Safety First October 2013 by Prime Creative Media

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PP255003/06385

Manager’s Occupational Health and Safety

Solutions Guide

October 2013

FlexiGuard™ mobile fall protection access systems... portable, adjustable, safe.

INSIDE: Mining Safety ● OH&S ● Body Protection ● Height Safety ● Waste & Hazardous Materials ● Materials Handling ● Production Line ●

>>> A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY CIRRUS MEDIA

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Integrated safety solutions at your doorstep When it comes to safety, NHP combine expert people with an extensive range of products and services from leading global suppliers to deliver integrated, valueadd solutions. It’s all a part of our customer promise to be easy to do business with. In addition to these partnerships including Rockwell Automation and the Allen-Bradley® range, our IECEx certified Hazardous Area Workshop offers the ability to customise solutions to suit project specific application. Bringing together individual safety components, NHP has the knowledge to design integrated solutions that offer increased control across your operations.

Calling upon our safety team which includes TUV certified experts, we can also offer a range of services and training opportunities to ensure you are up-to date with the ever evolving machine safety industry. For increased convenience, this same team can also provide onsite consultation and risk assessments for site specific applications. If you’re looking for an advantage when it comes to safety, the safe choice is NHP. For more information on our On Tour programs please visit nhp.com.au/Media/Events/On-Tour

Scan to code to find out more information on NHP Safety.

NHP ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS PTY LTD

Sales 1300 NHP NHP | nhp.com.au |

EASY TO DO BUSINESS WITH

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CONTENTS

SafetyFirst. Publisher Martin Sinclair E-mail: martin.sinclair@cirrusmedia.com.au Editor Kevin Gomez Tel: (02) 8484 0976 E-mail: kevin.gomez@cirrusmedia.com.au Victoria sales Project Manager Michael Northcott Mobile: 0448 077 247 E-mail: michael.northcott@cirrusmedia.com.au New South Wales sales Anthony Head Tel: (02) 8011 3184 Fax: (02) 8484 0915 E-mail: anthony.head@cirrusmedia.com.au Queensland sales Sharon R. Amos Tel: (07) 3261 8857 Fax: (07) 3261 8347 E-mail: sharon.amos@cirrusmedia.com.au Production Co-ordinator Mary Copland Tel: (02) 8484 0737 Fax: (02) 8484 0722 E-mail: mary.copland@cirrusmedia.com.au Graphic Design Louis Santos Tel: (02) 8484 0724 E-mail: louis.santos@cirrusmedia.com.au Circulation/Customer service Tel: 1300 360 126 E-mail: customer.service@cirrusmedia.com.au

contents Mining Safety

Going up in smoke Beware of imitations of locking device Hi-Vis workwear for pregnant women in mining Abrasion-resistant gloves for mining

OH&S

ERP for workplace safety specialist Cabinet for flammable goods First app for workplace safety

Body Protection

Versaflo Systems provide integrated hazard protection Elastic sided boot added to All Terrain 55 range Speedglas graphic welding helmet upgraded

Waste & Hazardous Environments

Safety under pressure Avoid hose handling injuries

Height Safety

Versatile boxes offer a safe alternative to stick scaffold

Production Line Cirrus Media Tower 2, Level 3, 475 Victoria Avenue Chatswood NSW 2067, Australia Locked Bag 4700 Chatswood Delivery Centre, NSW 2067, Australia Tel: (02) 8484 0888 Fax: (02) 8484 0633 ABN 80 132 719 861 www.cirrusmedia.com.au © Copyright Cirrus Media, 2013 Printed by Offset Alpine Printing All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Utmost care is taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial matter. Product specifications and claims are those of the manufacturers.

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Printed four times a year, Safety First is inserted in the March, June, August and October issues of Manufacturers’ Monthly, FEN, Food, Australian Mining and PACE with a distribution of 30,000.

October 2013

INSIDE: ●

Dust is an explosive risk

Behind the cover Solutions Guide

FlexiGuard™ mobile fall protection access systems... portable, adjustable, safe.

