Contractor’s Handbook

Facilities Management
Version 13
Revised: September 05
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FORWARD

Hunter New England Health is committed in providing a safe working environment, safe
systems of work and management practices, which ensure a high standard of health
and safety, are integrated into day-to-day service provision.

Hunter New England Health assumes that Contractors are aware of their obligations
under the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001, Hazardous Substance
Regulation 1996, Work Cover Authority, Australian Standards and Infection Control
Policies (this list is by no means exhaustive; it would be impractical to list all relevant
regulations in detail).

This Contractors Handbook has been developed to provide a generic guide to working
safely within Hunter New England Health. All Site Supervisors will be able to assist the
Contractor in their adherence to local issues and regulations.

External service providers must be willing to participate in accreditation surveys by the

ACHS and others.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Developed by Hunter Area Health Service.
Contractors Handbook Version: 1 issued June 1998.
Version: 13 Reviewed by Hunter New England Health’s Facilities Management Unit September 2005

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page
1.0 Scope 5
2.0 Application 5
3.0 Safety Performance 5
4.0 Workers Compensation/Insurances 5
5.0 Relevant Standards 5
6.0 Emergency Procedures 5-6
6.1 Mishap/Accident Reporting/Emergency Treatment 6
6.2 Immunisations/Blood & Body Substances/Needle Stick 6-7
6.3 Gluteraldahyde & Latex Sensitivity & Screening 7
7.0 Conditions of Entry 8
7.1 Units 8
7.2 After Hours Access 8
7.3 Contractor Responsibilities 8-9
~ Confidentiality
~ Standard Work Procedures (Safe Work Practices)
~ Manual Handling Policy
~ Working in a Confined space
~ Personal Protective Equipment
~ Portable Electric Tools and Power Cords
~ Non Issue of Hunter New England Health’s Tools
and Equipment
~ Oxy Fuel Sets
7.4 Isolations – Tag out Policies 9
7.5 Penetrations 9
7.6 Parking 9
8.0 Contractor’s induction Passport 9-10

8.1 Performance Management Program 10

8.2 Performance/KPI Guarantees 10
8.3 Inspection and Certification of Works 10
9.0 Contractor’s Access and Exit Procedures 11
10.0 Checklist 11
11.0 Housekeeping 11
12.0 Prohibited and Restricted 11-12
13.0 Warning signs 12
14.0 Plant and Machinery 12

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15.0 Electrical Plant and Equipment 12-13

16.0 Chemicals / Hazardous Substances 13
17.0 Infection Prevention & Control Policy related to Construction 13
and Renovation (# 04/14)
List of Contact Persons / Numbers 14
Letter of Agreement for Contractor’s Handbook 15

Application for Long Term/Period Contractors ID 16

Contractors Check List 17

Record of Entry into Designated Asbestos Hazard Areas 18
Samples of Danger and Out Of Service Tags 19
Hunter New England Area Health Service Occupational 20
Health & Safety Policy
References 21
Hunter New England Area Health Service 22-26
Danger and Out of Service Tag Policies

CODE OF CONDUCT

ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS TO HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH

SHALL BE AWARE OF HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH'S POLICY
92/02 "CODE OF CONDUCT" WHICH IS BASED ON CIRCULAR 98/79-
NSW HEALTH SYSTEM CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS (AUG.
1998) AND IN PARTICULAR CLAUSE 3.9 (BRIBES, GIFTS AND
BENEFITS).

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1.0 SCOPE
This handbook has been designed to provide relevant information to service
providers entering any Hunter New England Health Facility.

2.0 APPLICATION

The information contained within this Handbook applies to:

All contractors engaged by Hunter New England Health.

Please Note: The term “Unit” means that section of Hunter New England Health
engaging the contractor.

3.0 SAFETY PERFORMANCE

Hunter New England Health is committed to providing an injury free workplace.
Contractors are required to conform to all Hunter New England Health’s safety
policies, standards and procedures. Any injury must be reported immediately to
the relevant Hunter New England Health supervisor, the circumstances
investigated and actions put in place, to the satisfaction of Hunter New England
Health, to prevent any recurrences. Contractors are to be prepared to submit to,
and participate in audits of their safe working conditions and practices.

