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OHS Procedures

Accident Prevention

Many accidents occur when either the task is unfamiliar or there is undue haste. Adequate preparation, assistance where necessary, and steady work rather than panic each contribute to a safer work environment.

All tasks have some degree of risk involved. Providing a safe working environment means that we need to identify potential risks and either remove them or reduce the likelyhood of them happening by managing the risks. That is:

  1. Identify hazards and hazardous jobs (risks)
  2. Assign priority for each risk
  3. Assess the risk(s) in order of priority
  4. Control the risk(s)
  5. Periodically evaluate OH&S risk management procedures

When assessing the risks in your work environment, you should consider what makes the job hazardous:

  • The physical activity required?
  • The work environment?
  • The nature of the hazard itself?
  • The individuals involved?

You are then in a position to control the risk using the hierarchy of hazard control:

  • Rearrange the work area
  • Establish safe work practices
  • Provide training or supervision
  • Wear personal protective equipment
  • All glassware is a potential hazard; choose plastic replacements if practical. Take special care with glass tubing and thermometers.

Before commencing a job, consider questions such as these:

  • What is the correct tool for this job?
  • What happens if the tool or job slips?
  • What if the blockage is cleared suddenly?
  • Do I need gloves, goggles, etc?
  • Is the haste worth the extra risk?
  • Should I be working alone?
  • Can someone advise on methods or risks?
  • Am I following the approved methods of operation?
  • Am I following the approved methods of operation?

Safety Training

Supervisors are responsible for arranging or delivering laboratory based courses which are required as part of the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) induction for all staff and students. A register of participants attending the OH&S induction must be copied to the Safety Officer.

All new staff are required to undergo a general Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) induction seminar within one month of commencement. New staff are to register with the Safety Officer for this training. Schedule courses can be view here.

Supervisors responsible for delivering biological laboratory based courses are required to provide a Biological Safety induction to all participants in the course. A register of participants attending the Biological Safety induction must be copied to the Safety Officer.