The CSIT Building Occupational Health and Safety Committee Meeting Date: Tuesday Sep 11 2001 Time: 11:05-11:55 Venue: CSIT N335 present: Stephen Altree-Williams, Chris Gunn, Denise Hollingsworth, Jason Ozolins, Vicki Peterson, Bronwyn Schmidt, Peter Strazdins Doug Palmer (CSIRO), Damian Killaley (CSIRO) apologies: Ian Barnes MINUTES: 1. Minutes of previous meeting. confirmed. Apologies noted. Welcome to new member and CSIT Safety Officer Jason. Welcome to guests Doug and Damian. 2. Matters Arising: 2.1 Thumb-tacks on Noticeboards Peter reported that a reminder to CSIT occupants was sent Aug 10 to remove them from their offices. Bronwyn reported that a first pass of general and lab noticeboards had been completed, but that thumb-tacks have since re-appeared. ACTION: at regular intervals, to check the general and lab noticeboards and remove any thumb-tacks. 2.2 Voice-activated word processing software installation in DCS Peter reported that DCS has purchased a licence for Dragon Naturally Speaking 4.0, running on Windows. It appears to be working well, and CSIT occupants (Aug 10) have been informed of its availability, and of the existence of monitoring software for strain prevention. Stephen noted that ITS have several such licences (see Don Graham for details), and that the ANU OHS www page will be updated in this respect soon. 3. Review CSIT Hazard and Injury Reports (regular item) Peter reported that there had been none in the last quarter. 4. Followup of Commcare OHS audit of FEIT 4.1 Status of CSIT OHS web page http://cs.anu.edu.au/ohs/ Peter reported that it had been updated and all required information from the audit was in place. 4.2 Report on OHS training Jun-Sep Peter reported that the OHS Training for Supervisors had been carried out in June, with all required people in CSIT attending, with the exception of the DCS HoD, Chris Johnson. He also reported that David Walsh has passed the First Aid Safety training and is now the CSIT First Aid Officer. He also reported that Bronwyn was due to undertake the OSLO training in late September. Peter reported also that records of these are now kept in a folder at the DCS Office. ACTION: Peter to remind Chris to undertake the OHS Course for Supervisors (to be run next on Oct 22). 4.3 Fire Warden training and issues Peter reported that as Shaun Press resigned very recently, CSIT needs a new Chief Warden. Doug Palmer, the existing Deputy Warden, kindly volunteered to become Chief Warden, Jason Ozolins also kindly volunteered to become a Fire Warden, so as to maintain the number of wardens on the North Wing. ACTION: Peter to seek a new Deputy Warden from existing North Wing wardens. Peter to send to Doug a list of these. Doug to arrange the next training/drill session. 4.4 CSIT Induction Procedures Bronwyn report that this was in progress. The Checklist was circulated. ACTION: Bronwyn to continue with the development, with the aim of completing by next meeting. 4.5 Risk Assessments in CSIT Peter asked Stephen for advice on what is required in CSIT in order to fulfil the recommendation from the audit that ``regular documented Risk Assessments be applied''. Stephen said that in principle, all academics and supervisors should be performing risk assessments for any activity undertaken, including routine teaching and research. As well as for these, the hazards applying to Risk Assessment in CSIT include: * Occupational strains * general factors affecting health, such as air and water quality * specific activities occurring in workshops (eg. TSG and Moth Lab) * electrical safety Stephen suggested that it should be sufficient to demonstrate that all hazards are being effectively controlled, and could be largely covered by existing CSIT procedures. ACTION: Peter, as CSIT Safety Co-ordinator, to draft a policy on Risk Assessments for these, and confer with FEIT Management on it. 4.6 Plant Inspection Records in CSIT Stephen noticed that in the case of CSIT, this only applies to Air Conditioning. Bronwyn reported that F&S keep records of these, and that CSIT is not required to keep its own copy. 5. Other Business. 5.1 CSIT Water Quality Damian reported that South Wing (CSIRO) had recently had their water tested. It was found that it had very high level of copper before `flushing', but these subsided to acceptable levels after flushing. There are a general discussion on this problem in CSIT and nearby areas, which had been noted by various people over the last year. It was noted that this problem can be dealt with by regular flushing of water from the pipes. Stephen noted that F&S are aware of this problem applying to CSIT. Damian noted that Kevin Cooper and Andrew Smith from F&S handled the South Wing testing. ACTION: Peter to seek FEIT Management for information on F&S activities so far, especially in North Wing. Adequate testing and an adequate strategy for managing this problem must be ensured. F&S to be invited to the next CSIT OHS meeting. 5.2 Injury Reporting issues. Peter reported that Marshall Sheppard recently announced that he is the RACLO (Rehab. And Compensation Liason Officer) for FEIT and that Injury Reports must be entered by him. It was noted that for Workers Compensation requirements, this must be done within 24 hours of the report being made). Peter also reported Marshall's concerns about this requirement, in that he is often unavailable and that there could be delays if any report is sent by internal mail or fax to him. Furthermore, that he is soon due for leave. Stephen noted that this was indeed to correct procedure, and that training to be a RACLO was not difficult for someone familiar with ESP and HR. Ongoing RACLO duties included attending a quarterly meeting. ACTION: Peter to seek advice from FEIT Management on alternative RACLOs, and to update the CSIT OHS web page accordingly. -------------------- Meeting concluded 12:10.