Failure to follow these requirements may see the contract suspended or

terminated.

4.0 WORKERS COMPENSATION/INSURANCES

Contractors are to ensure that Worker’s Compensation/Personal Accident,
Public Liability and any other insurance(s) required as an obligation of the work
to be carried out are current, will be kept current during the course of the works,
and that a Certificate of Currency for all relevant insurances will be provided to
the Hunter New England Health, prior to commencement of work.

5.0 RELEVANT STANDARDS

It is a condition of the contract that Contractors shall comply with all relevant
statutory requirements. Where specifications require more stringent control than
statutory requirements, then the higher standard shall apply.

6.0 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Hunter New England Health has specific Emergency Procedures in place.
Emergency information/instructions are contained within a colour-coded booklet
known as “The Rainbow Book” compiled to AS4083 – 1997 Planning for
Emergencies – Health Care Facilities. These books are located adjacent to
telephones.

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It is mandatory that all persons entering any Hunter New England Health unit
become familiar with this book.

6.1 Mishap/Accident Reporting/Emergency Treatment

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur when working within
Hunter New England Health shall be reported to the Unit supervisor and
recorded in the “Incident Information Management System (IIMS) ”.

Contractors must check with each site supervisor for specific detail
of policies and procedures for the treatment of any injury or
sickness occurring within the unit or unit’s grounds prior to
commencing works.

For Emergency Medical treatment: __________________________

6.2 Immunisations / Blood & Body Substance / Needle Stick

Contractors must cooperate with the NSW Health Department Circular
2002/97 "Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious
Diseases" policy and obtain at their own cost, a documented screening
and vaccination history consistent with the provisions of this Circular,
which must be made available to the Health Service prior to the
commencement of their employment or clinical placement. A copy of
Circular 2002/97 will be provided on request.

Blood and Body Substances

When performing work in the Hospital environment a Contractor may
come into contact with blood and/or body substances. Contractors must
assume that all blood and body substances are potential sources of
infections as a significant exposure to these substances could transmit
hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Universal precautions in the control of exposures to these substances will
be reinforced in the mandatory Hunter New England Health orientation
program.
Exposure may occur through:
• a penetrating injury such as a cut or puncture from an item, which has,
blood and/or body substance on it.
• blood and/or body substances coming into contact with your broken
skin, such as cuts, abrasions, acne, and skin rashes.
• blood and/or body substances coming into contact with the mucous
membranes (moist parts) of your eyes, mouth and nose.
To prevent exposure to blood and/or body fluids follow these rules:
• cover existing cuts and abrasions with a closed waterproof dressing.
• wear approved appropriate personal protective equipment, such as
gloves, apron and safety glasses or face shield when an exposure to
blood and/or body substances is likely to occur.

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• The site supervisor will give you advice on the risk of blood and/or body
substances being present in an area.
• wash your hands after finishing the job, before & after eating, smoking,
going to the toilet, etc.
• do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose with hands or other items eg.
pens, if it is possible that they have been in contact with blood and/or
body fluids.

First Aid for Blood and Body Substance Exposures

If you are exposed to blood and/or body substance, you must follow these
first aid procedures immediately:

Needle Stick, Cut or Puncture Wound

1. Bleed the needle stick/cut/puncture wound as much as possible.
2. Rinse the wound thoroughly under running water.
3. Cover the wound with a clean, waterproof, closed dressing.
4. Report your exposure to Maintenance Supervisor/Site
Manager/Nursing Unit Manager at the Unit and your own employer.
You must document the exposure as requested by the Maintenance
Supervisor/Site Manager/Nursing Unit Manager.
5. You will then be directed to the appropriate person at the Unit for
follow-up or you can go to your own general practitioner.

