The CSIT Building Occupational Health and Safety Committee Meeting Date: Wednesday 10 Dec 2003 Time: 11:05-11:55 Venue: CSIT N335 present: Antoinette Bosman, Vicki Peterson, Peter Strazdins (chair) apologies: Ian Barnes, Chris Gunn MINUTES: 1. Noting of Apologies and Minutes of previous meeting (http://cs.anu.edu.au/ohs/minutes/Sep03). Apologies noted. Minutes confirmed. 2. Matters Arising: 2.1 CSIT water quality - review of management of problem Peter reported that results of tests on 8am Mon Aug 4 were received on Oct 2. The results were very similar to that of the year previously, with the Student Lounge tap with a very low amount of Cu; the highest was in the DCS Library, but this is still within 30% of the threshold. Peter also reported that he posted a notice near the Student Lounge tap should no longer have any quality problems. After two years, this item is finally off the agenda! 2.2 New procedures for Hazard / Injury Reporting Peter reported that James entered a Near Miss Report about a week ago and that a copy from the OHS Unit had not been received by DCS. ACTION: Peter to followup if a copy of James' report (and Hazard Report to be submitted by Ian Barnes in the near future) is not sent back to DCS. 2.3 OSLO Workstation Checks Antoinette reported that checks had been performed (with Peter) over two 1-hour periods over the last week, covering about 70% of DCS occupants. The main issues were as follows. Most occupants were aware of safe practices with respect to Occupational Strains, and happy to accept advice. Several requested footstools or workstation stands. It was suggested that suitable posters be put in the TSG area. ACTION: Antoinette to request for funds for footstools/workstation stands etc. Peter to post a OHS Bulletin to occupants in this issue, including a invitation for any occupants missing the checks to request one from the OSLO if they wish. 2.4 Unprotected Power Outlets (subsequent to the meeting) James reported that he was still awaiting advice from F&S on permission to install protective plugs in publicly accessible areas ACTION: James to follow this up. 2.5 Electrical Safety Checks (subsequent to the meeting) James reported that ANU owned equipment in the VE lab bas been considered for testing. Peter and Glyn Whitworth checked the equipment owned by the cleaners immediately after the previous meeting. An extension chord with cut cabling was found; after a single twist, the active wire was exposed. The cable was removed and the cleaners notified. 3. Review CSIT Hazard and Injury Reports (regular item) None were entered in folder in the DCS Office. See item 2.2. 4. New Hazard reports None were brought to the attention of the Committee. 5. OHS Issues for Students Peter reported that the OHS Unit has advised that 4th Year & Masters students, while exposed to significant risks with respect to Occupational Strains, are not covered by University student insurance for Occupational Strains. Therefore there is little point in formally reporting such incidents. However, bearing a recent serious case of Occupational Strain with an Honours student (and for two PhD students in recent history), the Committee recommends that: 1. suitable posters be installed in the 4th Year & Masters labs 2. 4th Year & Masters co-ordinators warn students of the potential hazard. ACTION: Peter to request OHS Unit for posters, and sources of further information on preventing Occupational Strain. Peter to prepare a slide for 4th Year & Masters co-ordinators to present to students upon induction. These include work practice tips, lessons from recent incidents, and sources for further information. 6. Annual Building Inspections The Committee discussed this issue and recommended an annual Building Inspection to be carried out by the Safety Officer and Co-ordinator. This should include checking the CSIT Building (North Wing) and environments, concentrating on common areas, corridors and student laboratories (including DCS labs in the Ian Ross Building). The inspection should look for any potential source of hazard, including: - unprotected power outlets, loose sprinkler collars, thumbtacks on noticeboards, removal of Occupational Strains and Emergency Procedures posters It also recommended an annual Office Check, to be carried out by the OSLO and the Safety Officer or Co-ordinator. This would include checking office and workstation setup with respect to occupational strains hazards, thumbtacks and other kinds of safety hazards, and a reminder on where to find local OHS-related information. The results of these inspectios are to be reported back to the Committee. (see item 2.3 for the latter). 7. Other Business. 7.1 Replacement needed for Antoinette for semester 1, 2004. Antoinette reported that a replacements Committee member and OSLO was needed for this period. ACTION: Antoinette to approach Bronwyn Schmidt, who is taking over her duties over that period. 7.2 Expression of thanks. Antoinette moved that an expression of thanks be given to Peter for the considerable work that Committee chair and Safety Co-ordinator has entailed over the year. Peter expressed his thanks for the support of the Committee members, especially Antoinette. -------------------------- Meeting concluded 11:45.