●

Materials Handling

AEST

PP255003/06385

Manager’s Occupational Health and Safety

Laws crack down on non-compliant steel storage materials

Mining Safety ● OH&S ● Body Protection ● Height Safety ● Waste & Hazardous Materials Materials Handling ● Production Line >>> A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY CIRRUS MEDIA

Capital Safety www.capitalsafety.com.au DBI-SALA’s FlexiGuard® fall protection access systems provide users of plant or equipment with a mobile overhead anchorage point that can be moved around from application to application. Ideal for situations where an overhead structure is unreachable or does not exist, addressing the most demanding requirements for reaching heights safely and efficiently. Constructed from lightweight aluminium and powder-coated steel, systems are robustly built and can be easily moved by hand or a vehicle. They provide protection from the ground up and are typically rated for up to two users. Fixed or adjustable in height with an overhead anchorage point for personal fall-arrest systems, they provide an active fall protection solution for a wide range of applications. For complete peace of mind DBI-SALA’s FlexiGuard® Systems offer a complete solution that are ready to use. Call Capital Safety today and let our team of engineers, operations staff and safety experts consult with you to ensure you receive the right product for your application.

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MINING SAFETY

Going up in smoke

N recent times Australia has become a destination for purveyors of synthetic marijuana, a vegetable like material, commonly known as Kronic, sprayed with dangerous chemicals and later smoked. Producing a similar or mimic effect to use of marijuana, it is now considered a dangerous product and responsible for serious psychosis with potential for prolonged effects. The two main chemicals JWH 018 and JWH 073 in various forms and five other substances are sprayed on to a vegetable like material, sometimes referred to as “herbal incense”. Interestingly manufacturers of the substance continually change and alter the contents with levels of JWH 018 sometimes varying from 0.2 percent to 3 percent and other substances making the substance difficult to detect. Recent studies indicate that use of Kronic is causing amongst other conditions heart attacks, convulsions, paranoia, anxiety, racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and vomiting. Since 2011, the West Australia Government has made the substance illegal. Other states are following suit and banning the substance. The

substances found in Kronic are banned from importation in Australia. Final ratification on the illegality of the substance is yet to be reached. Sadly Kronic has become the drug of choice for many and is used in Australian workplaces, possibly due to the existing uncertainty surrounding the legal status. Whilst considered a banned substance Kronic, is not listed in Australian Standards 4308 : 2008 like marijuana, opiates, amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine and benzodiazepines. Until recently (early 2013) Kronic was unable to be detected onsite using conventional immunoassay urine drug screening devices for the detection of THC/marijuana. The only option available for employers was by Q trap Confirmatory testing using LC/MS MS (liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry in tandem) method. Completely different from conventional GC/MS (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry confirmatory) testing. Proving to be an expensive option with costs ranging from $100 to $120 per test. Coupled with the lag time for results notification

dependent upon the location and proximity to confirmatory laboratory. However one company is now offering a cost-effective option in the form of an on-site urine-based test. Following a conventional urine drug screen which produces a negative result, further testing for Kronic is able to use the same collected specimen for Kronic testing using the LaneWorkSafe Split Specimen Cup. According to the company, a tester simply has to remove the screw cap from the Split Cup and place the Kronic kit into the specimen for 30 seconds and remove and lay flat. With slightly longer result times of 5 to 6 minutes, than the Split Cup, a C or Control line will appear, indicating the kit is working correctly. For negative results a line will appear alongside the letter T indicating a clear Kronic free specimen. As a presumptive result, minimising the number of specimens requiring confirmatory testing, the cost effectiveness is considerable. At the present time there is no saliva device available for the detection of Kronic. LaneWorkSafe, 1800 429 219 laneworksafe.com.au

Abrasion-resistant gloves for mining AS the range of tasks mining workers perform is quite diverse, appropriate protective properties need be considered for glove selection. Ansell’s has recently released the HyFlex 11-840 general-purpose safety glove that features Fortix, an advanced abrasion-resistant coating that has been tested to last up to 40 times on average longer than the best in class competitor. Ansell Marketing Manager, David Nicholls said, “The ultra-light, formfitting liner of the HyFlex

| Safety First | October 2013

11-840 glove is tailored to fit the contours of the hand to provide comfort during extended wear across different applications. Due to the glove’s dexterity, workers should be able to more easily perform tasks requiring increased mechanical resistance and precision.” Another glove, the ActivArmr Hi-Viz 97012 is an example of how glove manufacturers are responding to a need for optimum balance between all day comfort, performance and protection. A multipurpose glove

offering a combination of visibility, protection and dexterity, Ansell says the 97012 is suitable for handling small items and provides superior grip in wet and dry conditions. A shrewdly designed 15 gauge liner lets the hands breathe for all-day comfort compared with leather alternatives. Hand fatigue is not a problem due to the gloves’ natural, relaxed fit. Unlike traditional high visibility liner gloves, ActivArmr 97-012 GP HiViz gloves come with high visibility on the palm side

