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The following hazards are associated with working on RAS:
- Falls from heights
- Falling objects
- Rope or equipment failure
- Entanglement
- Electrical hazards
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Adverse weather conditions
Risk Management:
The following controls must be implemented to manage the risks associated with RAS:
- Only qualified personnel who have been trained in rope access techniques and procedures should be allowed to work on RAS.
- Before commencing work, a thorough risk assessment must be conducted to identify any potential hazards and to determine the appropriate controls to be implemented.
- The RAS must be installed and inspected by a competent person before use.
- The use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory. This includes but is not limited to helmets, harnesses, gloves, and safety glasses.
- All equipment must be checked and maintained regularly to ensure that it is in good working condition.
- A communication system must be in place between workers to ensure effective communication.
- Workers must be aware of their surroundings at all times and must not work near any electrical hazards or in adverse weather conditions.
- All hazardous substances must be stored and handled in accordance with the relevant legislation.
- Appropriate exclusion zones must be established to prevent unauthorised access to the work area.
- A rescue plan must be developed and communicated to all workers before commencing work.
Work Procedure:
The following work procedures must be followed while working on RAS:
- Workers must conduct a pre-start check of their equipment and PPE before commencing work.
- A toolbox meeting must be conducted to discuss the work plan and any potential hazards.
- Workers must ensure that they are securely attached to the RAS before commencing work.
- Workers must work in pairs and use a buddy system to ensure the safety of each other.
- All tools and equipment must be secured to prevent falling objects.
- Workers must communicate with each other regularly and must follow the work plan.
- Work must stop immediately if any hazards are identified or if any equipment or PPE fails.
- Workers must follow the rescue plan in the event of an emergency.
Gary’s Safety Tips
G’day everyone, Gary here and today I want to talk about a very important topic that every organisation needs to pay attention to – safe work method statements.
As we all know, workplace safety is paramount to the success of any organisation. It not only ensures the well-being of employees but also helps to avoid legal issues, improve productivity and build a positive reputation. That’s why it’s critical for every organisation to adopt safe work method statements.
So, what is a safe work method statement? A safe work method statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines the hazards associated with a particular task or activity and provides a step-by-step process for completing the task safely. It helps to identify and assess the risks associated with the work and implement controls to minimise or eliminate those risks.
Now, you might be thinking, “Gary, do I really need to bother with this? My employees know what they’re doing and we’ve never had any accidents.” Well, let me tell you, accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how experienced they are. And if you don’t have a SWMS in place, you’re leaving yourself and your employees vulnerable to potential hazards.
Not only that, but if you don’t have a SWMS in place and something does go wrong, you could be held liable. That means legal fees, compensation claims, and damage to your reputation. Trust me, it’s not worth the risk.
So, how do you go about adopting a SWMS? Firstly, you need to identify the tasks or activities that require a SWMS. This could include anything from operating heavy machinery to handling hazardous chemicals. Once you’ve identified the tasks, you need to assess the risks associated with each task and determine the controls needed to minimise those risks.
Next, you need to develop the SWMS. This should include a step-by-step process for completing the task safely, including any safety equipment required and emergency procedures. Make sure you involve your employees in the development process, as they’re the ones who will be carrying out the tasks.
Once you’ve developed the SWMS, make sure you communicate it to all employees and provide the necessary training to ensure they understand how to carry out the task safely. It’s also important to review and update the SWMS regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
I know what you’re thinking, “Gary, this all sounds like a lot of work.” And you’re right, it is. But the benefits far outweigh the effort required. By adopting a SWMS, you’re not only protecting your employees, but also your business. You’re demonstrating to your employees and customers that you take workplace safety seriously, which can help to build a positive reputation and improve your bottom line.
So, if you haven’t already adopted a SWMS, I urge you to do so. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make workplace safety a priority in your organisation and you’ll reap the benefits in the long run.
In conclusion, workplace safety should be a top priority for every organisation. Adopting a safe work method statement is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of employees, avoiding legal issues, improving productivity and building a positive reputation. It may seem like a lot of work, but the benefits far outweigh the effort required. So, take action now and make workplace safety a priority in your organisation.
Cheers,