Health & Safety Flashcards
What significant act replaced the Health and Safety in Employment Act in 2016?
The Health and Safety at Work Act.
True or False: The Health and Safety at Work Act emphasizes individual employer and employee responsibility for health and safety.
True
What does ‘reasonably practicable’ refer to in the context of the Health and Safety at Work Act?
It refers to what is reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, considering all relevant matters.
What is a PCBU?
Person Conducting Business or Undertaking, covering employers and persons in control of a workplace.
List the responsibilities of a PCBU under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment
- Provide and maintain safe plant structures
- Provide and maintain safe systems of work
- Ensure the safe use, handling, and storage of plant, structures, and substances
- Provide adequate facilities and maintenance of facilities
- Provide instruction, training, information, and supervision
- Monitor the health of workers and conditions at the workplace
What is the definition of a ‘Worker’ under the Health and Safety at Work Act?
A person that carries out work in any capacity for a PCBU.
What is the purpose of a health and safety committee in the workplace?
To support the ongoing improvement of health and safety at work.
What does the reform of the Health and Safety at Work Act focus on?
Managing critical risks and actions that reduce workplace harm rather than trivial hazards.
What types of emergencies should be considered in workplace emergency preparedness?
- Fire
- Earthquake
- Other types of emergencies that may arise
True or False: The Health and Safety at Work Act shifts focus from the physical workplace to the conduct of work.
True
What type of training is required in all work areas?
Induction training.
This training is essential even in low-risk environments like offices and classrooms.
What are the three distinct ways to raise awareness of hazards and risks?
- Staff training
- Procedures
- Signage
These methods ensure personnel are informed about potential risks.
What does risk analysis training involve?
Evaluating the benefits and risks associated with a task prior to its commencement.
This training is essential for safe work practices.
How often should workplace briefings occur?
Daily.
Briefings help ensure everyone is aware of current hazards and dangers.
What is the purpose of procedures manuals in the workplace?
Identify hazards and provide information on specific procedures to manage them.
These manuals set a standard for workplace safety.
What color coding is used for signage indicating emergency or danger?
Red.
Red signs signify emergency, danger, or prohibited entry.
What does yellow signage indicate?
Danger and existing hazards in the area.
Yellow signs alert personnel to potential risks.
What should be done with incompatible materials in the workplace?
They must be segregated.
Proper segregation prevents hazardous interactions.
What are the two categories of emergencies that may arise in the workplace?
- Natural Events
- Man-Made Events
Each category presents unique challenges and responses.
What should you do if you discover a fire?
Raise the alarm and alert people in your area.
It is crucial to ensure everyone’s safety during a fire emergency.
What is the first action to take during an earthquake?
Keep calm and move away from windows and equipment.
This helps reduce the risk of injury from falling debris.
What is the procedure for evacuation if the fire alarm sounds?
Use evacuation procedures to leave the building and meet at the assembly area.
Following instructions is vital for safety during emergencies.
Fill in the blank: All substances must be clearly _______ to avoid confusion.
labelled.
Clear labeling is essential for safe handling of materials.
True or False: Heavy items should be stored above shoulder height to prevent injury.
False.
Heavy items should be stored at a height that avoids bending or excessive reaching.
What must employers keep a register of?
Every accident where someone was injured and/or incidents where they might have been hurt
What should be preserved after an accident occurs?
The scene where the harm occurred
What is the first priority after an accident?
Tend to injured persons to save life, prevent further harm, or relieve suffering
What are the three steps to manage any hazard?
- Eliminate
- Isolate
- Minimise
What is the purpose of risk assessment prior to performing a task?
To think about the risk to yourself and others of harm occurring
What is the responsibility of workers regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Ensure the correct PPE is worn
What are examples of protective clothing available?
- Overalls/Uniforms
- Hi Visibility jackets
- Safety shoes
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
What is the first consideration for noise control?
Elimination or reduction of the noise source.
What types of hearing protectors are available?
Disposable earplugs and two-way communication headsets.
What are the two main choices for hearing protection?
Earplugs and earmuffs.