The ActivArmr Hi-Viz 97-012 glove delivers a balance between all day comfort and protection.

in addition to the back of the hand, further increasing safety in low light conditions often experienced in mines. Ansell, 1800 337 041 www.ppe.ansell.com.au

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THE NEW WB 34 SERIES. A GIANT LEAP IN PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT. The WB 34 Series is one of the lightest work boots we’ve ever made. But it isn’t light on features. It’s packed with innovations like the NATUREform® steel safety toecap, advanced heat, acid and split-resistant sole, the unique COMFORTcushion® impact absorption system and the new breathable Aegis† antibacterial technology embedded in the lining and the footbed. So, wherever your work takes you, you’ll find it’s the ultimate blend of safety and comfort. Discover more at your nearest retailer or at oliver.com.au †AEGIS Microbe Shield® Technology © 2013 Microban International

Love your feet more

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MINING SAFETY

Beware of imitations of locking device

NHP advises that inferior quality imitation copies of their LOCKDIN range have recently appeared in the market. Most likely sourced from neighbouring countries, these inferior copies of the LOCKDIN device pose a genuine safety risk and should be avoided. The imitation product can be identified by the following attributes: • The plastic base is fabricated from a flexible material. As a result, the metal arm can flex around the MCB toggle so that it can be easily defeated, even when padlocked. It is also very easy to remove entirely, padlocked or not. This is a safety concern. • The base moulding cannot

accommodate the auxiliary filler accessory due to incorrectly formed cavities. • The bottom of the base moulding is not rounded, as can be seen in the photograph. This design change was introduced in 2012 to facilitate the fitment of a Lock-Din/MCB combination to the NHP NC chassis. • The tag clip on the copy LOCKDIN appears to be glued on. It is easily bent or detached with minimal force. • The right angle on the metal arm is not straight. This inferior copy is in breach of NHP’s patent on this product. The company is concerned that a customer

The bottom of the base moulding is not rounded in imitation copies of LOCKDIN.

may be unaware they have purchased the inferior product which can be easily defeated and pose significant safety risks. Users who have LOCKDIN devices on their site and are unsure of their origin, are advised to inspect the devices for the attributes as listed above. NHP Sales and Application Engineering teams are able assist in identifying any non-conforming items. The company is in the process of adding the NHP logo to their moulding tools to mitigate this situation in the future. NHP, 1300 647 647 nhp.com.au

Hi-Vis workwear for pregnant women in mining AN Australian first line of workwear developed specifically for pregnant women in mining is already being taken up on site. The line, called Kym by She’s Empowered, provides hi-vis everyday safety workwear and maternity uniforms for the growing number of women in the mining and resources industry. In 2011, women represented nearly one in five of all workers in the resources industry, a jump from 15 percent in 2006. It was created by Kym Clark, a 27 year old who works as an accountant at Anglo American’s Middlemount coal mine, after she saw her pregnant manager had to wear a hi-vis shirt in a corporate meeting, which was worn unbuttoned over a singlet to fit. “I could not believe the lack of workwear options for women in mining,” Clark said. “Until my business was developed, there were no maternity workwear options for industrial workers. I knew I

| Safety First | October 2013

had the ability and drive to change that. “Women work in all areas of the industry from administration to underground and open cut roles, and often work upwards of 50 hours a week. Women deserve to wear a well-fitted uniform just like those in any other industry,” she said. Clark’s employer, Anglo American, is already providing workers with the clothing option. Anglo’s metallurgical coal diversity and inclusion specialist, Rebecca Capper, said the miner is embracing the line’s approach to women’s personal protective apparel. “As a company that values diversity and inclusion in our workforce, we are delighted to offer women a choice in workwear that aligns with our safety requirements while keeping them comfortable during their pregnancy,” Capper said. She’s Empowered 1300 854 551 www.shes-empowered.com.au

Women have a choice in workwear that aligns with safety requirements while keeping them comfortable during their pregnancy.

