SAFETY INDUCTION HANDBOOK V2 - Australis Solar · Page 4 of 26 April 2012 V2 Workplace Health and Safety Policy Australis Solar management’s aim is to prevent accidents and personal

Page 1 of 26 April 2012 V2

SAFETY INDUCTION HANDBOOK


Contents

Contents ............................................................................................................................. 2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3 Workplace Health and Safety Policy .................................................................................... 4 Contractors/Sub-‐contractor’s Policy ................................................................................... 5 Drugs and Alcohol / Fitness for Work Policy ........................................................................ 6 Motor Vehicle Policy ........................................................................................................... 7 Isolated Workers Policy ...................................................................................................... 9 Social Media Policy ........................................................................................................... 10 Use of Mobile Phones ....................................................................................................... 10 Use of Computers/Tablets ................................................................................................ 10 Social Media Sites and forums .......................................................................................... 11 You, Safety and Duty of Care ............................................................................................ 12 Emergency Telephone Numbers ....................................................................................... 12 What To Do In Emergencies .............................................................................................. 13 What to Do When an Injury Occurs to You or to Someone Else ......................................... 13 Rehabilitation ................................................................................................................... 13 What to Do If Fire Occurs .................................................................................................. 14 Evacuation of Your Workplace .......................................................................................... 15 Safe Systems of Work ....................................................................................................... 16 Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) ........................................................................... 16 Reporting Incidents .......................................................................................................... 17 Reporting Dangerous Occurrences .................................................................................... 17 Hazard Resolution ............................................................................................................ 17 Hazardous Conditions ....................................................................................................... 17 Hazardous Work Procedure .............................................................................................. 17 Training ............................................................................................................................ 19 Manual Handling .............................................................................................................. 19 Chemicals ......................................................................................................................... 20 Bio Hazards ....................................................................................................................... 20 Noise ................................................................................................................................ 20 Hydration at Work ............................................................................................................ 20 Certificates of Competency ............................................................................................... 21 Permit Systems ................................................................................................................. 21 Smoking in the Workplace Policy ...................................................................................... 22 Drugs and Alcohol ............................................................................................................. 22 Safe Work Practices .......................................................................................................... 23 Office Safety ..................................................................................................................... 23 Protecting the Environment .............................................................................................. 23 Breaches of Workplace Safety Requirements .................................................................... 24 Contractor Health and safety ............................................................................................ 24 Working at Heights Policy ................................................................................................. 26


Introduction Australis Solar Pty Ltd is committed to providing safe and healthy working conditions for all employees, contractors, visitors, customer and the public. It is the policy of Australis Solar to encourage all personnel, employees, contractors and sub-contractor’s alike, working on behalf of our company to take the initiative in anticipating, preventing and correcting conditions or practices which may threaten the health or safety of any individual. The creation of a safe working environment, sound safety management systems, standards and procedures, coupled with the co-operation of individuals in applying and maintaining these safe work practices will allow the achievement of a workplace where hazards are kept to a minimum and accidents are eliminated. It is not possible in one small handbook to cover every eventuality and it is therefore imperative that all employees and contractors alike be aware of their responsibility to make themselves familiar with site-specific requirements as incorporated into site safety improvement plans and procedures. Australis Solar and all its Contractors take responsibility, once work commences, to ensure they: • Observe all necessary safety measures as dictated by good practice and common

sense; • Comply with all Australis Solar OH&S policies and procedures • Observe all relevant State and Federal Safety legislative requirements • Provide information, training and supervision for all staff in the correct use of

equipment and plant that they may supply or utilise; and • Advise Australis Solar Management of any extraordinary risk from processes or

obstacles that may pose a hazard to any person on site. The Director accepts responsibility for safety and the monitoring thereof. It is the responsibility of the Management team to ensure the development and the regular review of this policy. Blake Steding Director


Workplace Health and Safety Policy Australis Solar management’s aim is to prevent accidents and personal injury by always maintaining a high standard of workplace safety. People are our most important asset and their safety and health is of the greatest importance. We will therefore ensure that, so far as is practicable, a safe working environment is provided and maintained for all employees, contractors, visitors and the general public. We will also ensure, so far as is practicable, that the minimum standards, as set out in WA Legislation, are our primary objectives to assist and achieve safety in the workplace. These are:

