Managing Risk

4. Managing Risk

Assessing and Managing Risk is an important part of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering's Safety Management plan. Detailed procedures and resources can be found in the Hazard Management section of the University Environment Health and Safety Manual. A register of risks applicable to the Department is maintained and administered through the EHS committee and will be reviewed regularly.

4.1. Electrical Safety

Residual Current Devices

All department laboratories are fitted with residual current devices. Portable residual current devices must be used where experimental equipment or power tools are used out or the permanently protected areas. Portable RCD's can be arranged by contacting the technical group if required.

Portable Electrical Equipment Testing

It is departmental policy to test and maintain records of all portable electrical equipment to AS 3760. Testing frequency varies according to use and it is important that equipment issued for use "off campus" is returned for testing by the due date as indicated by the yellow tag attached to every electrical appliance. Please be aware before you can use personal electrical equipment on the department's premises you must ensure it complies with electrical testing requirements. If required the workshop technical staff will carry out this testing.

4.2. Tagging Faulty or Unsafe Equipment

To ensure faulty or unsafe equipment is immediately taken out of service please remember to make use of Yellow and Black "out of service" tags which are available in Laboratories and from the Technical Staff. Please refer to the Departmental Tagging Procedure for correct use of Tags.

4.3. Chemical Safety

All chemicals held in the department must be clearly labeled and an up to date (less than 5 years old) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical must be available for reference. Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in processes associated with the Technical Workshops and Laboratories are available in the Electronic Workshop (Room 1.28). Safe handling and storage instructions recommended on the MSDS must be adhered to. Flammable liquids are stored in the dangerous goods cabinet in the outside store (room 1.6). For further information refer to the EHS manual on Chemical Management

4.4. Purchasing

It is University Purchasing Policy that before proceeding with any purchases of goods and services consideration must be given, by the purchaser to any environment, health and safety requirements relating to the purchase. Risk assessments may need to be completed on receipt of some goods and equipment.

4.5. Workplace Inspections

An important part in managing any workplace is ensuring it is audited for substandard conditions and where applicable corrective actions are implemented. The department maintains program of inspections and at times any employee may be asked to assist in this important process. Fore more information and check lists refer to the EHS manual on Hazard Identification, Assessment and Control.

4.6. Maintenance

A mandatory requirement for maintaining accreditation to the University SaftyMap system is the documentation of all alterations, servicing, maintenance and repair of all equipment. Implements, tools, appliances and equipment that are maintained by department personnel or contractors, need to have documentation that records such maintenance or repairs and is required by Maintenance Procedures. Records of repairs are kept on the department's asset register which is maintained by the Technical Staff.

Buildings and fixtures are maintained by the university property and buildings maintenance department. Required building maintenance is requested through the maintenance help desk by phone or on line and can be arranged through the departments building support Technical Staff.

4.7. Property insurance

A mandatory requirement under university insurance policy is to keep records of all equipment being taken away from the workplace. An equipment being taken 'off campus' form needs to be completed with relevant authorization before any equipment leaves the department. Insurance form