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OH&S

ERP for workplace safety specialist

RIGINALLY from Lake Macquarie, Maddison Safety is a supplier and manufacturer of personal protection equipment (PPE) and safety products for the mining industry. The business started with just two people in a small back office. Today, there are more than 30 employees based in a custom-built building in Cardiff, NSW, serving customers right around Australia and overseas. Business success and rapid growth can be difficult to keep up with. Increased volumes and internal systems often end up swamped and inefficiencies started to creep in. In 2006, Maddison Safety was using local-grown software to handle job tracking, sales orders and their various financial reporting needs. To start with, it suited them just fine. “Suddenly,” according to General Manager Tim Maddison, “We found SF1 0 1 3 _ 0 0 7 _ SPE 1 2 0 ourselves having to do a lot of additional

ERP systems, including MYOB EXO. MYOB put Maddison in touch with local partner Indivia to demonstrate the system. “Comparing it against our list of requirements,” says Maddison, “EXO’s standard out-of-the-box functionality alone ticked about 90 percent of our boxes. But the really interesting thing about EXO is its ability to be customised. That, Indivia explained, would take care of the remaining 10 percent.” One such customisation allows Maddison to see how much stock is being sold in vending machines around the country. “About 18 months ago, we started selling our PPE products out of vending machines,” says Maddison. “Now, if guys need a new pair of safety glasses or gloves while they’re on-site they can get them out of a machine.” The clever bit is the integration between these machines and EXO.

manual work in Excel to stay on top of things, and we realised the functionality we needed just wasn’t there.” Maddison Safety Armed with a list of requirements in 1 3 - 0 9 - 0 9 T1 4 : 4 6 : 5 9 + 1 0 : 0 0 maddisonsafety.com.au place, they set about evaluating potential

October 2013 | Safety First |

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OH&S

First app for workplace safety

YSTEMS on a Shoestring (SOAS) has launched Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first workplace safety mobile application to help businesses be compliant with Work Health and Safety legislation. The SOAS Simple Safety application is a step-bystep system to help SMEs to meet Work Health and Safety compliance needs while on the go. According to the Work Health and Safety Act, every business must have a safe system of work. The apps use the intuitive knowledge and guide individuals through a series of fields to enter company specific details. Users can even detail the training and site competencies of people working onsite. This information is compiled and generates documents that may be used to induct workers. The app also generates a safe work method statement (SWMS). You enter the project details including client and address details and select the work you will be doing onsite, the hazards with that equipment are listed and then you select the controls you will be using. This self generates the SWMS which can be emailed to everyone onsite, clients, and sent to the office for your records.

The app gives business owners the ability to identify the hazards in their workplace and implement controls to manage these risks.

According to Director of SOAS, Emma Bentton, business owners have struggled to stay on top of changes to the Work Health and Safety Act, regulations and codes of practice which equate to over 2,000 pages, potentially placing their staff and their business at risk. Systems on a Shoestring claims to be the first product of its kind that allows

trades to manage all their paper work while onsite, reducing time spent in the office. It is customised for each trade and then tailored for each individual business and work site. The apps may be purchased through the Apple Store or through Google Play. Systems on a Shoestring soas.net.au

Cabinet for flammable goods SAFETY product specialist Actisafe has designed a flammable and corrosive goods storage cabinet suitable for the storage of corrosive materials and pesticides in safe and secure conditions. Known as Actistor, the item can be made to customised sizes and powder coated in any required safety colour. Dual vents and flash arrestors are standard on this product. Actisafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flammable and corrosive goods storage cabinet is suitable for all sectors including defence, manufacturing, mining, construction, the auto sector and agriculture. Being rated to AS 1940, AS 3780 and AS 2714, the Actistor flammable goods cabinet has a double wall with 40mm air gap acting as a thermal barrier for added

| Safety First | October 2013

security and protection. There is no chance of spillage or run-off into the general working areas because Actistor is a totally bunded cabinet. Actistor flammable goods cabinets are ruggedised and built to last in tough work conditions. For high integrated security, a double barrel locking system uses both a key and a padlock. All hinges, corner brackets and reinforcements are heavy duty to prevent wear and tear during constant use. Actisafe provides all relative safety and inspection certificates with each product purchased.

