Safety

Monash is committed to providing a safe working environment for all staff, students, and contractors working on site. A Safe Work Method Statement must be completed before you begin work.

Safe Work Method Statement

A Safe work method statement (SWMS) must be in place for all work that requires an approved Monash work permit. SWMS are not required to be formally submitted for every permit application, unless specifically requested by relevant Monash staff. A completed SWMS must be readily available for inspection throughout the duration of the work.

The completed SWMS must be site-specific, task-specific and demonstrate that all personnel have received necessary training and have been consulted on the SWMS. Refer to WorkSafe for supporting guidance on completing a SWMS.

Safety guidelines for a safe work environment

A person is considered to be working at height if there is the chance of them falling more than two metres.
You can eliminate, or at least reduce, the risk of falling by:
- Working on the ground level
- Erecting scaffolds or perimeter guard railing
- Utilising elevated work platforms and
- Using other means of fall prevention, such as industrial rope access systems.
The use of scaffolding and other elevated work platforms are governed by law and regulations and all appropriate certificates, licenses, Personal Protective Equipment and operational checks must be met before work begins. All ladders must comply with Australian Standards and a SWMS must be completed before work begins.
In addition, when working at heights at any Monash University campus:
- Scaffolds over four metres must be erected by a licensed scaffolder.
- No person is allowed to remain on a mobile scaffold while it is being moved.
- No tools are to be left unattended while the scaffold is being moved.
- During overhead work, provisions should be made to protect and warn those below.
- Persons must not work under suspended loads under any circumstances.
- Extension ladders must extend to a metre beyond its upper most point of contact, and
- Where required, you are to supply your own tested and certified safety harness.
Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs), Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Safety Switches must be used when operating portable electrical equipment.
All electrical equipment including leads must be tested and tagged in accordance with the relevant standards.
When working with electrical equipment:
- All electrical leads running across corridors, pathways etc. must be sign-posted and taped down or suspended over the area to avoid tripping hazards.
- All high voltage sub-station and switching rooms are restricted access. Permission to access these areas is required from a Monash Supervisor or Project Officer.
There are many restricted areas around Monash University campuses. These areas are generally sign posted, i.e. chemical hazards, radiation warning signs, noise hazards, dangerous roof areas, tunnels and sub-stations (including high voltage areas). Although access is restricted in these areas it should be noted that high voltage cabling as well as other services are reticulated underground and in the services tunnels throughout the campuses.
If you must contact your Monash supervisor if you require access to any restricted area, before you attempt to enter the area. A work permit may be required for some areas.
Flammable liquids (any source of ignition)
Many areas across the University contain flammable liquids including most art studios, laboratories, workshops and other areas showing flammable liquid signs. If any hot work is required in these areas, contact your Monash supervisor to arrange for a Hot Work Permit.
Asbestos hazards
Always ask your Monash supervisor to provide you with the asbestos register before starting work. If you find any material which may be asbestos, do not disturb it. Cease work immediately and contact your Monash supervisor.
It is your responsibility to review the Asbestos Register/Hazardous Materials Register and ensure asbestos is not disturbed. The Asbestos Register is located in the Buildings & Property office on the Clayton campus at 30 Research Way.
Laboratories
Many laboratories have risks associated with chemicals and gas cylinders that are both hazardous and dangerous. If you are required to perform work within a laboratory environment you must complete the local laboratory induction before entering and beginning work.
Gas cylinders
Acetylene and Liquid Petroleum Gas cylinders must be transported, stored and used in the upright and secure position. Compressed air and gas cylinders in use must be securely mounted on an approved trolley.
Isolation / Lock out and tagging procedures
All power to plant and equipment must be isolated or locked out and tagged before starting work. You must provide your own tags. Always notify your Monash supervisor before any isolation or lock-out.
Smoke and thermal detection
When working within a building, there is the possibility of setting off smoke and/or thermal detectors. To arrange their isolation, request and complete a Fire Isolation Request Form and return it to your Monash supervisor 72 hours before work will begin. Failure to arrange a work area to be isolated will make you liable for the cost set by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade for call out.
You must assess all manual handling tasks and implement controls as part of your operational procedures and SWMS.
You are responsible for providing, maintaining and wearing personal protective equipment and any additional safety equipment where required. All items must comply with the relevant Australian Standards.
You are responsible for developing and implementing risk assessments and operational procedures in accordance with all legislative requirements for working on plant and equipment.
You must ensure that for all plant and equipment you bring onto Monash University sites that:
- Those using the plant or equipment are appropriately licensed and have completed competency based training.
- All portable electrical equipment is tested and tagged in accordance with AS3760 and any legislative requirements.
- All equipment must be operated without risk to staff, students and visitors at any time.
- Plant and equipment must be stored, operated and maintained in accordance legislative and Australian Standard requirements.
- Equipment must never be left unattended.
- Noise levels must be kept to a minimum.

Evacuation

If you hear the emergency alert alarm tone (BEEP BEEP) secure the worksite and prepare to evacuate.

On hearing the evacuation alarm (WHOOP, WHOOP) leave the building via the safest and closest exit and follow any instructions by the building or floor wardens or emergency services.

Your Monash supervisor will show you the location of the break glass alarm in the work area and emergency assembly points before you begin any new work.

Discovering an emergency

In the event of an emergency, such as fire, chemical spill, damage to property or a serious injury, you must contact emergency services (ambulance, police or fire brigade) by dialling 000 (or 0000 from an internal phone).

Once the emergency service has been contacted, you must notify Monash security (Monash Campus sites only) so they can then escort the emergency services personal to the scene of the incident. To do this:

dial 333 on any Monash phone, or
dial 9905 3333 on any phone

Make sure that you provide security with your name, the location, and the nature of the emergency.

Incident reporting and investigation

You must report all injuries, hazards and near misses to your Monash supervisor as soon as possible after the incident.

Participation in the incident investigation could be requested by your Monash supervisor.

If you complete an incident report form from your organisation, ensure that your Monash supervisor receives a copy.

Buildings and Property Contractors