• Safe work practices and systems of work • Safe plant and machinery • Information, training and supervision • Competent and knowledgeable contractors • Consultation on all matters affecting personal safety. • Monitoring and control of environmental factors in the workplace • Facilities for emergency and first aid treatment

To assist us in achieving our aim, all staff are expected to support the policy by following safe work procedures and contributing to the process of identifying and controlling hazards, by providing constructive input where they feel there is a risk of injury to themselves or others, and by reporting all accidents and near misses. We will only achieve success with our safety management program if all staff demonstrates their commitment by having a positive attitude towards the maintenance of high safety standards.


Contractors/Sub-contractor’s Policy

In accordance with the Australis Solar Workplace Health and Safety Policy, it is the responsibility of each sub-contractors to ensure the work undertaken by themselves and their employee’s is conducted in a safe manner. This means in accordance with the requirements of the current Workplace Health and Safety Legislation and all relevant accepted industry and Australian Standards. The contractor/sub-contractors shall ensure that they and all their employees have been adequately trained and are competent to carry out the work required of them. The Contractor/Sub-contractor shall ensure that all their employees have appropriate first aid cover by trained first aiders and that a list of employees trained in first ad will be supplied in the relevant Australis Solar contractor/sub-contractor registration forms. The contractor/sub-contractors and their employees shall abide by all site safety requirements and any reasonable directive given to them by a senior staff member of the main contractor. Sub-contractors’ employees working on any site must also take action to prevent exposing others to any hazard created as a result of the work they are conducting. In addition, and where appropriate, the sub-contractors and his/her employee/s shall;

• hold relevant qualifications • hold appropriate licences (eg. electrician, plumber) • hold a certificate of competency or High Risk Work Licence (eg crane driver,

scaffold) • be registered (eg builder)

Any expenses incurred as a result of the contractor’s/sub-contractor’s activities, including the provision of personal protective clothing and equipment, are the responsibility of the contractor/sub-contractors. Provision must also be made for insurance, such as workers compensation, public liability, and professional indemnity. Copies of these documents must be attached to the contractor/sub-contractor checklist (Available as an appendix to this document), that will be completed prior to the commencement of any work for Australis Solar. Contact shall be made with a representative of the company before initially commencing any work on site. Should an accident occur while on site it must be reported to Australis Solar immediately to allow the appropriate investigation to be conducted. __________________________________ Blake Steding, Director Date 12.12.2011


Drugs and Alcohol / Fitness for Work Policy

Australis Solar recognises that an individual’s fitness and health can impact on their ability to perform their work safely and productively. It is the policy of this company, as far as is reasonably practical, to protect its employees, assets, the community and the environment in which it operates, from hazards arising from alcohol or drug misuse or fatigue related incidence in the workplace and other health related issues resulting from individuals undertaking work on our behalf not being fully fit for work. Australis Solar requires the performance of its employees and contractors to be unimpaired by drug or alcohol whilst on any work site or when performing any work while representing the company. Employees and contractors carrying out work for Australis Solar are to inform management if they are using any prescribed and/or non-prescribed medications that may impair the individual’s ability to perform work safety. Australis Solar management will determine if the employee can continue with the work or be provided with suitable alternate duties. Employees and contractors carrying out work for Australis Solar are to inform management if they are affected by fatigue to a degree that their concentration and work performance may be impaired. Australis Solar believe it is reasonable to expect an individual will present to work having had sufficient rest and sleep to undertake their work safely. If an employee is working a second job they are obliged to inform Australis Solar management. Australis Solar will ensure that work schedules and loads, including travel time, are reasonable and provide sufficient time for individuals to rest and recuperate between shifts. The illegal or unauthorised possession, consumption, sale or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs whilst performing work for Australis Solar is prohibited and is a breach of an individual’s duty of care under the Workplace Health and Safety Legislation. After investigation, any person found to be in breach of this policy, may be subject to disciplinary action or dismissal as outlined in the employee’s contract of employment. If there is a situation where alcohol or other drug misuse may contribute to potentially significant safety, legal or performance events, the company will act responsibly to protect its employees, operations, customers and the community in which it operates. When attending company sanctioned social functions, employees are reminded of their responsibilities, and to drink in moderation, or make alternative transport arrangements.