The Actistor flammable goods cabinet has a double wall with 40mm air gap acting as a thermal barrier. Actisafe, 1300 852 397 www.actisafe.com.au

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BODY PROTECTION

Elastic sided boot added to All Terrain 55 range

HE Oliver AT 55-222 foot and with the NANOlite is an Elastic Sided foot bed, the AT 55-222 Boot that has a wheat provides underfoot comfort, coloured, water resistant, cushioning and support. Nubuck leather upper with The gently raised surface the added feature of a TECtuff of the NANOlite foot bed rubberised toe bumper to safealso massages the foot when guard against premature wear walking to promote greater caused by scuffing. blood flow and further reduce The sole has two layers of fatigue. The dual density sole a dual density nitrile rubber; is heat resistant to 300°C of a softer midsole and a high surface contact, resistant to density hardwearing outsole, mineral and organic oils and cushion the foot and help to acids and also affords excellent reduce foot, leg and lower slip resistance. and prevent contact between back fatigue. Like the other footwear toes and the toe cap. Oliver Footwear’s styles in the Oliver AT 55 Heavy duty Kevlar stitching COMFORTcushion uses Range, the new AT 55-222 across critical seams provides a combination of cellular has a NATUREform Type increased strength and adds to urethane and PORON to 1 Steel Toe Cap with a wide the durability of the AT 55S F 0 6 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ 3 MA 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 4 - 1 0 T0 9 : 5 8 : 5 7 + 1 0 : 0 0 protect the heel and ball of the profile shape to suit your foot 222. Size choices are from 4

The OliverAT 55-222 combines a water resistant Nubuck leather upper with durability and safety protection.

to 14 with half size increments from 6½ to 10½. The Oliver AT 55-222 is available Australia-wide through major safety supply retailers. Oliver Footwear, 03 5320 0200 www.oliver.com.au

Built for protection

Designed for

comfort

Visit our 3M Protective Coverall Sample website to select your free sample today. www.3M.com.au/coveralls_FreeSample

J0003384 Disposable Protective Coverall Ad 125x185 AU ƒ.indd 1

Sample the 3M difference Harmful dust, light liquid splashes and biological contaminants are just some of the hazards in today’s industrial workplace. 3M’s extensive disposable coverall range offers protection against these, and many other potential skin hazards. Features like breathable panels for extra comfort, increased abrasion resistance for longevity in harsher environments and enhanced compatibility with other PPE help protect workers and allow them to move freely and do their jobs more efficiently.

The power to protect your world 9/04/13 5:49 PM

October 2013 | Safety First |

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BODY PROTECTION

Versaflo Respirator Systems provide integrated hazard protection

HE Versaflo Respirator Systems from 3M are designed to protect workers in a wide range of industries and applications helping them work comfortably for long periods. The Versalfo product range has three modules: an air delivery unit, a headtop and a breathing tube that can be combined into dozens of configurations to deal with changing environments, hazards and comfort preferences. 3M Versaflo S-Series Headcovers and Hoods can be comfortably worn by more users due to new SF 1 0 1 3 _ 0 1 0 _ ENW sizing and adjustment

options. Users also benefit from comfortable, quiet airflow, and reduced fogging and wider field of view. 3M Versaflo M-Series Faceshields and Helmets provide integrated protection from multiple hazards. They are lightweight, compact, wellbalanced, easy to use and easy to maintain. TR-300 Powered Air All Versaflo headtops Respirator is a lightweight, provide a direct stream of slim, easy-to-use air delivery flowing air to where workers unit for environments with need it most: the head and particulate hazards. All 3M face. The moving airflow can Versaflo headtops are crossmake hot environments more compatible with 3M Jupiter tolerable while reducing Powered Air Respirator 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 9 - 0 4 T1 5 : 4 0 : 1 3 + 1 0 : 0 0 visor fogging. 3M Versaflo and 3M Versaflo V-Series Supplied Air Regulators. With Versaflo Respirator Systems, pressure on the face, breathing resistance and heat build-up are all reduced when compared to non-powered tight-fitting

