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Workshop Safety Guidelines
All staff and volunteers who wish to enter and work in the workshop must
successfully complete the safety induction.
OCTOBER 9, 2020
Solve Disability Solutions Inc. 16 Harper Street, Abbotsford, VIC 3067
Workshop Safety Guidelines
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Table of Contents
1. Overview ....................................................................................................................... 3
2. Occupational Health and Safety ..................................................................................... 4
2.1 What is OHS? .......................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Legal Framework for OHS ........................................................................................ 4
2.2.1 Act ................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Regulations ...................................................................................................... 4
2.2.3 Compliance Codes ............................................................................................ 4
2.2.4 Standards ......................................................................................................... 4
2.2.5 Duty of Care ..................................................................................................... 4
3. Workshop Rules ............................................................................................................ 6
3.1 No unauthorised access to Workshop ..................................................................... 6
3.2 No unauthorised use of equipment ......................................................................... 6
3.3 Ask .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Instructions must be observed ................................................................................ 6
3.5 Safety guidelines ..................................................................................................... 6
3.6 Machinery operated in safe manner at all times ..................................................... 6
3.7 Personal protective equipment ............................................................................... 6
3.8 Clothing .................................................................................................................. 6
3.9 No food and drinks .................................................................................................. 6
3.10 No running .......................................................................................................... 6
3.11 Approved materials only...................................................................................... 6
3.12 Emergency buttons, exits and procedures ........................................................... 7
3.13 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ................................................................. 7
3.14 Clean up after yourself ........................................................................................ 7
3.15 External tools ...................................................................................................... 7
3.16 Damaged machinery ............................................................................................ 7
3.17 Cutting mats ........................................................................................................ 7
3.18 No storage ........................................................................................................... 7
3.19 Take safety seriously ........................................................................................... 7
3.20 COVID-19 precautions ......................................................................................... 7
4. Storage & clean up ........................................................................................................ 8
4.1 Mess causes multiple OHS issues, such as: .............................................................. 8
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4.2 Do: .......................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Do not: .................................................................................................................... 8
5. Safety Regulations ......................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ...................................................................... 9
5.2 Appropriate Clothing ............................................................................................. 10
5.2.1 Do: ................................................................................................................. 10
5.2.2 Do not: ........................................................................................................... 10
6. Workshop Equipment .................................................................................................. 11
6.1 Standard Operating Procedures ............................................................................ 11
6.2 General Hand Tool Safety ...................................................................................... 11
6.2.1 Preparation .................................................................................................... 11
6.2.2 Use ................................................................................................................ 11
6.2.3 Maintenance .................................................................................................. 11
6.3 General Machine Safety ........................................................................................ 12
7. Emergency Procedures ................................................................................................ 13
7.1 Hazard Identification ............................................................................................. 13
7.2 First Aid Response ................................................................................................. 13
7.3 Fire ....................................................................................................................... 13
7.4 Evacuation Procedures .......................................................................................... 13
8. Risk Management ........................................................................................................ 14
8.1 Process ................................................................................................................. 14
8.2 Hierarchy of Controls ............................................................................................ 14
9. Incident Reporting ....................................................................................................... 16
9.1 Process ................................................................................................................. 16
10. Summary .................................................................................................................. 17
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1. Overview The workshop contains many potential safety hazards. However, with proper control these
hazards can be eliminated. This manual is intended to outline the basic workshop safety
guidelines.
• The workshop is for the use of staff and volunteers for Freedom Wheels and Assistive
Technology projects.
• Volunteers wanting to work in the workshop must advise a staff member (or be
rostered)
• A general workshop safety induction must take place before using the workshop.
• In urgent circumstances only, if after-hour access OR access on weekends to the
workshop is needed, please contact the relevant staff member.
• This workshop safety guidelines must be read.
Relevant Staff Contact Details - Solve Disability Solutions Inc.
Staff Member 01:
Jenny Stephen | Manager Workforce and Innovation
(Monday - Thursday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
E: [email protected] | M: 0437 990 402
Staff Member 02:
Sunny Mellor | Freedom Wheels Coordinator
(Monday - Friday | 9:15 am – 2:45 pm)
E: [email protected] | M: 0466 530 556
Staff Member 03:
Hassan Malik | Engineer (Mechatronics / Mechanical)
(Monday - Friday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
E: [email protected] | M: 0406 553 248
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2. Occupational Health and Safety 2.1 What is OHS? Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) involves both developing and continually improving
the systems and procedures that outline the way in which we carry out work within Solve
Disability Solutions. They are designed to assist in making our workplace a safe environment
for all users.
