OHS Newsletter October 2002

Changes to Electrical Regulations

Changes to workplace safety regulations regarding electrical safety came into force on 1 September 2002.

WorkCover recorded four workplace-related fatalities involving electricity in South Australian workplaces in2000-2001, while in the past three years July 1999 to June 2002 there were more than 260 claims from employees for injuries associated with contact with electricity.

The focus of the regulation has been changed to one of risk assessment and hazard identification. The OH&S Unit has already developed an Electrical Safety Policy in line with this requirement.

The whole regulation is clearer and more specific, but particularly in relation to the minimum requirements for the testing of electrical plant and RCDs (Residual Current Devices). Changes include a minimum testing frequency of once every 12 months for non-portable RCDs, previously it was every three months.

People who have hard copies of the OHS&W Regulations supplied through the OH&S Unit will automatically get a hard copy update, with instructions for filing.

A practical Information Sheet (Workplace Electrical Safety: No 5) and more technical Guidelines booklet (Guidelines on Workplace Electrical Safety) have been produced and are available from WorkCover on 131855 or via their website at www.workcover.com

Alan Walker

Audit results from WorkCover

The draft audit report has been received from the WorkCover auditor, Jim Craik, and returned to him with edits to names / titles. It is anticipated that the final (formal) report will be sent to the Vice Chancellor from WorkCover by the end of September.

As Jim Craik indicated at the feedback session at the conclusion of his two week audit, the overall audit results are good and the various systems for managing OH&S matters at the University are working well.

OH&S internal audits

The nine OH&S internal audit teams are in the process of auditing the University’s systems for managing plant safety and for ensuring that supervisors provide their staff with advice regarding use of screen based equipment. The auditors are also checking that the regular building hazard surveys have been carried out.

The OH&S Unit is auditing the OH&S management systems for SCUBA Diving (School of Biological Sciences, Lincoln Marine Science Centre, National Tidal Facility and Archaeology) and Asbestos management (Buildings and Property Division). Indications so far are that, overall, all of the above matters are being well managed.

The above audits will be completed by the end of September and the University-wide reports will then be sent to the Vice-Chancellor and the University OH&S Committee.

Tai Chi – free relaxation!

If you attend Tai Chi lessons in the wider community you will have to pay $85 for a block of 9 weeks. The OH&S Unit is providing Tai Chi free to staff at lunch times.

Go to the OH&S web address on the yellow stress ball that was sent to you in January of this year, and scroll down to News / Tai Chi - or try a Google Search.

People who want to start on the path of Tai Chi will be able to attend the Shibashi 1 (beginners class) on Wednesday lunch times during Term 4. Classes will run from 12.10 to 12.55 p.m. starting on 16 October for 9 weeks.

The Friday lunch time classes will be Tai Chi level 2 from 12.10 to 12.55 and Tai Chi level 4 from 1.10 to 1.55 p.m. starting on Friday 18 October for 9 weeks.

All classes will be held in the Geoff Harrison Room (basement of the Union building of the main campus) as we no longer have access to the Function Centre (old staff club).

Please call 13024 or email Chris.Euripides to book in to your preferred class.

Feldenkrais – free relaxation!

This is a relaxation technique in which you learn new patterns of movement/behaviour specifically designed to expand body awareness, allowing more efficient and comfortable movement and self image.

Arrangements are being made for 6 free lunch time sessions to be run later this year: sessions will be guided by a qualified Feldenkrais practitioner / physiotherapist.

See the OH&S web site details or call Kerry Jaunutis (13117) for further information.

Jennie Cumming, Head, OH&S Unit