions

You should receive appropriate first aid training from your School before embarking on fieldwork or an expedition. You must always follow instructions given, avoid risks and not go out alone. ALWAYS let someone know your intended route and destination and when you expect to return. Report in when you get back. If you are going off road the University 4-wheel drive course will need to be completed. All incidents and injuries must be reported to the Safety and Health. 

Personal Safety

Working in Isolation

A risk assessment will need to be made prior to working to determine the risk of working in isolation. Never work alone when carrying out potentially hazardous work. There will be no one at hand to help you should you encounter problems or are injured.

If working alone is unavoidable then notify someone of expected work commencement and completion. Undertake all personal security measures eg. lock doors, walk in well-lit areas. Request security personal escort as required. For more information refer to S&H web site.

Security on Campus

All incidents such as theft, assault, fire and medical emergencies must be referred immediately to Security on 6488 2222. An incident report form should be completed following the emergency. 

Theft

• NEVER leave bags and valuables unattended, if you go out of your work area lock valuables away.
• MAKE SURE if you park your car on campus that your windows and doors are locked. Ensure that no valuables can be seen through your windows such as CD’s or your wallet. Cars parked on campus are not covered by University insurance.
• BICYCLES should be secured to the bike racks available throughout campus.
• COMPUTERS should be fitted with a lock system available from the Safety and Health. If they are not and your computer gets stolen you are not eligible to claim it on insurance.

Personal Safety – TAKE CARE – BE AWARE

• Walk in well-lit areas and avoid areas that are dark and isolated.
• Walk with a friend or stay with a crowd. Walk purposely and confidently.
• Don’t drink to the stage where your judgement is impaired.
• Be wary of strangers on foot or in cars who ask for directions.
• Call loudly if in danger. Personal alarms are available for hire from guild administration.
• Trust your intuition. It could protect you from danger.

Public Transport

• BUSES - wait in open well-lit populated areas, avoid isolated closed-in shelters and avoid waiting alone by knowing your timetable.
• TRAINS - also avoid empty carriages and sit near other people on the aisle.
• TAXIS - phone for a taxi instead of hailing, record the taxi number, ask a friend to wait with you until the taxi arrives, sit in the back seat on the opposite side of the driver, do not give personal information to the driver.

For more information on personal safety please read UWA Security Office safety webpage at: http://www.security.uwa.edu.au/personal-safety

Transport

Students using bicycles and skateboards to get to places should always wear a bicycle helmet. Not only is it illegal not to wear one in public areas ($45 on the spot fines) it may save your life. If commuting at night ensure that you use a bike light and wear bright clothes. When not in use, ensure your bike is locked up at all times.

Violence

Violence and abuse are not tolerated within the University community. You are actively encouraged to report to your personal tutor, supervisor, or manager incidences of physical or verbal abuse on University premises. You should always avoid provoking or placing yourself in confrontational situations. If you feel threatened, in danger, or witness violence to someone else, alert Security immediately. Never tackle intruders alone - always call Security on 6488 2222

Personal Problems and Stress

At times University life can become quite stressful and personal problems may occur. Ensure you are giving yourself enough time to relax each week ie give yourself some personal time. Sport or leisure activities are also a great way to relax and relieve stress. However if you do have any problems counselling is available at the University. Refer to the Health section in this document.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse will impair your judgement and concentration. It is irresponsible to put yourself and those you work and study with deliberately at risk. Advice and help is available from the University Medical Centre. 

International Students

International students are often unaware of local safety practices and rules. This lack of knowledge can put them at unnecessary risk when undertaking unsupervised activities such as long distance driving and adventure pursuits. The following web links are provided to assist international students in planning and conducting such activities. If unsure please ASK.

• WA Department of Transport: http://www.officeofroadsafety.wa.gov.au
• Road Rules Fact Sheets: http://www.officeofroadsafety.wa.gov.au/index.cfm?event=topicsRoadRules
• Road Safety for Tourists Guide: http://www.officeofroadsafety.wa.gov.au/index.cfm?events=topicsTourists
• Recreational Boating: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine/19078.asp
• Conservation and Land Management: http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/
• Bushwalking: http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/621/885/
• Fishing Western Australia: http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Things_to_See_and_Do/Sun_Surf_and_Sea_Life/Pages/Fishing.aspx
• Shark Fisheries and Safety Tips: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/sec/env/sharks/index.php?0000
• Surf Life Saving Association of WA: http://www.mybeach.com.au/
• Beach Safety: http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=beachsafety

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Warning Symbols

You should be familiar with the warning symbols used in your School. They are for your own safety. Here are examples of the most important types:

Prohibited NOT ALLOWED crossed red circle		Mandatory MUST OBEY solid blue circle		Warning CAUTION yellow triangle
Safety SAFE CONDITION solid green square/rectangle		Fire FIRE EQUIPMENT solid red square/rectangle		Dangerous Goods LABEL ON CONTAINER diamonds with various colour

Where to Find out More 

Additional information on some of the topics covered here may be found at the following:

• Safety and Health (6488 3938) home page: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au
• Security and Parking (6488 3020) home page: http://www.fm.uwa.edu.au/secpark/secpark.htm
• Student Services (6488 2118) home page: http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/

First Aid Procedure