Our system is NOT designed as a means of attributing blame, but rather as a means of
improving existing systems, identifying shortcomings in existing modes of working and
collaboratively developing processes to ensure the SOLVE Workshop and office areas are a
safe place to work.
All staff, volunteers, and visitors to the SOLVE office/workshop have OH&S obligations, and
we appreciate your feedback!
2.2 Legal Framework for OHS
2.2.1 Act
The principal Act relating to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is the Occupational Health
and Safety Act 2004. The Act imposes broad duties on employers, employees and others
involved in managing health and safety in a workplace. All personnel have a responsibility to
follow the Act at all times when working at SOLVE premises.
2.2.2 Regulations
The Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 are the Occupational
Health and Safety regulations 2017. The regulations impose more detailed and often
prescriptive duties on employers, employees and others involved in managing health and
safety in a workplace. All personnel have a responsibility to follow the regulations at all times
when working at the SOLVE premise.
2.2.3 Compliance Codes
Provide minimum guidance or standards that can be adopted to enable duty holders to meet
the requirements of the Act.
2.2.4 Standards
Australian Standards provide safety and technical information and are sometimes referred in
OH&S legislation as mandatory requirements.
2.2.5 Duty of Care
Upon entering Workshop all staff, volunteers and visitors are bound by a Duty of Care. This
means that each user must take responsibility for the health and safety of him/herself and of
other users who may be affected by his/her actions while in the Workshop. Staff, volunteers,
and visitors must:
• not place themselves or other persons at risk of injury.
• observe all instructions and safety guidelines issued by the relevant staff.
• observe all workshop rules.
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• be aware of Emergency and OH&S Procedures.
• use equipment in a safe manner and follow all safe operating procedures.
• actively participate in safety training and information session.
• assist in the maintenance of the workshop; and
• report any incidents to the relevant staff.
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3. Workshop Rules All areas in the workshop share the basic rules listed below which must be adhered to at all
times. Only those volunteers who have completed the induction will be allowed to work in
the workshop space.
3.1 No unauthorised access to Workshop Authorisation to work in the workshop will be granted after the successful completion of
workshop safety induction.
3.2 No unauthorised use of equipment
Equipment authorisation will only be granted after the successful completion of workshop
safety induction.
3.3 Ask If there is something you do not know or understand ask one of the relevant staff members
or other volunteers.
3.4 Instructions must be observed All instructions, written or verbal, issued by staff must be observed.
3.5 Safety guidelines All safety guidelines must be adhered to.
3.6 Machinery operated in safe manner at all times Equipment, machinery, and tools are to be operated in a safe manner and in accordance with
the procedures demonstrated during induction.
3.7 Personal protective equipment Personal protective equipment (PPE) and other specialised safety equipment is to be worn as
indicated in signage and specified in standard operating procedures.
3.8 Clothing Appropriate clothing to the area and task is to be worn at all times - for instance, jewellery or
loose fitting clothing is not to be worn in proximity to operational machinery, and beards and
long hair are to be rigorously contained when operating machinery or power tools.
3.9 No food and drinks
Food and drinks are not to be consumed in the workshop.
3.10 No running No running in the workshop.
3.11 Approved materials only
Only safe materials are permitted to be used in the workshop. Signs, instructions, and notices
should be read carefully as well.
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3.12 Emergency buttons, exits and procedures All staff and volunteers should make themselves aware of emergency buttons, exits and
procedures.
3.13 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) should be strictly adhered to when operating each
piece of equipment, power tool or hand tool.
3.14 Clean up after yourself Volunteers and staff should clean up and put things away after use as they may become safety
hazards.
3.15 External tools
Volunteers may bring their own power and hand tools. Please make sure these tools are safe
and in good working condition to mitigate any potential hazards associated and act
accordingly.
3.16 Damaged machinery If a machine or power tool is damaged, broken or not operating in the way it should, the
machine should be shut down, removed from power and relevant staff notified.