Motor Vehicle Policy Employees driving a company vehicle are expected to adhere to the requirements of the Road Traffic Act, and the current Workplace Safety and Health Legislation at all times. The Workplace Health and Safety Legislation places a duty of care on individuals, requiring them to take reasonable care and ensure their own safety. It is therefore the driver of the motor vehicles responsibility to ensure they are in a fit condition, at all times when driving. That is, the driver must at all times, assess whether they are capable of driving the motor vehicle. In doing so they must consider whether they are;

• The holder of a current and valid Western Australian drivers licence for the particular class of vehicle,

• Fatigued, due to the lack of sleep, • Affected by any drugs or alcohol (including prescription and other non-

prescribed medication), • Unable to safely drive a motor vehicle for any other known reason.

Restricted driving hours An employee should not under any circumstances;

• Drive a vehicle for more than 5 hours continuously without taking a minimum of one hour break.

• Undertake duties and driving for periods exceeding an aggregate of 11 hours a day.

• Recommence work without having had a minimum of 10 hours rest following cessation of duties.

Managers must ensure that a suitable vehicle is provided for the journey undertaken and that plans are made to ensure that sufficient time is allowed to carry out their duties, as well as being able to meet the road, traffic and weather conditions which may be encountered enroute. Conditions of Use There are a number of restrictions and understandings that cover the use of the vehicle, in accordance with the employee’s conditions of employment and the contractor’s contract of employment. These are:

• A vehicle log book shall be placed in all vehicles and it is the responsibility of the drive to complete the required fields of the log book for each journey.

• Should an employee by his/her actions attract penalties for any traffic offence or parking infringement and includes the seizure and storage of an impounded vehicle due to the drivers behaviour of suspension/cancellation of their licence, they will be regarded as a personal responsibility to the employee concerned.


• Any situation that leads to the suspension or cancellation of a drivers’ licence must be notified to the Director and the motor vehicle handed back to the company immediately.

• The employee is responsible for informing the office when unscheduled maintenance and repairs are required to the vehicle, to ensure it remains in a road worthy condition at all times.

• The vehicle is provided to carry out normal business duties only. The use of the vehicle for private use is to be approved by the Director.

• The vehicle must be kept clean and presentable. Car washing and cleaning is considered by the company as a personal obligation by you and the company cannot be expected to provide for these facilities.

• Vehicles are to be left on site at the end of each day. An alternate arrangement for the parking of vehicles is to be approved by the Director.

• No alterations are to be made to the company vehicles without the express permission of the Director.

• The vehicle belongs to the company and is provided for your conveyance, however when the vehicle is on site it is available to be used by the company as required by other company members.

• Where a company vehicle is involved in an accident and the driver of that vehicle is proven to be at fault, that driver may be responsible for the payment of any non-recoverable insurance excess payments.

• Smoking is NOT permitted in any company vehicle. • The vehicle is NOT to be driven by any other members of your family, friends

or acquaintances. If they are involved in an accident, the designated driver will be required to:

(i) Reimburse the company for any costs incurred by the company in

restoring the vehicle to its original condition. (ii) Reimburse the company for any excess claim charges that may have to

be paid under the company's insurance covers for damage incurred to the Company's vehicle or to any third party.

(iii) Reimburse the company for any costs incurred by the company in hiring a replacement vehicle until the company vehicle is restored to its original condition.

This policy is to be read in conjunction with terms and conditions of employment. The company has a policy for changeover at certain times of a vehicles' life. Management may change these conditions at any time to suit the company and the company may transfer vehicles between employees at any time to suit the company's current requirements. The company also reserves the right to change the make and model of vehicles provided to meet optimum leasing, running and service costs. If in order to perform your work requirements the need for the provision of a motor vehicle changes, then the provision of such vehicle will be subject to review by the Company. To ensure you fully understand the requirements that relate to the use of a company vehicle, we require the employee to complete the motor vehicle police acknowledgement form. (Available as an appendix to this document).