Splash with Blood/Body Substance

1. Remove any soiled clothing, and wash the splashed area thoroughly
with soap and water.
2. For a splash to the face, rinse the nose, eyes and mouth thoroughly
with water. Contact lenses should be rinsed and disinfected or
disposed of if disposable type.
3. Test for any breaks in the skin using an alcohol hand rub (eg. Hibicol)
which is available from the Maintenance Supervisor/Site
Manager/Nursing Unit Manager.
4. You must report and document your exposure to Maintenance
Supervisor/Site Manager/Nursing Unit Manager at the facility and your
own employer.
5. You will then be directed you to the appropriate person at the facility
for follow-up or you can go to your own general practitioner.

6.3 Glutaraldehyde & Latex Sensitivity & Screening

Glutaraldehyde is used within some Hunter New England Health facilities
and contractors should be aware that sensitivity to this chemical is
common.
There are also rubber/latex items in use that contractors may come in
contact with. If you have any adverse reaction to rubber/latex or concerns
relating to glutaraldehyde, contact the Area Facilities Management Unit
for advice and follow up.

7.0 CONDITION OF ENTRY

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7.1 Units
All Contractors shall report to the Supervisor or delegate responsible for
the appropriate Unit.
All “certified” contractors will be issued with a “ Contractor’s Induction
Passport”.
Access will only be permitted to those sites as certified “Inducted To”
within these passports.
The requirements for the issue of a passport are detailed in Section 7.0.
Section 8.0 makes allowance for those contractors deemed “not certified”.

7.2 After Hours Access

If the Contractor requires after hours access, they must contact the
appropriate site Supervisor and/or delegate to ensure access to the site is
available and must ensure that the “Contractors Access and Exit
Procedures” are strictly adhered to.

7.3 Contractor Responsibilities

Confidentiality
All Contractors entering a Hunter New England Health Unit must maintain
confidentiality and exercise discretion in relation to any matters arising or
relating to that facility or any persons therein.

Standard Work Procedures (Safe Work Practices)

Contractors must carry out a risk assessment (Work
Method Statement/Job Safety Analysis) for each site
and process and show proof of ”Standard Work Procedures” (Safe Work
Practices) in relation to the service provided.

Manual Handling Policy

Hunter New England Health is committed to controlling manual handling
risks and preventing manual handling injuries in the workplace. All
contractors shall be aware of their obligations under the NSW
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001(Chapter 4 Part 4.4
Manual Handling) and Hunter New England Health Policy 99/10.

Working in Confined Space

All works to be carried out within Hunter New England Health shall be
assessed by a competent person with reference to the Confined Space
Regulation 1990, the OH&S Regulation 2001(Division 9) and the
Australian Standard “AS2865 Safe Work in a Confined Space” and all
relevant upgraded Acts and Standards.

Personal Protective Equipment

All appropriate personal protective apparel/equipment shall be worn/used
when on the job at a Hunter New England Health Unit. This equipment
must be maintained in good repair.

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Portable Electric Tools and Power Cords

All portable electric tools and power cords employed on site shall be
tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3760. RCD devices shall
be used with all electric power tools.

Non Issue of Hunter New England Health’s Tools and Equipment

Contractors shall supply all tools and equipment required for all services
provided to Hunter New England Health.

Oxy Fuel Sets

All Oxy Fuels sets that enter Hunter New England Health Facilities shall
be transported and restrained in accordance with AS4332 and be tested
and inspected and tagged in accordance with AS4839 and AS4603 and
record of this is to be produced.

7.4 Isolations – Tag out Policies

All Isolations are to be suitably tagged in accordance with Hunter New
England Health’s Danger Tag and Out of Service Tag policies.
(Copies attached)

Isolation details are to be carried-out under strict instruction of

Hunter New England Health’s maintenance personal.

7.5 Penetrations
No penetrations of walls, floors etc, shall be carried out unless authorised
by Engineering Personnel at each Unit.

7.6 Parking
Please contact the appropriate Unit regarding parking and unloading
facilities.

Please note that parking infringement notices will be issued if vehicles are
found parked in a restricted area without an authorisation pass. The
appropriate Unit issues the pass. The pass MUST be displayed on the
vehicle. A parking fee may be charged at some facilities.