3.17 Cutting mats Cutting mats to be used on tabletops/workbenches.
3.18 No storage The entire workshop is not a storage area. We have a designated storage shelves and any
parts/prototypes/AT’s/models must be stored in those areas only.
3.19 Take safety seriously Relevant staff members reserve the rights to set-aside workshop access if you do not abide
by the rules or are compromising workshop and volunteer safety.
3.20 COVID-19 precautions
The following practices are in place to ensure that during the COVID pandemic the likelihood
of infection is minimised:
• Do not attend the workshop if unwell or displaying any COVID like symptoms (if
unsure don’t come in and get medical attention or COVID tested)
• Always sign in/out at front reception counter
• Face masks are mandatory
• Limit of 3 volunteers working at one time
• Maintain 1.5 metres between others
• Tools and work area to be wiped down when finished
• Sneeze into elbow,
• Don’t shake hands with others
• Use hand sanitiser and wash hands regularly
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4. Storage & clean up We have designated shelves for storage purposes. Only projects being worked on, can be left
in the workshop on or under the workbenches. Volunteers can store work, personal items,
materials, equipment, models etc in the workshop only if essential.
• If a bin is not easily accessible, ask a staff member.
• Clean up after yourself. It is the responsibility of all workshop users to keep area clean
and tidy at all times. Area to be vacuumed when you have finished working
• Keep areas around workbenches, power tools and walkways clear.
• Do not block or obscure emergency evacuation thoroughfares.
• Clean down benches when you have finished.
• When you have finished using tools/equipment put them back in allocated space.
• If a tool it is broken, blunt, damaged, or unsafe to use it is your responsibility to inform
relevant staff.
• If you break or damage tools or equipment please inform relevant staff.
• Do not return or put away damaged tools/equipment without informing relevant staff,
as the next user could be seriously hurt or injured.
• Absorbent material available for spills
4.1 Mess causes multiple OHS issues, such as:
• Limiting movement and access and creates a serious OH&S issue in case of a fire.
• Adding to the combustible material and heightens the risk in the event of a fire.
• Adding to the likelihood of someone being injured by slipping, tripping, and falling.
• Encouraging vermin and rodents.
4.2 Do:
• Organize your clutter making sure it does not interfere with other operations or
processes in the workshop.
• Clean up after yourself. Dispose of rubbish in allocated bins.
• Store your items in the designated areas on the shelves or under the benches.
• If you leave anything behind, please label it with your name, contact details, the date
you left it and the date you will collect.
4.3 Do not:
• Place your bags or items in access ways or doorways.
• Block fire exits or equipment.
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5. Safety Regulations In the workshop, picture safety signs use universal symbols to:
• Prevent accidents
• Signal health hazards indicate the location of safety, first aid and fire protection
equipment
• Give clear guidance and instruction in emergency procedures
• Form part of the total safety information system of the area.
Picture safety signs warn of hazards or risks that are present in the workplace and inform
users in the workplace how to avoid that hazard or risk, or its effects. In addition to the picture
signs, many individual power tools and processes have detailed signs explaining “step by step”
instructions to use them safely.
5.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a piece of clothing or equipment designed to protect
an individual from risk of injury. PPE can include but is not limited to:
• Safety Glasses
• Face Shields
• Gloves
• Safety Boots
• Aprons
• Ear-Muffs
• Dust Masks
• Respirators
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to be the last line of defence between you
and a hazard. You will find it is the lowest level of control measure in the Hierarchy of Controls.
Choosing what PPE to wear depends on what you are doing. For example, if you are using a
piece of machinery it is highly likely you will have to wear safety glasses or face shield. You
should always read the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) OR consult the relevant staff
member. Selecting the correct type of PPE for the task is also very important.
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For example, there are many different forms of dust masks and respirators. Some protect you
from dust (e.g. saw dust) but will not protect you from fumes (e.g. spray paint). Always check
with the manufacturer and talk with the relevant staff about these issues.
PPE must be worn when indicated by signage such as the examples above. These signs will be
found on the walls around the Workshop and within the SOPs for different machines and
power tools.
5.2 Appropriate Clothing The workshop is a place where items are made and constructed. Because this can involve
manual work using equipment, machinery and power tools, the wearing of appropriate
clothing is very important. Please be sensible in what you wear in the workshop. Items like
jewellery, loose hair and clothing can be caught in equipment, machinery and power tools
resulting in a serious injury.