Isolated Workers Policy Australis Solar accepts its duty of care to ensure the safety of all persons while working in any situation. To this end we wish to ensure that employees/contractors working alone or in an isolated location understand the importance of implementing, and sticking to, procedures. Employees/contractors are deemed to be “alone” when they cannot be seen or heard by another person, and/or will not expect a visit from another person for some time. Where possible employees/contractors will not be required to work alone, however where a situation arises that requires an employee/contractors to work alone or in an isolated location an appropriate procedure will be put in place. It is expected that as a minimum any procedure must include a process that addresses the following points:

• Advise others of the work location • Agreement on start and finish times • Decision on the frequency and method of contact • Stick to the plan

Australis Solar will provide suitably maintained equipment that is appropriate to maintain communication between all parties, and ensure employees/contractors are trained in its use. The Director shall be responsible to issue approval for employees/contractors to work alone or in isolation and shall not grant that approval unless a risk assessment has been completed for the job and all the above key points are documented. Employees/contractors intending to work alone or in isolation are expected to complete a risk assessment and obtain approval from the Director prior to commencement. Employees/contractors are responsible for taking all reasonably practicable steps to ensure their own safety when working alone or in isolation, and sticking to the agreed plan.


Social Media Policy In the modern world where the electronic Media abounds, the lines between personal life and work can become blurred. The intent of Australis Solar’s Social Media Policy is to clarify our expectations and limitations in the use of electronic communication devices and the applications they enable. The information made available and the intent of the information in social media has the direct ability to impact Australis Solar’s reputation and public image in both a negative and positive way. Any computers, laptops, tablets or mobile devices supplied by Australis Solar are done so to enhance the business operations and to assist in the effective flow of information throughout the organisation. Use of Mobile Phones All company issued mobile phones are to be used for work purposes only. Only agreed applications can be downloaded and used and must be work related. Voice Mail functions must be enabled. If the phone rings whilst you are in the process of your work – do not answer it, leave it go to voicemail and retrieve the message when your task is completed. Downloads of music or other personal use applications are not permitted and if this protocol is breached all costs incurred will be fully refundable to Australis Solar by the employee/contractor responsible. Use of Computers/Tablets Any Australis Solar documentation or information will always remain the express property of Australis Solar. This includes pictures taken of our workplaces, equipment, employees and activities. At no time are pictures or information with either text or graphics to be placed on the internet through any social media forum. This is important to protect Australis Solar’s public image as well as the privacy of its employees. The access or download of any

• racially sensitive information, • sexually explicit information or • illegal activity information

Is prohibited and will result in instant dismissal if proven to be intentional. If any such information is inadvertently accessed then the site and incident must be logged with Australis Solar’s HR representative and IT administrator.


Social Media Sites and forums Australis Solar will determine what, if any social media functions will be enabled and used within its operation and this information will clearly be communicated to the workforce. Guidelines will be developed regarding how these are to be used to enhance the business and all employees are required to operate within these guidelines. The use of personal access to social media sites on personal phones, tablets and computers is strictly limited to designated breaks and the use of any company specific images or details is strictly prohibited. The reference to any Australis Solar employee/contractor without their express knowledge AND permission will be viewed as bullying or harassment and is strictly prohibited.


You, Safety and Duty of Care

Wherever you work you are required by law to act with care for others. This is called:

Duty of Care

Duty of Care means that you must:

• Comply with reasonable instructions • Follow correct procedures when you are doing your job. • Not put your fellow workers or the public at risk. • Work safely and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Report incidents, accidents or near misses.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Medical, Emergency Services, Fire or Police Dial 000 Director 0450 090 288 (Blake Steding) Office 08 6555 2999


What To Do In Emergencies SPEAK CLEARLY and tell the person on the telephone:

• Your name • The exact location or place of the incident • The type of emergency or accident (what happened) • The number of injured persons and the nature of injuries • Whether First Aider is or is not in attendance • What action is being taken at the scene

Then ask for this information to be repeated back to you

LISTEN CAREFULLY Do not hang up until told by the person at the other end. Remember, • Always know the location where you are working and how to describe it. • Always know where to find the nearest:

EXIT TELEPHONE FIRE EXTINGUISHER FIRE ALARM

What to Do When an Injury Occurs to You or to Someone Else Minor Injuries

• No matter how minor, all injuries must be reported to your Supervisor as soon as possible.