8.0 CONTRACTOR'S INDUCTION PASSPORT

A fee (amount TBA) is payable on issue of each passport.

All service providers to Hunter New England Health must satisfy the
requirements to be deemed a “Certified” contractor and be issued with a
“Contractor’s Induction Passport”

Hunter New England Health is aware that “non certified” contractors may
be required from time to time to provide a service at our facilities, the
minimum requirement for entry in these circumstances will be a site
induction, supply of current Public Liability and Workers
Compensation/Personnel Accident Insurance detail and the completion of
the “Contractors Checklist” and appropriate Job Safety Analysis.

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Minimum requirements for the issue of a “Contractor’s Induction Passport” are

listed in the “Documentation” section of the “Call for Quotations” document sent
to all interested providers.

These requirements are:-

1. Successful completion by individuals of the “NSW GOVERNMENT

WORKCOVER GENERAL INDUCTION “ for Occupational Health & Safety or
a course deemed equivalent to or better than by the NSW Workcover
Education and Training Division.
2. Agreement to adhere to the rules and regulation as set out in the “Hunter
New England Health Contractors Handbook”.
3. Proof of firm’s current Public Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance
for the term of agreement.
4. Proof of firm’s willingness to participate in any accreditation or certification
process in accordance with the requirements of the ACHS Equipe standards.
5. Criminal Record Check clearance for individuals (Cost of $6 per name/alias
applies).
6. Individual attendance to generic HAHS orientation program.
7. Individual completion of site-specific induction in conjunction with regular
service attendance. Passport to be certified of this attendance as in Section
6.0 of this handbook.

8.1 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

All contractors may be subject to a performance management program, on an
Annual basis or as the need may arise (eg complaint by HNE Health units or
contractors)

8.2 PERFORMANCE/KPI GUARANTEES

All services provided by contractors to Hunter New England Health will be
subject to a performance/KPI guarantee. The terms and conditions of these
guarantees and the warranties provided will be negotiated before the
commencement of a period contract.

8.3 INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATION OF WORKS

All works carried out by contractors on/in Hunter New England Health’s
facilities will be subject to inspection and certification before approval of
completion is issued.

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9.0 CONTRACTOR’S ACCESS & EXIT PROCEDURES

All contractors entering Hunter New England Health Units shall report to the
Engineering office or in the absence of engineering personnel the person/
persons designated responsible for the unit before commencing work.

The “Contractor’s Register” is to be completed in the presence of the Unit

supervisor.

All “certified” contractors will be issued with a photo ID in conjunction with the
“Contractors Induction Passport”.

A “Contractor’s Work Access Permit” will be issued to those contractors not

deemed “certified”
The work permit is valid for the day of issue only and all contractors must
sign off the “Contractors Register” on completion of daily works.

Contractors who fail to “sign off” will face disciplinary action as

determined by Hunter New England Health’s Director of Shared Corporate
Services.

10.0 CHECK LIST

The “Contractors Check List” (sample page 17) may need to be completed on
each occasion of service. The need to complete this form will be determined by
the site supervisor.

11.0 HOUSEKEEPING
Contractors are responsible for keeping the work area tidy and safe at all times.
Access ways must be kept clear, and waste/surplus material promptly removed
and disposed of. Cleaning up at the end of the job is not
considered sufficient.

Materials must not be left unsecured in elevated areas – falling objects may
cause serious injuries.

Site engineering management will carry out regular safety walks in work areas
to assure “Standard Work Procedures” are in place.

Failure to observe the correct procedures will not be tolerated in any Hunter New
England Health Unit.

12.0 PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED

The following are prohibited on/in any Hunter New England Health Unit:

* Intoxicating liquor or drugs that may impede judgement

* Firearms
* Animals
* Cameras

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* Mobile phones in clinical areas or as indicated by signage

* Non-Contractor personnel, eg partner, children, friends, etc.

