Safe Work Procedure

3. Safe Work Procedures

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering recognises its obligation to take all reasonable precautions to provide and maintain, as far as practicable, an environment that is safe and without risk to health for employees, students, contractors and visitors.

3.1. Security and Access

On joining the department access requirements will be assessed and keys/access cards will be issued appropriate to an individual's position. Some floors within the department have areas of restricted access as indicated by displayed signs. It is important to notify security on ext 46666 of any security or safety issues after hours.

After Hours Work

Staff working after hours must be aware of university requirements which sometimes includes completing a risk assessment prior to commencing a project. Refer to the After Hours Work Procedures in the University EHSM. After hours work, with the exclusion of office work requires written authority from the Head of Department. The After hours work approval form can be found in Appendix A of the EHSM.

3.2. Off Campus Travel and Work

Working off Campus

Where staff / students are undertaking activities away from University Campuses, University Off Campus Travel and Work Policy in the EHSM must be followed. This includes travel between the University campus and the site.

Driving University Vehicles

Before any staff or student is permitted to drive any university vehicle they must be included on the list of authorised users. To be included in this list you will need to complete a Vehicle Drivers Authorisation Declaration and submit it to Departmental Safety Officer.

3.3. Manual Handling

Manual handling is at times required in most workplaces, University Manual Handling Policy and. Occupational Health and Safety Legislation requires that manual handling assessments are undertaken in all workplaces. Departmental purchasing procedures require consideration of manual handling and where appropriate completion of a risk assessment. The Risk Management Office can assist in providing advice on workstation ergonomic assessment and manual handling tasks if required.

Some of the equipment used within the Department of Electrical and Electrical Engineering can be heavy. Weight range labels have been attached to equipment that is used and moved frequently.

Equipment under 10 kg in weight is not labeled with a weight sticker. Equipment over 10 kg in weight will have colour coded label identifying into which weight category it belongs.

The following guide may be useful when moving and relocating equipment throughout the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Buildings

• Blue sticker - 10 kg to 20 kg. These can be moved alone, but plan your lift, keep back straight and knees bent and lift smoothly.
• Brown sticker - 20 kg to 40 kg. These should not be lifted alone. Plan your lift, keep back straight and knees bent and lift smoothly.
• Red sticker - over 40 kg. Use mechanical assistance.
• Always use a safety ladder (several are available) when equipment is moved to/from selves that are higher than your shoulders.
• Some of the heavier pieces of equipment permanently reside on trolleys. There is no need to lift heavy equipment if it can be used from the trolley.