What must the hearing protector provide?
An adequate level of protection for a particular task.
What is required for eye protection safety glasses?
They should comply with industry standards and have side protection or be of the wrap-around type.
What should be used to prevent fogging in safety glasses?
An anti-fog coating.
What is required if you wear prescription glasses?
Prescription lenses fitted to your safety glasses.
What are the four typical injuries that gloves protect against?
- Burns
- Cuts
- Abrasions
- Punctures
What materials should gloves be made from?
The correct material for the materials and chemicals being handled.
What is the primary purpose of safety helmets?
To protect against falling or impact with overhead objects.
What is the common material used for safety helmets?
Rigid plastic.
What is the purpose of a respirator?
To protect the wearer from inhaling harmful dusts, airborne contaminants, fumes, vapours, and gases.
What are the different types of respirators?
- Disposable masks
- Reusable units with replaceable cartridges
- Self-contained breathing systems
What should be assessed before using machinery or equipment?
The dangers and whether guards are in place.
What is a checklist before using machinery?
- Is it safe to use?
- What are the hazards?
- What training do I need?
- Where is the emergency stop?
What conditions prevent the use of machinery?
- Not adequately trained
- Cannot manage its hazardous characteristics
- Guards are not in place
- Defects not rectified
Why should long hair be covered around machinery?
To prevent it from getting caught in machine parts.
What can long hair and loose clothing cause around operating machinery?
Deadly hazards, serious injuries, and even death
Long hair can get caught in machine parts like belts and rotating parts, leading to scalping and facial disfigurement.
How should long hair be secured when operating machinery?
Tied back with a bandana, hair net, or soft cap.
What types of clothing pose hazards around moving machinery?
Loose clothing such as loose sleeves and unbuttoned overalls.
What types of jewellery can be hazardous around machinery?
Neck chains, watch straps, and rings.
What can happen if neck chains get caught in revolving machinery?
They can cause bruising and shock.
What serious injury can occur from rings caught in moving parts?
Severing of fingers.
Define a tool as per the text.
A hand-held device that aids in doing a task.
What common danger do cutting tools present?
They can cause injuries to the unfamiliar user.
What is a key safety rule when using cutting tools?
Always cut away from yourself.
What must be checked before using electrically powered equipment?
Pre-use check for serviceability and current safety tag.
What should be done if there are exposed wires from power cords?
Do not use the device and inform the PCBU or supervisor.
What is crucial when using powered equipment in wet areas?
Keep all plugs, leads, and tooling dry to avoid electrocution.
What is an RCD?
Residual Current Device, used for additional protection against electrocution.
List the ways hazardous substances can affect health.
- Personality changes
- Sleep disorders
- Memory loss
- Cancer
- Fertility problems
- Death
What is the importance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?
They provide information about hazardous substances and actions to take in case of exposure.
What are the color ratings for hazardous substances in MSDS?
- Red: Significant hazard
- Amber: Moderate hazard
- Green: Low hazard
What are the three main exposure routes to hazardous substances?
- Inhalation
- Skin absorption
- Ingestion
What should you do if you can smell a hazardous substance?
Be aware that you are breathing it in.
How can hazardous substances be absorbed through the skin?
By coming into contact with the skin, especially if there are cuts or abrasions.
What can increase the risk of ingestion of hazardous substances?
Eating or smoking without washing hands.
What information is typically included in an MSDS?
- Product and company identification
- Hazard identification
- Composition and ingredients
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Spillage measures
- Handling and storage procedures
- Exposure controls
- Toxicological information
What are some serious health risks associated with hazardous substances?
Cancer, personality changes, and even death.
What is a significant precaution when handling metals?
Ensure there are no burrs that can cut hands and wear gloves for sharp edges.
What is the primary goal of ecological information in case of a spill?
To allow rapid containment to prevent damage to waterways and the environment.
What are disposal considerations necessary for?
To safely and environmentally render the products inert.
What type of information is mandatory for transport, especially in aircraft?
Transport information including regulation statements and rules.
What type of substances may require special transport methodology?