En nware e emergenccy

Stainless steel construction

Versaflo headtops provide a direct stream of flowing air to the head and face.

facepieces, creating all-day comfort for the user. Flowing air supplied to the wearer, reduces the additional breathing effort required, in comparison to negative pressure respirators. This increases user comfort at all times, but is especially important during periods of strenuous labour. 3M, 136 136 3m.com/au/PPESafety

Vertex Technology Designed & manufactured in Australia Independently tested for compliance to AS4775-2007 and ANSI Z358.1-2009 Self-draining design reduces Legionella risk Balanced simultaneous operation High visibility pull handle

AVAILABLE AS: SHOWER ONLY SHOWER WITH EYEWASH SHOWER WITH EYE/FACE WASH

Calll 1300 369 273 ww ww.enwa are.com.au/ehs

| Safety First | October 2013

Speedglas graphic welding helmet upgraded THE Speedglas Welding Helmet Series 100 has been relaunched with a new welding lens, harness and three year warranty. Suitable for Stick, MIG and TIG this 3M welding helmet series also has a high impact rating compliant with Australian and New Zealand standards which makes it suitable for grinding. Speedglas 100 has been upgraded to include an autodarkening lens equipped with advanced TST (TIG Sensor Technology), a shade 3 setting for grinding, a delay function to set the dark-to-light opening time and a new built-in magnifying lens holder. An improved head harness with smooth ratchet mechanism for precise tightening and comfort now comes standard with the graphic auto darkening welding helmet range. Australian Welding Supplies, 02 9439 0111 www.awsupplies.com.au

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WASTE & HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Safety under pressure

USSIE Pumps has released a range of high pressure protection clothing. Designed for use with pressure cleaners up to 7300 psi (500 bar), the new Safe Operator range could cut professional pressure cleaning injuries and reduce fatalities in the industry. “Familiarity breeds contempt,” said Aussie Pumps’ Product Safety Manager, Martine Musumeci. “We’ve all seen council employees, tradies and even professional high pressure cleaning contractors working without steel cap boots, let alone serious protection equipment,” she said. The Safe Operator range ties in with Aussie Pumps’ training program for operators. “Aussie Safe Operator is all about protecting operators from the very real dangers of high pressure water use,” said Musumeci. “With the Safe Operator range we’ve stepped away from the traditional high pressure kevlar suits and

have used a revolutionary new material. Called Dyneema, the material is more comfortable, lightweight and relatively inexpensive,” she explained. The range of Aussie “Safe Operator” clothing includes overalls, jackets, trousers and aprons. They owe their comfort and light weight to the use of a Dyneema, claimed to be the world’s strongest fibre. Because Dyneema is fifteen times stronger than steel on a weight for weight basis, it’s possible to make fabric that is lightweight whilst at the same time offering levels of protection not previously available. The Safe Operator clothing comes lined for comfort. It also offers waterproof zippers with overlapping flaps and Safe Operator is about protecting operators integrated underarm ventilation. from the dangers of high pressure water use. Detachable hoods are standard on jackets and overalls and both products feature properties mean that the clothing can be adjustable waterproof cuffs and pockets. machine washed at up to 40°C. Aussie Pumps, 02 8865 3500 Trousers offer an elasticised waist D _ S F P R I Owww.aussiepumps.com.au MA R _ 1 1 . p d f Pa ge 1 4 / 0 2 / 1 1 , and reinforced knee areas. ADyneema’s

Avoid hose handling injuries INDUSTRIAL hoses are a common cause of workplace injuries and strains and can often be attributed to the nonuse of a reel to safely operate and store it. Michael Pawson, Managing Director of ReCoila, says the potential problems are so obvious to the trained eye and so preventable. “The problem with industrial hoses on worksites is that management often ignores this sort of equipment, often assuming that a hose has little or no chance of leading to a workplace injury,” said Pawson. “But the problem is you have a bulky item that is often a lot heavier than it looks, so people always try to move it manually and this is leading to back strains and spinal injuries, rotator cuff problems on shoulders and general arm injuries.” The fact that hoses are often naively left dormant, snaking around the feet of workers for convenience-of-use also creates danger, and when you look at industries such as mines, quarries, docks and foundries, slips and falls can be very serious. The key step to solving this workplace menace is the installation of hoses on appropriate reels will almost certainly eliminate the trip hazard potential.” ReCoila, 02 9621 8988 www.recoila.com.au