13.0 WARNING SIGNS

Contractors shall:
* Strictly observe all signs displayed on facility.
* Provide and post appropriate warning sign(s) for all work in progress.
* Provide and use appropriate safety barriers and barricades for all work in
progress.
* Comply and be familiar with “Danger Tag” and “Out of Service Tag”
regulations.

14.0 PLANT AND MACHINERY

All plant, machinery, vehicles and tools used in/on a Hunter New England Health
Facility by the Contractor must be approved or licenced by the appropriate
authority eg. WorkCover Authority, Roads and Traffic Authority, Standards
Australia, etc.

Current certification and testing documentation shall be provided when required

eg Hydraulics testing for cranes.

All personnel employed by the Contractor to operate any plant, machinery,

vehicles or tools must be trained/qualified to do so and be the holder of the
appropriate licence(s) or certificate(s) of competency for the type of equipment
being operated.

The Contractor shall be required to produce all licences or certificates of

competency to the appropriate Unit. Failure to produce the appropriate
documentation shall result in cessation of work/services.

No Contractor is allowed to operate any plant, machinery, vehicle or tools that

belong to the HNEH without the permission of the appropriate Unit.

All ladders are to be stable and in good condition. The correct ladder must be
used for the correct purpose, eg wooden or fibreglass for electrical hazards.

An appropriately licensed person shall erect all scaffolding.

15.0 ELECTRICAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Electrical dangers differ from some others in that they are not always self-
evident. An electrical conductor looks the same whether it is alive or dead and
therefore is dangerous. When your duties do not require you to approach or
handle electrical equipment or lines, keep away from them.

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All electrical installations undertaken by a Contractor shall comply with all

relevant Australian Standards and Codes of Practice.

Appropriate information (eg plans or diagrams) will be

provided to the Contractor by Hunter New England
Health’s Engineering staff where appropriate or upon
request if available.

16.0 CHEMICALS / HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

(OH & S Act, Hazardous Substances)
All chemicals / Hazardous substances must be clearly
labelled and accompanied with the appropriate
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
The appropriate Supervisor and/or Delegate must sight
these MSDS prior to commencement of work.

17.0 INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL POLICY RELATED TO

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION (# 04/14)

All contractors shall strictly adhere to the HNEAHS Policy Number 04/14, this
policy outlines the requirements of infection prevention and control within
HNEAHS Policy 02/04 Workplace Change, Design/Re-design, Refurbishment
and Service Planning. Details will be supplied on request by the Site-Supervisor.

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List of Contact Persons/Numbers

(This list is be completed by the Hunter New England Health Unit site supervisor at the
time of specific site induction)

Facility: _______________________

Title/Area Name Phone

Engineer
Facility Supervisor
Maintenance Supervisor
Unit Supervisor
Security
Emergency Number
Switchboard

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To:

Dear
Re: Letter of Agreement for Contractor’s Handbook

I/We have read and understand the protocols for Hunter New England Health as
outlined in the Contractor’s Handbook. Version No. ____ .

I/We agree to abide by the protocols as set out in the Contractor’s Handbook.

Name of Contractor: ________________________

Area of Service (eg refrigeration, BME, etc)

Signature: _____________________________ Date: ___ / ___ / ___

Company/Contractor Address: ________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH SERVICE

AUTHORITY FORM TO OBTAIN - IDENTIFICATION CARD

Date: / / PLEASE PRINT WHEN COMPLETING FORM

Last Name:_______________ First Name_______________________

Mr/Mrs,etc________________ Applicants Signature_______________

Date of Birth____/_____/_____ Payroll number___________________

Hospital/Unit_______________ Department______________________

Position Title_______________ Contact Phone number_____________

This section must be completed by your Supervisor/Manager or Area Contracts Manager (for all Contractors)

(Accounting Flex field: 319950)/_________/_______________/____________/1

Unit Fund Cost Centre Program

Approval_________________ Signature______________________
Please Print

Please present this authority form duly completed and authorised to obtain your Hunter Area Health
Identification card.