5.2.1 Do:
• Wear sturdy secured clothing that offers you some protection and does not matter if
it gets dirty or damaged.
• Contain and secure long hair and beards to reduce the risk of being caught in the
power tool.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where specified.
5.2.2 Do not:
• Wear your best clothing as it can be damaged or ruined.
• Wear high heel shoes.
• Wear thongs, sandals, or open toed shoes.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• Wear jewellery.
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6. Workshop Equipment 6.1 Standard Operating Procedures Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are usually a one to two-page document or poster
attached to or near a piece of equipment or power tool. They are designed to remind you of
the safe way of using that piece of equipment or power tool. Once you have been inducted
you should always read them before operating any piece of equipment or power tool in the
workshop.
6.2 General Hand Tool Safety
6.2.1 Preparation
• Volunteers unfamiliar with tools should seek assistance from relevant staff
• Ensure equipment or power tool is not damaged. Faulty equipment should not be used
and reported to relevant staff
• Ensure tools are sharp and work ready
• Keep work area clean at all times
• Hold sharpened tools point down when walking to work bench, never place in your
pockets.
• Ensure the tools is appropriate for the task i.e. don’t use a wood chisel on metal
6.2.2 Use
• Do not use excessive force
• Be aware of projectiles that are created when using tools
• Do not hammer or strike tools unless they are designed for that purpose
• Cut in a direction away from your body
• Make sure your grip and footing are secure when using tools
• Use the right personal protective equipment for the job
• Keep hands behind the cutting edge of sharp tools such as chisels and gouges when
removing materials.
6.2.3 Maintenance
• Store tools in appropriate areas and in tool cabinets
• Ensure cutting edges are sharpened as required (i.e. Saw blades etc)
• Appropriate disposal of used blades and tools. If unsure of how to dispose blades
safely, seek guidance from relevant staff.
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6.3 General Machine Safety
• Safety glasses or goggles must be worn at all times whilst using power tools.
• Give your full attention to the task when operating any equipment or power tool.
• Make sure that only the operator and the helpers are inside the safety zone around
the machinery or power tool.
• Never talk to or distract a person who is operating machinery or power tool.
• Keep the floor around the machinery or power tool free of any material, including
scraps.
• Be certain that saws and cutters are sharp and properly installed.
• When replacing hot wire, saws, or cutters, ensure that the power is OFF at the circuit
breaker box and unplugged.
• Ensure that all guards are in place and operating properly before turning on power to
machinery or power tool.
• Remove all spanners, chuck keys, hex keys and other setup tools from machinery or
power tool and the table before operating.
• Do not permit anyone else to turn on any machinery or power tool you are operating.
• Do not use a tool with a frayed wire or a defective switch (report it immediately to
relevant workshop staff).
• Arrange cords on portable equipment to prevent them being snared in the machinery
or causing others to trip.
• Do not use any electrical tools when flammable gas, liquids or vapours are present.
• Keep electrical cords away from hot, wet or oily places.
• Notify relevant workshop staff immediately if machinery does not appear to be
running or operating properly.
• Never make adjustments while machinery is running. Very important!
• In case of an electrical power failure, turn off the machinery and stand clear.
• Turn off the power and wait until the cutting tool stops turning before leaving any
machinery or power tool.
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7. Emergency Procedures 7.1 Hazard Identification It is important to be aware of potential hazards. A hazard is something that has the potential
to cause harm. You need to think and be aware of potential hazards and try to avoid them.
Hazards come in many forms. They include but are not limited to:
• Machinery and Tools - punctures, stabs, cuts, abrasions, amputations, etc.
• Chemical and Material - poisoning, allergic reactions, etc.
• Manual Handling - sprains, strains, muscle tearing, etc.
• Slips, trips, and falls - bone breaks, head injuries, etc.
• Environmental, Air Quality and Noise - suffocation, illness, hearing damage, etc.
• Ergonomics - repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel, etc.
• Biological - disease, contagions, etc.
• Electrical - shock, burns, etc.
In the event of an emergency, staff and volunteers should be able to access emergency
resources for assistance. Please be aware of:
• The first aid resources available (e.g. location of first aid kit, first aider).
