OHandS Guidelines
From ITShare SA Inc
Contents |
Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines
Manual Handling Guidelines
Below we have listed some basic manual handling rules.
- Always look for a better way of doing things, in order to avoid manual handling risks
- Place or store heavy objects at waist level
- Use good lifting techniques
- Watch where you are going when carrying a load
- Move your feet to turn. Avoid twisting while bent over
- Make sure you have a good grip on your load, that it will not fall apart or collapse, and has no sharp edges
- Prepare for the moving of the load, including clear a safe walkway to the destination
- Stop physical work if you are tired or fatigued
Source: http://www.gu.edu.au/ua/hrm/health/whs_ten_basic_manual_handling_rules.doc (broken link)
- Please do not run in any ITShare building, and take care when approaching high traffic areas. Immediately clean any wet spills should they occur.
- Never place the sharp edges of computer case lids, motherboards, i/o cards, etc. near or on walkways
- Ensure that clear paths and walkways are maintained at all times
- Always wear closed toed shoes in the workroom area. Loose fitting shoes or sandals are not suitable.
- Never consume drinks or food while working with open computers. Keep all liquids away from electricity sources
- Never use wet hands while using electricity
- Always clean hands before preparing food or after working on computer
- Always clean your area at the end of the day or before you leave
- Do not open power supplies
- Do not use double adaptors
- Do not place heavy monitors on shelves above waist height
- For items that are heavy or bulky, (eg. A laser printer or 21" monitor), always ask another person to assist
- Try to minimise double handling.If possible, don't place heavy objects on ground. LIFT UP NOT DOWN!
- Lift using your knees; turn using your feet, not your hips
- Use a trolley where possible/appropriate.
- Take a 10 minute break away from computers if working for duration of 50 minutes.
- Upright ladders are to be used with assistance. Don't stand higher than the third from the top step.
- Use step ladders with care . Do not stand on the top step of the step ladder.
- Do not stack anything above head height, even empty carboard boxes can injure from heights. Consider the height of the people around you.
Hot Weather Policy
During the hot months, the ITShare building can get very hot and humid. As a result of this, we have decided to introduce a hot weather policy. If the temperature inside the ITShare building reaches 38 degrees, everyone (including WFTD participants and staff) will be required to go home. If the Weather Bureau has forecast a temperature of 40 degrees or higher, and this is published in the Advertiser or http://www.abc.net.au/sa/weather/, ITShare Volunteers should not attend. Work for the Dole participants and staff will be required to attend, regardless of weather forecast, until the temperature reaches 38 degrees.
Working with electricity
In addition to the above specific ITShare rules, we request that volunteers and staff practice correct electrical safety practices while working at ITShare. If you have not received an electrical safety induction as part of your OH&S induction, please inform the State Co-ordinator/OH&S Representative.
Office Ergonomics
If you are working as an administration/training volunteer, you will need to be aware of the correct techniques to use while working in an office environment. Always choose a chair that is right for you, and remember to take regular breaks away from the computer.
Dangerous Chemicals
We use only a small number of dangerous chemicals at ITShare, including toner, printer ink, and household cleaners. All chemicals should be stored and returned to safe places at all times. In addition to this, computer equipment, most notably monitors (CRTs), contains all sorts of chemical nasties (lead, phosphorous, mercury and carbon).