Volatile or combustible products.
What is included in regulatory information?
All regulation statements and commercially defined rules, including reference numbers.
What should be kept to a minimum when storing hazardous substances?
The amount of hazardous substances.
True or False: Not all hazardous substances can be stored together safely.
True.
What can happen if incompatible substances come into contact?
They can cause a fire or explosion.
What should be done to manage spills of hazardous substances?
Implement correct handling and storage procedures to minimize spills.
What is the first consideration in case of a spill?
The safety of yourself and others.
What is a typical action for small spills?
Wiping up with a rag.
What is necessary for larger spills?
Specifically designed spill kits and possibly calling the fire brigade.
What must be worn when using compressed air?
Personal protective clothing and equipment.
What can sudden release of compressed air cause?
Serious injury, including puncturing eardrums and embedding particles in the skin.
What should be checked before using an air hose?
Hoses and connections for damage.
What is a confined space?
An area that is enclosed or partially enclosed and not intended for human occupancy.
What hazards are associated with working in confined spaces?
Harmful contaminants, unsafe oxygen levels, and potential for engulfment.
What is essential when working in confined spaces?
Having the right equipment and identifying required precautions.
What should be used for lighting in confined spaces?
Approved low voltage lighting.
What must always be worn when working in confined spaces?
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
What should be done before entering a confined space?
Ensure the work site is adequately ventilated and atmosphere tested.
What must be monitored continuously in a confined space?
Oxygen levels and toxic gas levels.
What is the consequence of pointing an air hose at a person?
It is as serious as pointing a gun.
Fill in the blank: The use of _______ to clean up a work area can be dangerous.
compressed air
What should all workers do if the warning alarm sounds?
Immediately get out and not return until safe levels are restored and verified.
What does working at height refer to?
Any work activity where there is a risk of fall from any height, which may result in minor or major injury.
What are common safety measures when working at height?
- Hand rails and kick plates for edge protection
- Wearing a harness for extra protection
What is a common cause of ladder-related incidents in the workplace?
Failing to apply standard safety practices and rules.
When should a ladder be used?
Only as a means of access or for minor routine work.
What should be used for extended activity at height instead of a ladder?
An elevated work platform or scaffolding.
What is the correct base placement for a ladder?
The base should be placed at a distance equal to ¼ the working height.
What is the 1:4 ratio in ladder placement?
A distance from the horizontal surface equal to ¼ the working height.
What are key safety measures for using ladders?
- Secure the top end of the ladder
- Use the right ladder for the job
- Maintain three points of contact
- Never carry a load that prevents holding the rungs
What is Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)?
An umbrella term for conditions causing discomfort or persistent pain in muscles, joints, tendons, nerves, and soft tissues.
What characterizes Acute OOS?
Pain and discomfort confined to one particular spot, occurring during one activity and usually going away during breaks.
What should be done if you think you have Acute OOS?
Report to your doctor immediately for advice and keep records.
What are some strategies for preventing OOS?
- Adjust workstation for comfort
- Plan for variety in tasks
- Take appropriate breaks and micro pauses
- Report hazardous conditions early
What causes most lifting injuries at work?
Incorrect lifting techniques or attempting to lift objects that are too heavy.
What does Manual Handling refer to?
Any activity requiring a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, throw, move, restrain, hold or handle an object.
What should be done before lifting an object?
Determine if the object is suitable for you to lift and use a mechanical lifting device if too heavy.
What is the correct lifting technique?
Crouch close to the object, keep back straight, lift using legs, and keep the load close to your body.
What defines fire in the workplace?
A chemical reaction known as combustion, where combustible material is oxidised rapidly, releasing energy in heat and light.
What is the traditional representation of fire risk?
A triangle consisting of oxygen, fuel, and heat.
What should be done if a ladder is damaged?
Have it inspected and repaired.
What is a recommended practice when using a step ladder?
Never work higher than two steps down from the top rung.
What should be checked before using a ladder?
- Stiles must not be bent or damaged
- Rungs must not be bent, loose, worn, or split
- Locking bars must not be damaged or missing
What is the main purpose of the fire triangle?