A record of this authorisation form may be held in your personal record for future reference.

On receipt of your identification card please sign and date in space provided below.

Identification Card Received______________________________________ Date / /

Signature

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH

CONTRACTORS CHECK LIST TO BE USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH

“CONTRACTOR ACCESS PERMIT”

1 Contractors shall be aware of their responsibility under the

Occupational Health and Safety Act to:-

a) take reasonable care for the health and safety of all

persons at their place of work who may be affected by
his/her acts or omissions.
b) co-operate with employers on all Occupational Health
and Safety issues.
c) use and wear Safety Equipment as required.(PPE) Yes / No

2 Job Safety Analysis/Standard Work Practices Yes / No

Lodged/sighted

3 Department of Fair Trading Licence/s checked Yes / No / NA

4 Workers Compensation/PAI – Public Liability Insurance Yes / No / NA

Details supplied?

5 Tag out system used for all Hazardous work. (Out of Service Yes / NA
and Danger Tags)

6 Confined Space procedures be followed as per AS 2865 Yes / No

and the Confined Spaces Regulation 1990 as included in
the OH&S Regulation 2001.

7 Hot Work Permit required? Yes / No

8 Hot work Permit issued? Yes / NA

9 Fire Detection Isolation required? Yes / No

10 Asbestos Record of Entry Log completed? (copy attached) Yes / No / NA

11 Dust Hazard safety precautions taken? ie Seal area, Yes / No / NA

Signpost, etc.

12 Boiler Test, Reseal inspection holes after combustion test. Yes / No / NA

13 Observation of all Hospital signage- including restriction of Yes / No

entry

Name (please print) ___________________ Signature: _________________

Company: __________________________ Date: ___ / ___ / ___

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH

RECORD OF ENTRY INTO

DESIGNATED ASBESTOS HAZARD AREAS

Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___ / ___ / ___

Designation: ______________________________________________________
(Outside person, Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter, Handyman, etc)

Building Name: ____________________________________________________

Purpose for Entry: __________________________________________________

Time Spent: __________________ Hrs: _____________ Mins: _____________

Signature: _____________________________________

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Out of Service
Tag
To be used when any plant
or equipment is faulty, or
it’s operation or use could
cause damage to either it or
a person.

The tag is to be placed on

the plant or equipment in a
prominent place and fully
visible to potential users.

Reference: Hunter New

England Health Service
Policy 00/12

Danger Tag
To provide personal
protection when isolating
energy sources, thus
eliminating the risk of
injury to staff, patients,
clients, contractors, visitors
and others.

A personal danger tag when

placed on equipment or
isolation point is a direction
to all others that the
plant/equipment is not to be
started or operated.
Reference: Hunter New
England Health Policy
00/11

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References

Hazardous Substance Regulation, 1996

Infection Control Policy 12.14.56
Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, 2001
Occupational Health Act, 2000
Policies 12.14.15
Work Cover Authority
The “Hunter New England Health Service” Procedures Manual for the Selection and
Management of Contractors”.

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH SERVICE POLICY

SUBJECT: DANGER TAGS

POLICY NUMBER: 00/11

DATE OF POLICY: AUGUST 2000

POLICY AIM/OBJECTIVES:
To provide personal protection when isolating energy sources, thus eliminating the risk of injury to
staff, patients, clients, contractors, visitors and others. This policy and procedure will apply to any
repairs, maintenance, installation and commissioning activities.
RELATED LEGISLATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CIRCULARS, AREA POLICIES:
• NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983
• Department of Health Circular 76/53 - Use of Danger Tags in Hospitals
DISTRIBUTION:
All managers, staff and contractors of Hunter New England Health Service
REVIEW:
Annual
AREA EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICY MONITORING AND REVIEW:
Director Corporate Services
POLICY APPROVAL:
Area Executive
1.1 PURPOSE

To provide the standard for personal protection when isolating energy sources, thus eliminating the risk of
injury to staff, patients, clients, contractors, visitors and others by ensuring that danger tags are understood
and used correctly throughout Hunter Area Health Service.
A personal danger tag, when placed on a main/primary isolation point, is a direction to ALL persons that the
plant is not to be started or operated.