• Obtain treatment from a First-aider. • Ensure your injury and treatment is recorded by a First-aider.

Serious Injuries

• Check that YOU are safe. Do not place yourself or others at risk. • Check that the injured person is not in further danger. • Make the injured person comfortable. DO NOT MOVE THEM unless their life

is threatened. • Call 000 or send for assistance. • Wait with the injured person until help arrives. • Do not disturb the site of a serious accident or move any equipment in the area

unless it is necessary to make the area safe. All injuries big or small must be reported to your supervisor, the General Manager or the office as soon as possible. Rehabilitation

Australis Solar believes that any employee injured in the course of employment is entitled to the best available care and return to economic well being in the shortest possible time.


To this end, Australis Solar is committed to ensuring the rehabilitation (early return to work) process starts as soon as possible, in a manner suitable to doctor, employee and company. Australis Solar is committed also to providing suitable paid employment for an injured worker as part of this rehabilitation/early return to work process. The name of the Workplace or Rehabilitation / return to Work Co-ordinator is Anina Bubek 6555 2999 or Blake Steding 0450 090 288 Remember - You have the right to choose your own accredited provider. What to Do If Fire Occurs

As soon as a fire is detected: • Raise the alarm • Report it your supervisor • Assess the situation • Only attempt to control the fire if you are trained and confident to do so

DO NOT PLACE YOUR LIFE AT RISK

• Attract attention of others nearby • If you are not in immediate danger, stay at your workplace • Your Supervisor will order evacuation if necessary


GENERAL INFORMATION

Evacuation of Your Workplace A full or part evacuation of your workplace may be ordered as a result of any of the following:

• Fire or explosion in the building you are working in • Gas leak • Ventilation system contamination • Fire in an adjacent building • Structural damage to the building • Bomb threat • Natural disaster • or by order of the Emergency Services.

If directed to evacuate:

• Follow instructions • Move calmly to your assembly area • Wait for roll call and further instructions

Do not leave the assembly area until directed Return to work only when instructed by your Supervisor or other authorised person.

NEVER RUN!


Safe Systems of Work

Australis Solar is totally committed to safe places and systems of work through the principles of Risk Control and Safe Work Method Statements.

Risk Control

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) SWMS is a process of identifying hazards and setting control measures before commencement of work. This process comprises 4 basic steps. • IDENTIFY the hazard • ASSESS the risk associated with the hazard • DECIDE on the control measures • COMMUNICATE the actions to be taken SWMS’s in your workplace will be conducted as a joint activity involving all employees/contractors concerned and their supervisors. By applying the above processes, the risks identified with the task in hand can be controlled and method statements, work instructions/procedures written to provide safe systems of work. Due to many of the tasks the organisation undertake being common we will, where applicable, utilise generic SWMS.

Eliminate the hazard

Substitute the hazard

Engineering Controls

Administrative Controls

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eg: Off-site cutting of panel work

Eg: Replace ladder with scissor lift, substitute solvent-based paint with water-based paint

Eg: Reverse alarms/lights fitted to plant, exhaust ventilation to remove fumes

Eg: Job rotation, work instructions, safety inspections

Eg: Hearing protection devices, respirators, Hard hats

(Most Effective)

(Least Effective)


Reporting Incidents It is the duty of all employees to report unsafe working conditions and unsafe work practices to their Supervisor immediately. If you cannot safely correct the problem yourself, then your Supervisor will investigate and determine the cause and appropriate corrective measures. Reporting Dangerous Occurrences Dangerous Occurrences may be: • Damage to pressure vessels, plant or equipment. • Damage to any load bearing member or any part of a crane, hoist, conveyor,

scaffold etc. • Any uncontrolled explosion, fire or escape of gas, steam etc. • Anything that has the potential for death or serious injury. • Any other such incidents.

All dangerous occurrences (including “Near Miss” incidents) must be reported to your Supervisor immediately. This is the first step in the Accident Prevention Process and your prompt action can help us achieve our goal of ZERO ACCIDENTS. Hazard Resolution A hazard is anything that may cause harm or damage. Australis Solar policy is that action will be taken immediately a hazard (or potential hazard) has been identified. Hazard resolution procedures must comply with statutory requirements at all times, but will include: Hazardous Conditions • The condition must be rectified immediately if practicable or effectively

managed to reduce the risk posed. Hazardous Work Procedure • If the issue involves immediate threat to health or safety, work must cease in

that area. • Procedure to be reviewed and issue resolved by suitable joint consultation. If an issue cannot be resolved by joint consultation, management shall seek

assistance from external support if mediation is required. The appropriate Safety authority (e.g. WorkSafe) can be contacted if all other processes are not successful.

