Occupational
Health and Safety Internal Audits - Timetable and Scope
Click here to download
the timetable as a microsoft word document.
Listed below are the OH&S matters to be audited,
and a brief description of the scope of each audit. The school
of Medicine is audited under the FMC Audit System.
Asbestos Safety Program
Asbestos is present in some buildings at Flinders University
but the risk to staff and students of exposure to asbestos
fibres is minimal.
July to September 2005/2007
This audit will check progress with implementation of the
University’s Asbestos
Management Policy.
In brief, the Policy aims to:
- maintain an asbestos register
- assess annually the condition of the installed asbestos
- determine appropriate measures to control exposures
- inform the University community of the presence of asbestos
(eg access to Register, signage) and ensure they are aware
of and co-operate with measures taken to ensure their safety
- ensure a safe system of work for all persons working
with asbestos, including use of a permit to work system
and safe work practices and procedures
- ensure all relevant University personnel are fully informed
about asbestos hazards and given appropriate instruction,
training and supervision in safe work practices and procedures
- maintain accurate, reliable data on asbestos exposures,
training, etc which is easily retrieved on request.
- remove installed asbestos in conjunction with all upgrade,
renovation and repair work.
Biosafety
January to March every year
The Institutional Biosafety Committee is a Joint Flinders
Medical Centre/Flinders University Committee reporting to
the Deputy CEO (FMC) and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
An annual inspection is carried out by IBC members in accordance
with a checklist provided by the office of the Gene Technology
Regulator (Canberra).
The University's OH&S system audit checks that the Biosafety
Committee is meeting as required, that inspections are occurring,
and remedial action is taken if necessary. Advice is provided
to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), the Faculty of Health
Science OH&S Committee and the University OH&S Committee
regarding progress against WorkCover Performance Standards.
Boats and Seagoing Vessels
April to June each year
Staff in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (School of
Chemistry Physics and Earth Sciences and School of Biological
Sciences) undertake boating activities: they also own and
maintain some boats. Staff in the Faculty of Education Humanities
Law and Theology (Archaeology) use but do not own boats.
This audit will check that the Faculty of Science and Engineering
has proof that:
- boats/seagoing vessels are correctly maintained;
- all boat operators have been provided with appropriate
training ;
- operators who are required to be licenced have completed
the required training and hold a current licence;
- risk assessments have been carried out for all routine
work;
- standard (safe) operating procedures have been established
and all passengers and crew are informed of the operating
procedures.
- all required Checklists and Forms (such as survey documents)
have been completed;
- each staff member and student undertaking boating activities
has been trained;
- boats that require registration are registered;
- boats that require survey have been surveyed;
- safety equipment is regularly maintained;
- First Aid equipment is provided and maintained;
- appropriate methods of communication have been established.
Boilers and Pressure Vessels
January to March 2005/2007
The University has a wide range of equipment that is under
pressure, some bought from suppliers and some manufactured
at the University.
This audit seeks evidence that:
- a hazard management approach is applied to all boilers
and pressure vessels;
- Standard Operating Procedures exist;
- regular maintenance is carried out on pressurised items;
- inspection by a registered inspector is done where required;
- items are registered with DAIS where required.
Building Hazard Survey
July to September 2006/2008
This audit will check that all major Cost Centres have:
- Established building hazard survey checklists which,
as well as the hazard identification aspect, also incorporate
risk assessment and reference to the relevant legislation
relating to the items that are checked;
- documentation regarding the time interval at which the
regular building hazard survey is carried out;
- proof that the surveys have been carried out at those
intervals;
- proof that any problems identified have been rectified
or referred for action.
The audit will also check whether:
- any accidents/incidents relating to hazards that should
have been identified in the regular building hazard survey
have been reported during the last 2 years;
- appropriate corrective action has been taken since the
accident/incident to prevent recurrence of the problem.
Chemical Waste Disposal
July to September each year
University Laboratories and Workshops generate chemical waste:
it is disposed of in accordance with legislative requirements
for waste disposal.
This audit checks that each area has appropriate rules for
waste disposal, that the interim storage arrangements prior
to disposal are appropriate and safe and that adequate records
exist.
Confined Spaces
July to September 2005/2007
Staff in the Maintenance section and Information
Services Division may work in confined spaces.
The Working in Confined Spaces Policy aims to ensure that
all persons carrying out work in confined spaces are trained
and work in such a manner as required to maintain a safe working
environment.
The audit will check progress with confined space training
and implementation of the Permit to Work system.
In accordance with the objectives of the University Action
Plan for Confined Spaces, the requirements of AS 2865 and
Division 2.4 of the OHS&W Regulations, 1995, the audit
aims to check that there is written proof that:
- all confined spaces have been identified and recorded;
- all confined spaces have been clearly labelled;
- all confined spaces have had hazards identified, a risk
assessment carried out and Standard Operating Procedures
made available to the relevant workers;
- all people who undertake work in confined spaces can
provide proof of attendance at a Construction Industry Training
Centre 2 day confined space course or equivalent;
- people who undertake work in confined spaces have been
trained in use of the University Permit to Work system and
all other University procedures relevant to this work;
- there is proof that the University Permit to Work system
for work in confined spaces is being implemented.