1.2 SCOPE

Isolation of energy sources to ensure personal safety as per requirements of the NSW Occupational Health &
Safety Act 1983.

1.3 APPLICATION

This policy applies to all operations within the Hunter New England Health Service, anyone working within
Hunter New England Health Service facilities, including employees, consultants and contractors, as well as
any work performed by staff of Hunter New England Health Service in any other location.

1.4 DEFINITIONS

1.4.1 Authorised Person: a person deemed competent in writing by their manager in the use of Danger Tags.
1.4.2 Energy Sources:
Active Energy- Energy readily isolated by switching, disconnection, closing a valve or shielding. Includes:
• Electricity
• Diesel Power
• Compressed Air
• Gas (LNG, LPG, Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide)
• Steam
• Water
• Hydraulic Power
• Radioactive Devices
Stored Energy - Energy isolated by securing, ‘chocking’, switching, disconnection, discharging or earthing.
Includes:
• Stored energy in springs and accumulators
• Stored pressures in pressure vessels, tanks and hoses

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Sources of Energy :
• Gravitational energy in imbalanced machinery or elevated equipment/material
• Stored energy in capacitors
• Stored energy in high voltage cables
• Gas Mains
• Water Mains
•
1.4.3 Danger Tag: a system that provides personal protection

14.4 Out of Service Tag: a system that places faulty plant and equipment out of use

1.5 PROCEDURES

Only authorised personnel to perform these procedures.

1. Identify the need to isolate energy sources in order to protect the personal safety of those on the job.

2. Identify the actual and potential energy source(s) associated with the equipment.

3. Isolate and/or de-energise the energy source(s).

- When electrical work is to be performed, and provided where reasonable and equipment hardware
allows, the electrical circuit(s), being worked upon will be isolated by visible disconnection (incl. main
circuit breaker) and/or earthing.

4. Prove that no energy is present at the energy source.

5. Should work need to be performed on "live" or energised equipment, due to a very specific reason,
this can only be carried out after a written risk assessment has been performed and a safe work
procedure developed. These documents must then be approved by the appropriate manager /
engineer. Staff to undertake the work in such conditions must then be trained in the requirements of
the procedure, and sign off on the training.

6. A danger tag is only to be securely attached to the main isolating switch, valve or any other positive
isolating device. Push buttons, emergency stops and control switches are not to be considered
positive isolators, and must never be used as such.

7. Each person working on the equipment to apply his or her own individual Personal Danger Tag to the
main isolation device. In cases where more than one main isolator is involved, ensure a danger tag is
applied by every person to each of the main isolators.

8. Each individual is responsible for ensuring all the details are correctly completed on their own danger
tag. This information will include the date and time, their name and signature and identification of the
item isolated.

9. Prove no energy is present, (either Active or Stored), at the equipment.

10. Perform the work consistent with Hunter New England Health Service safe work practices.

11. Upon completion of work all persons working on equipment to remove their own individual Personal
Danger Tag. The only person permitted to remove a Personal Danger Tag is the person who attached
such tag.

12. If work is uncompleted at the end of the shift, remove your Personal Danger Tag and attach an Out of
Service Tag.

1.6 ACCOUNTABILITIES

Directors/General Managers – Accountable for ensuring all staff in their departments are fully aware of, and
understand this policy/procedures.
Executive Officers/Unit Managers – Accountable for ensuring that all staff are trained in the use of this
policy/procedures and receive regular instruction as to the mandated need to follow the policy.

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Supervisors – Accountable for ensuring that all staff and contractors, for whom they are responsible, use the
policy/procedures at all times.
Employees – Accountable for ensuring their full compliance with the requirements of the danger tag policy.

1.7 BREACHES OF POLICY

The Danger Tag policy/procedure is fundamental to the elimination of injuries from working on
equipment with an energy source.
Any breach of this policy/procedure will be fully investigated and if proven will result in serious
disciplinary action, including dismissal.

