Hazard Alerts

Our OH&S Unit produces Hazard Alerts to alert members, employers and others, of safety incidents and trends in the industry. They also provide advice on how those hazards can be eliminated or associated risks may be managed.

Minimum training requirement for the safe use of boom type elevated work platform (WP) and scissor/one man vertical lift type elevated work platform

Describes the difference between high risk licences issued by an RTO on behalf of WSV and certificates of competency for different types of plant, and the application regarding operator use.

Driving Scissor Lifts and Boom Type Lifts whilst elevated

Elevated work platforms have been driven into open trenches, backfilled trenches, live edges and open penetrations. The following information is to assist duty holders to provide a safe workplace under similar conditions, and for operators to be able to perform their work safely.

Electric Welding (fumes and vapours)

The composition of the fumes and vapours vary depending on the materials being welded. Some substances found in welding fume and vapour are Lead, Cadmium, Manganese, Zinc, Iron, Chromium and Nickel.

Add coatings to the material and substances such as Hydrogen Cyanide, Formaldehyde, Isocyanate, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide etc. may be formed.

Ventilation and/or respiratory protection is required.

Electrical hazards working with metallic and plastic pipework

The human body acts as a pathway for the flow of electrical current. The use of bonding straps is essential. Fire or explosion may occur also when working on gas installations.

Pressure testing of pipe-work

Serious injury or death can result from catastrophic failure when under pressure, or when pressure is released in an uncontrolled manner.

Hydrostatic testing of fire sprinkler suppression systems

Workers need to know the maximum working pressure of testing equipment and the systems they connect to.

Asbestos contaminated mastic

Asbestos was used as a bonding agent in some mastic. It is important not to grind, drill or break up the material and potentially release the fibres into the atmosphere. 

Storage of gas cylinders in vehicles

Leaking gas can be ignited from any ignition source i.e., static electricity, naked flame, people smoking, electronic devices such as mobile phones and keyless remote entry devices.

Mobile Plant working in the vicinity of overhead powerlines
An electrical hazard may arise where mobile plant can get close to or touch electrical power lines.

Installation of site amenities

Highlights the adverse health effects when working with contaminated materials.

Falls from heights-Installation of safety mesh

Failing to install the mesh as per the manufacturers recommendation will result in the failure of the safety mesh to perform as intended, and therefore fail to arrest a fall.

HDPE Electrofusion - Fire Hazard

Loss of control during the application of heat to the fittings can  result in excessive heat being applied over a short time frame, resulting in harm to the worker,  destruction of the fitting, or at worst, a fire.

Polyfusion and Electrofusion of pipes-Electrical Hazard

There have been incidents where plumbers have received an electric shock whilst making a fusion weld to HDPE pipe.

Incolink 24/7 counselling & support : 1300 000 129

 

The OH&S Unit is supported through Incolink funding

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