• Emergency response arrangements, such as evacuation.
• How to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency.
7.2 First Aid Response If you suffer an injury whilst operating a machine or power tool use the emergency stop
button. Initiate treatment immediately with the first aid kit and notify the staff immediately.
A list of First Aid staff can be found on the Workshop OHS Notice Board.
7.3 Fire
In the event of a fire:
1. Assist any person in immediate danger only if safe to do so.
2. Attack fire with appropriate equipment only if safe to do so.
3. Close door to isolate fire.
4. Raise the alarm by contacting staff.
5. Follow Building Emergency Evacuation Procedures.
6. Evacuate if necessary: leave immediately by the nearest safe exit.
7. Please wait patiently after exiting the building for further instructions.
8. Conduct head count to be sure everyone is accounted for.
7.4 Evacuation Procedures The ALERT tone "BEEP BEEP" or “WHOOP WHOOP” means:
1. Prepare to evacuate.
2. Leave immediately by the nearest safe exit.
3. Please wait patiently for further instructions.
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8. Risk Management 8.1 Process If you are aware of potential hazards, we can avoid or manage them. This is called Risk
Management. Risk Management is a four-step process:
1. Identify
Identify the hazard. What is it that could cause harm or ill health?
2. Assess
Assess the risk associated with the hazard. What is the chance of causing you or another
person harm or ill health? How long are you or another person exposed to the hazard?
How often are you or another person exposed to the hazard?
3. Control
Control the risk. Use the "Hierarchy of Controls" (see below) to manage the risk.
4. Review
Review the process. Because things change or are missed you should repeat Risk
Management process as needed.
8.2 Hierarchy of Controls When you encounter a hazard try and use what is known as the Hierarchy of Controls. This
has been designed to help you think about the process and reduce or eliminate the hazard.
This is a hierarchical process where you try and eliminate or reduce a problem starting at
number one and working down the list. The last resort should always be using Personal
Protection Equipment (PPE).
1. Elimination
This is the best way to control a hazard by removing it completely. Ask yourself the
questions: Do I really need to do this? Can I remove the hazard?
2. Substitution
The second-best way to control a hazard is to replace it with something that is less
dangerous. Ask yourself the questions: Is there a safer way to do this/ Is there a better
and safer process? For example, Can I use another safer chemical?
3. Engineering
The third best way to control a hazard is to use engineering methods such as redesigning
or replacing equipment with safer options. You can also use items such as guards and
local extraction. Ask yourself the questions: Is there a newer and safer piece of
equipment? Can you put guards or barriers into place to protect you from risks?
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4. Administrative
The fourth best way to control a hazard is by developing administrative procedures to
deal with the hazard. These procedures are items such as Risk Assessments, Safe Work
Instructions, permits to work, Training, Supervision, Signage, etc. Ask yourself the
questions: Do I require supervision or task specific training? What written procedures can
be developed to reduce the risk?
5. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
The final and fifth way to control a hazard is to wear Personal Protection Equipment such
as safety glasses, aprons, earmuffs, etc. Ask yourself the question: What safety
equipment do I have to wear to protect myself?
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9. Incident Reporting 9.1 Process All incidents, injuries or near misses should be reported to any relevant staff member. A near
miss is an incident that could have had potentially serious consequences but fortuntely was
avoided.
Where an incident involves personal injury:
1. Attend to the injured person.
2. Contact the nearest first aider.
3. Call an ambulance, if needed.
All hazards and incidents involving SOLVE staff, volunteers or property, or other persons or
property for which SOLVE has a legislative responsibility, must be reported to relevant staff
members using Incident Report – Form.
Why do these incidents, injuries or near misses need to be reported?
We need your support with this procedure as it will assist us in improving our systems. If we
are unaware that incident or potential incidents are happening, we cannot improve our
systems and potential hazards remain. Also, by law certain serious incidents require
immediate notification to WorkSafe Victoria. Serious incidents will require investigation by
Human Resources and the site should, where practicable, remain untouched until the
investigation has been completed.
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10. Summary This safety manual has been compiled to ensure all volunteers and staff accessing the Maker
Space/Workshop have thorough knowledge and understanding of Occupational Health and
Safety obligations, policies, and procedures and are able to work in a safe environment.