To graphically depict the elements needed for fire: Oxygen, Fuel, and Heat
The fire triangle illustrates the three essential components required for combustion.
What has replaced the fire triangle in understanding the burning process?
A triangular pyramid that includes an additional component: the Chain Reaction
This new concept enhances the understanding of both fire initiation and extinguishment.
What are the four sides of the triangular pyramid in fire theory?
- Oxygen
- Fuel
- Heat
- Chain Reaction
Each element is crucial; removing any one will extinguish the fire.
What class of fire involves combustible materials like paper, wood, and cardboard?
Class A Fires
Class A fires are common in residential and commercial environments.
What class of fire involves flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil?
Class B Fires
Class B fires can be particularly hazardous in industrial settings.
What class of fire involves flammable gases?
Class C Fires
Class C fires require special handling due to the volatility of gases.
What class of fire involves combustible metals like magnesium and sodium?
Class D Fires
Class D fires are rare but can be extremely dangerous.
What class of fire involves electrically energized equipment?
Class E Fires
Class E fires require non-conductive extinguishing agents to prevent shock hazards.
What is the purpose of fire hose reels?
To provide an accessible and controlled supply of water to fight fires
Hose reels deliver a minimum of 0.33 liters of water per second.
What should you ensure before operating a fire hose reel?
The nozzle or jet is in the closed position
This is crucial for safe and effective operation.
Water extinguishers are intended for which class of fires?
Class A Fires only
They should not be used on Class B or E fires due to potential hazards.
What is the geometric symbol for Class A extinguishers?
Green triangle
This symbol helps to easily identify the type of extinguisher.
What type of extinguishing agent works by inhibiting the chain reaction in a fire?
Class C Extinguisher
Halon was commonly used for this purpose but is now outlawed.
What is a unique feature of Class D extinguishers?
They are only for use with combustible metals and do not have a numerical rating
This makes them specialized and less common.
What type of agent do Class E extinguishers use?
Non-conductive extinguishing agents
This is essential for safely handling electrical fires.
What is the function of foam agents in fire extinguishers?
To separate the oxygen element from other elements of the fire triangle
This effectively smothers the fire.
What is the purpose of wet chemical extinguishers?
To smother fires and prevent re-ignition by creating a barrier between oxygen and fuel
They are particularly effective in commercial kitchens.
What is the primary use of CO2 extinguishers?
For Class E fires
They do not leave harmful residues, making them ideal for electrical fires.
What is a primary disadvantage of CO2 extinguishers on Class A fires?
They may not displace enough oxygen to extinguish the fire
This can lead to re-ignition.
What do clean agent extinguishers do?
Interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire triangle
They are primarily for Class B and C fires.
What is the main risk of using the wrong type of fire extinguisher?
It can be dangerous and life-threatening
Understanding the right extinguisher for each type of fire is crucial.
What is the consequence of using the wrong extinguisher for a fire?
It can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
How long do most handheld fire extinguishers operate?
10 seconds of extinguishing power.
What should you do after using a fire extinguisher?
Get the extinguisher recharged immediately after use.
What does the acronym PASS stand for in firefighting?
- Pull the Pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the lever slowly
- Sweep from side to side
What is the first step in using a fire extinguisher according to PASS?
Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher.
What should you aim at when using a fire extinguisher?
At the base of the fire, not the flames.
What happens if the handle of the extinguisher is released?
The discharge will stop.
What is the recommended distance to operate a fire extinguisher from?
From a safe distance, several feet away.
True or False: You should walk away once you believe the fire is out.
False.
Fill in the blank: Most handheld fire extinguishers contain _______ of extinguishing power.
10 seconds
What should you do after discharging a fire extinguisher?
Watch the area in case the fire re-ignites.
What is important to extinguish when putting out a fire?
The fuel.
What motion should be used when discharging a fire extinguisher?
A sweeping motion, moving back and forth.
What is a crucial step to take before using a fire extinguisher?
Read the instructions.
What should you do if the fire starts to diminish?
Move towards the fire.