If you can fix the problem safely yourself do so, seek assistance and guidance from your supervisor if you are unsure. Do not act unless you are confident AND competent to do so.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Australis Solar will supply appropriate PPE for when risks cannot be otherwise controlled.You have an obligation to use this equipment and keep it in good order. We all know that PPE includes:

• Eye protection • Hand protection • Hearing protection • Foot protection • Head protection • Respiratory protection

But you may also be required to use: • High visibility safety vests/overalls • Safety harnesses • Skin protection • or other specialised job related PPE

Make sure that your PPE is correct for the job, fits and/or operates correctly and you know how to use it. REMEMBER, it is a condition of your employment that you use and look after the PPE supplied to you. Good Housekeeping An untidy work area leads to accidents and makes your job harder. Housekeeping means keeping your work area, your tools and your equipment clean, tidy and in good order. Good Housekeeping includes:

• Replacing tools and equipment after use. • Keeping passageways free of obstacles. • Keeping floor surfaces in good state of repair. • Cleaning up around machinery after use. • Keeping free access to fire fighting equipment. • Cleaning up spills and slip hazards immediately. • Ensuring handrails and fall protection is always in place. • Scheduling the cleaning of windows and lighting. • Ensuring rubbish bins are used and regularly emptied.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING - AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE


Training

Australis Solar views training of its employees/contractors to be part of its commitment to Continuous Improvement.

Your training begins with your Induction Course and will continue with training sessions relative to the workplace activities as required.

If you are required to do a job that has hazards associated with it that have not been covered in previous training, your Supervisor will ensure appropriate training is available before you commence the job.

You must advise your Supervisor if you have not been trained, or believe you are not competent to carry out any activity you are directed to perform.

Your Supervisor will conduct regular ‘toolbox’ talks on safety matters and your participation in these and all training sessions is vital to the success of our activities. Manual Handling

Incorrect methods used in handling materials cause the greatest number of work injuries. When lifting objects manually, adopt the following procedure:

• Be certain each load is within your lifting capacity and will not obstruct your

line of vision. • Check that your route and lay down area are free of hazards and are

adequately lit. • Obtain a good footing and maintain a straight back posture. • Bend at the knees. • Grip the object firmly, using the palms of your hands and the roots of your

fingers. • Lift gradually by straightening the legs. • Wear gloves when handling hot materials or objects with sharp or ragged

edges.


• When an object requires two or more employees/contractors to handle, one employee/contractor should give the signals for lifting and lowering the object in unison.

• If you can’t move it safely, get mechanical assistance. Chemicals Your work may require you to come into contact with chemicals.This may be as simple as detergent cleansers or as hazardous as acids or solvents. Whether Low or High risk hazards, you must:

• Be aware of the hazards associated with the chemical you are about to use. • Know where to find, how to read, understand and follow the Material Safety

Data Sheet (MSDS) for that chemical. • Wear the appropriate PPE for the substance you are using. • Understand the procedures associated with any chemical emergency, e.g.

spillage or fire etc. • If in doubt, ASK

Bio Hazards Wash hands prior to;

• Smoking • Drinking • Eating • Answering phones/using radios and after Toileting.

Noise Noise has become a part of our lives today however; we must do all we can to reduce exposure to noise in our workplaces. To do this, we must:

• Ensure all new plant and equipment brought into the workplace meets standards set for noise levels.

• Report any increase in the noise level of plant or equipment. • Consider others and the work environment by controlling noisy activities. • Wear and look after any personal hearing protection provided for your use.