Contractor Safety
July to September 2006/2008
A "contractor" is a person, partnership or company
engaged under a "contract for service" to carry
out work at the University - for example building, maintenance
or refurbishment of premises.
In this context the term "contractor" excludes
labour hire personnel and people who provide academic, research
and/or administrative service who have a "contract of
service."
The audit will check progress with the implementation of
the Contractor Safety Policy and Procedures.
Diving
April to June each year
The Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of
Education Humanities Law and Theology (Archaeology) both carry
out scientific diving.
This audit will check that there is written proof that :
- all equipment is correctly maintained;
- all required checklists and forms have been completed;
- risk assessments have been undertaken;
- there is proof of training of each staff member and student
who undertakes diving;
- all staff and students who undertake diving have access
to all relevant documentation;
- First Aid equipment is provided and maintained.
The audit will also report on progress with the compilation
of a University Diving Procedures Manual and Diving Policy.
Electrical Appliance Safety
July to September 2005/2007
The Electrical Safety Policy is available on-line. A hard
copy of the revised Policy is available from Buildings and
Property Division.
All major Cost Centres have purchased electrical testing
equipment, Electrical Testing Liaison staff have been nominated
in each major Cost Centre and selected staff have been trained
in electrical testing. In some smaller work units external
contractors are employed to carry out a regular testing program.
In addition, the OH&S Committees of all major Cost Centres
ensure that visual inspection of electrical cords and equipment
is carried out on a regular basis, as part of the Building
Hazard Survey /Workplace Inspection.
This audit aims to determine the extent of implementation
of the testing program and the understanding of staff of the
hazard management process in relation to electrical appliances.
First Aid
April to June 2005/2007
In addition to the First Aid assistance available at the
Health Service there are more than 150 University staff with
current First Aid training and 6 First Aid Coordinators at
various locations across campus. Click
here for First Aid information.
The aim of this audit is to check whether staff understand
the First Aid system at the University, and whether School
Office / Divisional Office staff have current information
regarding location of First Aiders, Rest Rooms and First Aid
Kits
Hazardous Substances
April to June 2005/2007
The University has a Hazardous
Substances Policy and uses the "ChemGold" web based data
base and MSDS system to assist with the management of chemicals.
Hazardous Substances Managers (HSM's) have been nominated
and trained in each major Cost Centre. Amongst other things,
the HSM's must provide appropriate labels for all hazardous
substances, ensure that MSDS are available for all hazardous
substances and that the ChemGold database is updated.
Staff who introduce new chemicals to the University, whether
by purchasing or by producing them must inform their HSM of
the presence of those new chemicals. Chemicals imported directly
from overseas are subject to Federal Government requirements
with regard to reporting to National
NICNAS.
This audit aims to determine progress with implementation
of the Policy.
Hot Work (welding, grinding, cutting, etc.)
Staff of the Maintenance department, staff in workshops at
various locations across campus, and external contractors
may be involved in hot work (i.e. work that may generate flames,
heat or sparks.) A Hot Work Action Plan has been approved
by the University Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
The Maintenance Department has formulated appropriate Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP's) and a Permit to Work System and
has trained staff in use of the SOP's and Permit system. The
SOP's and Permit documentation has been sent to all Workshops
across campus to assist in review of their own procedures.
Contractors are required to follow the University SOP's and
Permit system.
This audit will check that:
- maintenance workers have been trained in use of the Permit
to Work System;
- the Permit to Work System is being used routinely by maintenance
staff and contractors;
- contractors are informed of University requirements in
relation to Hot Work;
- staff in workshops (other than maintenance) are aware
of local Hot Work procedures and have developed appropriate
Standard Operating Procedures and signage
Injury Management (Rehabilitation / Compensation)
October to December 2007
The University is a 'self insurer' with regard to Workers Compensation and as such manages both compensation and rehabilitation in accordance with the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, 1986. In order to maintain this position the University must meet WorkCover Performance Standards.
Staff who are injured or ill due to workplace accidents are entitled to lodge a claim for workers compensation and to be provided with rehabilitation assistance where necessary.
Compensation claims are managed by the Claims Management Unit and Rehabilitation is managed by the Rehabilitation Case Manager in the OHS Unit.
The Injury Management system will be audited by an external consultant.
The audit will involve reviewing system documentation and interviewing relevant staff of the OHS Unit and the Claims Management Unit.
Any opportunities for system improvements that could be made in order to meet the WorkCover Code of Conduct for Exempt Employers including the Self Insured Performance Standards will be discussed with the relevant staff.
A report of the findings will be provided to the Head of the OHS Unit and the Claims Manager. The report will include recommendations for system improvements if required.
The aim of audit is to establish:
- Whether activities within the Injury Management system are carried out in compliance with planned arrangements
- The suitability of the ‘outputs’ of the process in relation to its objectives
- Legislative compliance
- Performance measurement
- WorkCover Natural Consequences Model measures.