October 2013 | Safety First |

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HEIGHT SAFETY

Versatile boxes offer a safe alternative to stick scaffold

SF 1 0 1 3 _ 0 1 2 _ SAF 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 9 - 1 0 T1 5 : 0 6 : 1 5 + 1 0 : 0 0 SuperAccess Boxes are bolted in position on the ground and are lifted into position by crane.

EDGES NEW

Leading the way in high visibility impact protection, New Safepad Edges are designed to cover protruding or hazardous edges. Made from high quality EVA foam, Safepad products are durable and reduce worksite injuries and costs. Typical uses include cornices, flanges, ducting units, braces, stairways and beams.

www.safepad.com.au sales@safepad.com.au (+61) 8 9474 6886

| Safety First | October 2013

RADITIONALLY, scaffolding and temporary height access platforms are erected manually with bits and pieces of scaffolding, often assembled at dangerous heights. New WHS Act and Regulations call for a reduction of risk, but the industry, in general, has not changed its methods. Preston SuperAccess has invented and patented a new access system called SuperAccess Boxes. The versatile SuperAccess Boxes allow users to build a variety of scaffolding and access safety structures with it much like Lego blocks and Meccano. The SuperAccess Boxes

offer safety as the Boxes are assembled at the storage facility on the ground and lifted on to a truck. When the Boxes arrive on site, they are lifted by crane directly from the truck to the required position. The Boxes are then bolted up with four bolts per bay by two workers - a job which takes a few minutes. SuperAccess is ready to use as soon as it is bolted in position. Up to 33m2 of Boxes (seven Boxes) are lifted by crane from truck to position. The workers are protected on all sides by enclosing them in safety barriers. Preston Australia, 02 9748 4677 www.prestonaustralia.com

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PRODUCTION LINE

Stricter laws crack down on non-compliant steel storage materials

HE Australian Steel Storage Manufacturers Group (the Group) has issued a warning to the Australian industry that they could face legal action or exposure to health and safety risks by purchasing imported steel storage products that fail to observe Australia’s established design and manufacturing standards. An initiative of the Australian Steel Institute (the ASI), the Group was formed in 2010 by manufacturers Dexion, Dematic, Macrack, Commando and APC through concern that Australia’s move towards a global market in steel supply was leading to an unacceptable degree of noncompliant, uncertified and untested steel storage products. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS) places significant shared responsibility on all stakeholders operating in construction steelwork, specifically naming managers, designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers. The Act and its linkage to compliance of steel storage products have been established through a “Questions answered” document prepared by the ASI in collaboration with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. The document, which is downloadable from the ASI website, also provides further resources on the compliance initiatives undertaken by the ASI. Dexion’s CEO and chairman of the Group, Peter Farmakis believes that an inherent difficulty arises when trying to trace the material used and the manufacturing methods adopted by internationally procured steel products, which are beyond the reach of Australia’s legal and regulatory framework. “The Australian manufacturing market is mature. It’s one that’s established a high-level of quality over many years, so that customers are insured against unsafe, non-compliant products by the very fact that they are purchasing locally manufactured products from within a strict WHS compliance regime,” said Farmakis. The Group warns that accountability

Australian made high density, narrow-aisle pallet racking installation.