Hydration at Work Working outdoors and/or in hot conditions causes us to sweat. Loosing excess fluids from your body can lead to dehydration. The body’s way of getting rid of heat and cooling the skin is by sweating. The action works from the feet upwards, so that the “hottest” part of the body is the head. Sweating maintains our normal body temperature and prevents the potentially fatal condition of hyperthermia (Core body


temperature rises above 42 Celsius). In heavy, hot work situations you can loose up to three litres per hour! What you lose in sweat you must replace. Salt and electrolytes are also lost through sweating, but you only need a small amount of salt to replace this, an extra shake on your food and a healthy diet. Salt levels will not drop if fluid levels are kept up. Fluid intake must start at least one hour before starting work and continue with at least 375 ml every half hour (roughly a soft drinks can size of water). The stomach is slow to empty, so if you decide to make up for not drinking by having two litres at lunch time, combined with the food in your stomach, you can be up to 6 to 8 hours behind in fluid consumption and before it is absorbed. Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. Coffee, tea, alcohol and soft drinks increase the amount of fluid lost through the kidneys, so for example every cup of coffee you drink you lose a cup and a half of fluid from your system. These drinks can contribute to dehydration. STAY AHEAD WITH YOUR FLUID INTAKE AND START EARLY Certificates of Competency Legislation in each State cover the requirements for operation of nominated plant or equipment. Some of the jobs that require certification are, amongst others;

• Basic Driver’s Licence • Scaffolding • Forklift driving • Dangerous Goods

You are not permitted to operate nominated plant or equipment without the appropriate certification. Also, you are not permitted to operate any plant or equipment, certificated or not, without Australis Solar’s authority to do so. Permit Systems

Some activities may require a permit before operation begins. Permit systems are established to protect yourself, your workmates and equipment. They entail checking systems and clearly defined safety criteria for the time covered by that permit. Just some of the activities you may be involved in that will require a permit are:

• Confined spaces • Hot work in selected areas • Energised equipment


• Pressure systems • (i.e. steam, water etc) • Special entry areas eg: Forklift Operations • Plant or equipment isolation • Trenching

Permits are only as effective as the information included on them and how well YOU abide by that information and instruction. Smoking in the Workplace Policy In accordance with the current Workplace Safety and Health Legislation Australis Solar will ensure that a smoke free working environment is provided for their employees/contractors. Therefore smoking is not permitted inside the building, or in any work vehicle. Signs reminding people of the requirement not to smoke will be visually displayed on or near doors and in vehicles. The rules prohibiting smoking inside our premises are also extended to visitors on site. A designated smoking area will be provided for those employees/contractors who wish to smoke. They must ensure this area is maintained in a clean and healthy state at all times. Australis Solar believes that its employees are entitled to a place of work free of risk to health. Smoking is prohibited in any of our offices. Smoking is also prohibited in amenities or places intended for food consumption. This prohibition extends to any other area designated as a no smoking zone. PLEASE CONSIDER OTHERS Drugs and Alcohol Persons in the possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are not permitted to commence or continue work at any Australis Solar site or other workplace while employed/contracted by Australis Solar. If you are taking drugs or medicine prescribed by a medical practitioner that may cause drowsiness or lessen your ability to perform you job safely, then you must report that to your Supervisor. See Drug and Alcohol policy at the beginning of this induction.


Safe Work Practices

Safe work practices are too many and varied to define fully in this booklet but you may be involved in some of those listed below.

Ensure that the method of work you are about to commence has been examined; a Job Safety Analysis carried out and safe work procedures established that you fully understand.

• Material storage/handling • Rigging/Scaffolding/Welding and Cutting • Tagging/Isolating • Compressed air usage • Hazardous substances • Crane and hoist operations • Manual handling • Elevated work platforms • Asbestos removal • Machinery operation • Working with Biohazards • Handling Dangerous or Hazardous Goods • Safe Working at Heights

Office Safety Because injuries may occur in office environments when systems and procedures breakdown, it is important to pay attention to office safety rules:

• Use available office space to best advantage so as to move about without colliding with sharp corners etc.

• Close filing cabinet draws after use. • Don’t “piggyback” electrical plugs. • Take care when cables etc must be run across floors. • If you must climb up, use a ladder, not a chair. • Watch the stairs - use the handrail. • Watch your lifting techniques - paper can be heavy. • Keep EXITS clear.