The audit will encompass:
- Review of the Injury Management systems, policy and procedures
- Consideration of system planning, implementation and evaluation strategies
- Performance outcomes or indicators to measure the effectiveness of systems and programmes beyond Incident Rate, Claims Frequency Rate and Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate.
- Accountability mechanisms, knowledge and measurement criteria used to assess performance.
Internal Audit Process
July to September 2005
The OH&S Committees of all major Cost Centres ensure
that a regular Building Hazard Survey / Workplace Inspection
is undertaken by staff of each Cost Centre in order to identify
hazards in each area. Internal
audits are carried out by people external to the work
area, and the audits focus on the systems for management of
OH&S matters, not on "hazard spotting".
The aim of this audit is to check whether staff understand
the purpose of Internal Audits and are aware of the distinction
between an Internal Audit and the regular Building Hazard
Surveys / Workplace Inspection.
Laser Safety
July to September each year
Class 3B and 4 lasers are used at the University and in accordance
with AS/NZS 2211.1:1997 a Laser Safety Officer has been appointed,
has undertaken appropriate training and has compiled laser
safety rules for all laser users. For Laser safety information
click here.
The audit checks that a register of class 3B and class 4
lasers is maintained, that workers have been trained in safe
use of lasers, that an annual report is provided to the Faculty
OH&S Committee and the Head of the OH&S Unit and that
there is compliance with the laser safety rules regarding
safe operation of lasers.
Manual Handling training
April to June 2006/2008
Some areas of the University regularly carry out manual handling.
This audit will check that Cost Centres have
- identified all areas where manual handling regularly occurs;
- ensured that staff whose work involves manual handling
have been provided with appropriate training at least once
every 2 years.
The audit will also identify three areas in each Cost Centre
where there is a reasonable chance that manual handling regularly
occurs - for example, computing services areas - and ask staff
(a) whether manual handling occurs and (b) whether (and when)
they have received training.
OH&S training
April to June 2006/2008
The University provides many options for staff to undertake
training in Occupational Health and Safety.
This audit seeks evidence that Cost Centres have:
- proof that they have carried out OH&S inductions for
new staff;
- encouraged H&S Representatives and Deputies to undertake
training;
- encouraged supervisors and academic staff to complete
the on-line training;
- asked Schools / Divisional Heads to identify OH&S
training needs.
Plant Safety (Powered)
July to September 2006/2008
This audit will check:
- that the major Cost Centres have a system in place for
managing plant safety;
- that the system includes identification of items of plant,
assessment of risks associated with that plant (generic
or specific), production of standard operating procedures
(including consultation with the operators), and training
and information sessions regarding those operating procedures;
- that assessment has been made of the plant in relation
to adequate guarding, interlocks or warning systems;
- that there is evidence that plant is regularly checked
and maintained;
- that Standard Operating Procedures exist;
- that staff are aware of the University's Plant Safety
Guidelines and are aware of the Cost Centre's system for
reporting hazards associated with plant;
- whether staff in the areas audited have reported problems
arising from plant during the last 2 years, and
- if so, whether corrective action has since been taken
to prevent recurrence of the problems for the individual
concerned and for other staff in the area.
Radiation Safety
July to September each year
Both sealed and unsealed sources are used at the University.
For information on radiation safety, click
here.
The audit checks that the University is complying with the
Radiation Protection and Control Act and Regulations, and
with the University Radiation Safety Policy.
Screen Based Safety
July to September 2006/2008
Staff in all areas work with computers / screen based equipment.
People can be injured using such equipment if they do not:
- Set up the equipment properly;
- Use the equipment properly.
The University has a Screen
Based Equipment Policy
For further information click
here
This audit will check:
- that the major Cost Centres have written proof that they
have distributed information to all staff regarding working
with screen based equipment;
- that randomly selected staff are aware of the Screen
Based Equipment Policy and aware of the OH&S Unit's
site map web address;
- that randomly selected staff are aware of the basic safe
working procedures for using screen based equipment (posture,
equipment, organisation of work so that regular breaks are
taken);
- whether staff in the areas audited have reported problems
arising from work with screen based equipment during the
last 2 years, and
- if so, whether corrective action has since been taken
to prevent recurrence of the problems for the individual
concerned and for other staff in the area.
Working in hot conditions
January to March 2006/2008
Outdoor workers, staff and students undertaking field trips
and some other staff may have to work in hot conditions. Click
here for more information.
The University has a Working
in Hot Conditions Policy.
There are local area Guidelines
for both Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and the Faculty
of Social Sciences.
This audit seeks evidence that the Cost Centres where work
is carried out in hot conditions have:
- established written Procedures;
- ensured that staff are aware of the Procedures;
- reviewed their Procedures since the establishment date;
- set a time for the next review of Procedures;
- informed the University OH&S Committee and the OH&S
Unit of the review and the outcome of the review.
The audit will also check whether staff in those Cost Centres
have reported heat related difficulties during the last 2
years.
Last updated: 13 February 2007
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