1.8 SUPPLIES OF DANGER TAGS.

These must be readily available throughout the workplace, as well as carried by relevant staff personally.
The danger tags are available through the Area Purchasing Department. Only these tags shall be used, to
ensure standardisation across all of Hunter Area Health Service.
The only acceptable danger tag is a red and black on white pre-printed tag, with a means of fixing it already
attached. They must comply with Australian Standard AS 1319

1.9 OUTCOMES

The outcomes of this policy are a workforce fully cognisant with the requirements to safely use a danger tag,
which will result in no injuries in the workplace due to failure to adequately isolate energy sources before
working on equipment.

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(August 2000)

HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH SERVICE POLICY

SUBJECT: OUT OF SERVICE TAG

POLICY NUMBER: 00/12

DATE OF POLICY: AUGUST 2000

POLICY AIM/OBJECTIVES:
To provide the system that identifies and removes faulty, unserviceable or in-operable plant, equipment, devices
(and the like) from use until deemed safe by qualified personnel.
RELATED LEGISLATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CIRCULARS, AREA POLICIES:
• NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983
• Department of Health Circular 76/53 - Use of Danger Tags in Hospitals
DISTRIBUTION:
All managers, staff and contractors of Hunter New England Health Service
REVIEW:
Annual
AREA EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICY MONITORING AND REVIEW:
Director Corporate Services
POLICY APPROVAL:
Area Executive

1.1 PURPOSE

To provide the standard for the system that identifies and removes faulty, unserviceable or in-operable plant,
equipment, devices (and the like) from use until deemed safe by qualified personnel.

1.2 SCOPE and APPLICATION

All plant and equipment within Hunter New England Health Service.

1.3 DEFINITIONS

1.3.1 Danger Tag: a system that provides personal protection

1.3.2 Out of Service Tag: a system that places faulty plant and equipment out of use

1.4 PROCEDURES

13. Identify any plant or equipment, where it is considered foreseeable that to operate or use it could
cause damage to either it or a person.

14. Identify the problem with the plant or equipment by completing an out of service tag, and affixing it to
the object as identified.

15. As far as is practical, remove the item to an area where it can be inspected and repaired by suitably
qualified personnel.

16. Inform your supervisor of the need for the object to be inspected and repaired.

17. Under no circumstances is a piece of equipment or plant, tagged as "Out Of Service" to be used.

18. Only authorised maintenance personnel can remove Out of Service tags.

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Remember that other authorised persons may remove the Out of Service tag you attached; hence it does not
provide you with personal protection.

1.5 ACCOUNTABILITIES

Directors/General Managers – Accountable for ensuring all staff in their departments are fully aware of, and
understand this policy/procedures.
Executive Officers/Unit Managers – Accountable for ensuring that all staff are trained in the use of this
policy/procedures and receive regular instruction as to the mandated need to follow the policy.
Supervisors – Accountable for ensuring that all staff and contractors, for whom they are responsible, use the
policy/procedures at all times.
Employees – Accountable for ensuring their full compliance with the requirements of the danger tag policy.

1.6 BREACHES OF POLICY

Any breach of this policy/procedure will be fully investigated and if proven will result in
commencement of the disciplinary process.

1.7 SUPPLIES OF OUT OF SERVICE TAGS.

These must be readily available throughout the workplace, as well as carried by relevant staff personally.
The out of service tags are available through the Area Purchasing Department. Only these tags shall be used,
to ensure standardisation across all of Hunter New England Health Service.
The only acceptable Out of Service Tag is a yellow and black pre-printed tag, with a means of fixing it already
attached. They must comply with Australian Standard AS 1319

1.8 OUTCOMES

The outcomes of this policy are a workforce fully cognisant with the requirements to safely use an out of
service tag and to ensure that unsafe equipment is not operated until repaired.
[AUGUST 2000]

© Hunter New England Health Version: 13

Facilities Management Unit Reviewed: September 2005