WALK DON’T RUN – IT’S SAFER FOR EVERYONE Protecting the Environment It is everybody’s responsibility to protect and care for our environment. Australis Solar is committed to ensuring that no environmental damage is caused by its business activities and expects that you will in turn:

• Clean up all spills immediately • Prevent any spills near drains, or any waterways • Not use storm water drains for waste disposal • Report excessive noise


• Dispose of all rubbish in appropriate bins • Keep all areas clean and tidy • Be aware of excessive air emissions.

If you produce waste material in your work or cause a spill (either liquid or solid) you must report this to your Supervisor. CLEAN UP SPILLS IMMEDIATELY Breaches of Workplace Safety Requirements If you disregard safety requirements or procedures, the following procedure, designed to encourage improvement in safe working practices, shall take place:

• Counselling in the first instance by your Supervisor. This session will be recorded.

• In the event that you still fail to follow the approved safety requirements and procedures, a formal written warning will be given informing you of the Company’s intention to terminate your services if your attitude to safety does not improve.

• Should your unsatisfactory behaviour continue then, subject to careful investigation of all the facts, and after you have had the opportunity to offer an explanation, it will be open to the Company to dismiss you with or without notice.

In addition, Australis Solar House Rules provide that cases of serious misconduct, if proven, could involve instant dismissal. KNOW YOUR SAFETY PROCEDURES Contractor Health and safety Definition of a Contractor: “Any person or business entering into a contractual arrangement to carry out work, or to have work performed by another, directly or indirectly for the Company”.

Contractor Legal Health and safety Duties Health and safety legislation sets down strict health and safety duties on all people within the workplace including contractors. Contractors’ employees and sub-contractors have duties under the Health and safety legislation as summarised:

• To co-operate with your managers on health and safety matters • To use the safety equipment provided to you • To correct or report unsafe situations to your supervisor • To report any incident or injury occurring to you • To follow safety rules and safe operating procedures as laid down • Not to endanger the health or safety of any person


Contractor Safety and health activities Contractors must be aware of the specific WHS Policies and Procedures that relate to the site and/or the work that will be performed.

It is the responsibility of the contractors’ to ensure that all their employees are also made aware of and are familiar with Policies and Procedures that relate to the site and/or the work that is to be performed and that the acknowledgement form in the back of this Handbook is completed by the contractor’s employee prior to commencing work.

It is expected that as a contractor you will, amongst other safe working activities:

• Report any hazard that is beyond your control • Use the correct plant and substances for the job you are doing • Ensure that you have available up to date MSDS’s for any chemicals you bring

onto site (This includes cleaners and cleaning materials) • Bring onto site only electrical leads, tools or appliances that have up to date

inspection tags attached • Keep areas you work in clean and tidy • Use the correct safety equipment and protective clothing for the job • Obey rules, signs & instructions & use equipment that you are authorised to • Abide by any rules the Work Permit Systems requires or rules in use on the

site/workplace • Use safe lifting technique and get help/mechanical assistance for heavy loads • Understand and follow site/workplace emergency procedures • Ask if in doubt about any health or safety Procedure • Get First-aid treatment for any injury you suffer • Report all mishaps to site/workplace management


Working at Heights Policy The need to work at heights is an inherent risk associated with the work of the electrical industry. Australis Solar are committed to ensuring that all work that is undertaken at heights will be done in a manner that ensures the stipulations of the legislation, in conjunction with the principles of risk assessment are adhered to. Regulation 3.55 states that if a person is at risk of falling 2 meters or more from an edge from -a scaffold, fixed stair, landing or suspended slab at the workplace or -formwork or falsework at a workplace Edge protection must be provided. Also, if there is a risk of a 3 meter fall in situations other than a) and b) above then edge protection and/ or a fall injury prevention system must be in place and utilised. These requirments will always be implemented in conjunction with our risk assessment process which will include consideration of, but not be limited to; The materials that make up the structure to be worked on. The weather conditions. Condition of footwear. Time allowance for the task (don’t rush). Tools required for the task – Reduce the need to constantly go up and down the ladder. Are there others working in the vicinity? Identification of other hazards that have the potential to change or influence a common task.

SAFETY INDUCTION HANDBOOK V2 - Australis Solar · Page 4 of 26 April 2012 V2 Workplace Health and Safety Policy Australis Solar management’s aim is to prevent accidents and personal

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