is lost when steel manufacturing is taken offshore and it’s both the procurer and the supplier who bear the repercussions of non-compliance in Australia. It’s not uncommon for international suppliers to claim they’re meeting the standards when in fact they’re not. “The Group’s primary objective is to ensure the health and safety of Australian businesses. Mitigating potential risks is paramount to the work we do, so we aim to raise awareness within the steel community of the issues associated with imports,” added Farmakis. According to the ASI, a number of major Australian steel projects have recently reported quality concerns and even fraudulent importer behaviour (such as falsified test certificates). The ASI’s national manager and manager of the Group, Ian Cairns acknowledges this growing trend. “Over the past five years, the ASI has seen an increase in the number of complaints in relation to non-compliant imported steel products. This spike is caused by the lack of accountability when it comes to imported products, many of which have been found to be noncompliant in accordance with Australia’s strict standards. “In particular, we are seeing a trend towards businesses procuring material such as steel plates, structural sections and

metal castings from outside of Australia that are often found to have some issues in meeting local specifications,” said Cairns. Accordingly, the Group works towards ensuring that all steel storage products and installations comply with an increasingly tight compliance regime. Maintaining Australia’s capability in the efficient design, safety, and supply and construction of steel storage structures are the key objectives of the Group. Collaborating closely with key industry stakeholders, the Group assists businesses meet the requirements of Australian laws and regulations. Some of the recent initiatives undertaken by the Group in collaboration with other key industry stakeholders include: • WorkSafe Victoria’s pallet racking operation and maintenance guidance notes developed on the advice of the Group • The ASI’s code of practice for rack safety inspection Initiatives such as these are designed to increase safety awareness and assist companies better meet Australia’s rigid standards. However, it is incumbent on the procuring business to inform itself of these laws and regulations, and to understand their implications. Australian Steel Institute, 0417 426 002 www.steel.org.au October 2013 | Safety First |

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MATERIALS HANDLING

Dust is an explosive risk

UST can cause catastrophic explosions. It is possible however, to minimise the risk by identifying and mitigating contributing factors. Dust can seem harmless, but if certain conditions prevail, it can pose a deadly problem. “For a dust explosion to occur, several contributing factors must be present,” said The low pressure Elefante fog maker may be used for dust supression in mines and quarries. Graeme Cooper, Managing Director of Tecpro Australia. claimed many lives and caused titanium and aluminium. and proactive by eliminating “First of all, there must be significant injuries and proper“When a product is broken or minimising the factors airborne, combustible dust ty damage. Typically occurring down into dust particles, its that can contribute to a dust in high concentrations. The in contained environments total surface area increases explosion.” environment will also contain such as underground mines, dramatically,” said Cooper. Tecpro Australia has been an oxidising agent such as mills and storage facilities, a “This makes it much more called upon to offer advice oxygen, and the explosion is wide range of dust types are flammable.” and solutions regarding dust triggered by a source of ignicombustible, including coal, One of the biggest problems control and risk mitigation. tion such as a flame or static grain, flour, sugar, sawdust, is that it is sometimes difficult “We’ve developed a large A D _ S F E L E MA R _ 1 3 . p d f Pa ge 1 3 1 / 0 1 / 1 3 , 1 1 : 1 9 AM electricity.” magnesium, cotton and even to perceive dust as a real number of dust suppression Dust explosions have powdered metals such as threat to safety. “In settings solutions for a range of where there is the odour of environments including coal gas or flammable vapours, mines, transfer stations, it’s obvious that there is an grain storage facilities, explosion risk and people are rubbish dumps, concrete usually quick to respond and manufacturing plants and combat the problem,” he said. more,” said Cooper. “We look “In contrast, where there is a carefully at each situation and large build up of dust, it customise a dust suppression may not necessarily make solution to match the nature people in the area think of the dust and its setting.” about the possibility of an Tecpro’s expertise was explosion risk.” recently acknowledged when Lower grade dust explosions the company won an award where there is no damage to for Dust Control, Technolpeople or property can also ogy, Application or Practice in create a false sense of security. partnership with the Univer“If relatively minor dust sity of Wollongong. explosions occur, sometimes “There have been many horpeople feel complacent and rific dust explosions throughthat the problem is more or out the world over the years less manageable. However and we’re keen to make people this doesn’t necessarily mean stop and think about whether that future explosions won’t there is a risk of this occurring escalate into a larger disaster,” in their work environment,” said Cooper. said Cooper. “Tecpro has the “Smaller dust explosions skills and experience to advise can unsettle dust elsewhere, on solutions that can greatly causing rolling explosions reduce the risk.” Tecpro Australia, 02 9634 3370 which can of course do great www.tecpro.com.au damage. It’s best to be vigilant

| Safety First | October 2013

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