Occupational health, safety &

environment handbook
for employees, contractors and sub-contractors

ABB Australia Pty Limited

ABN 68 003 337 611
 Contents
Introduction

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
HAZARD RESOLUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
REPORTING OF INCIDENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
NEAR MISSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
SMOKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
OFFICE SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
RISK MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SAFE WORK PRACTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
MANUAL HANDLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
HOUSEKEEPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
WORKING IN HOT / HUMID ENVIRONMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
NOISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES / CHEMICALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
WORKING AT HEIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
BATTERY ROOMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
RADIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
RAIL TRACKS AND ROADWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
CONVEYORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
PORTABLE HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
ELECTRICAL SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
EARTH POTENTIAL RISE ZONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
EXPLOSIVE POWERED TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
SPRAY PAINTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
COMPRESSED AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
PERMIT SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
TRAVEL IN REMOTE AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
ASBESTOS PITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
GAS HAZARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
DANGER TAG - OUT OF SERVICE - TAG RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

2 3
 Introduction Health, Safety and Environment Policies

You are welcomed to ABB Australia Pty Limited, by its management and by All ABB Health Safety & Environment Policies are situated on noticeboards.
your fellow employees to an organisation which considers safe working
practices, an integral part of our operations.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility and we believe accidents are preventable.

Always remember that by your actions you may be responsible for the well
being and safety of yourself and of your fellow workers. You are urged to do
your part in making the workplace a safe area for yourself and others. OHS Rehabilitation

As you begin work with ABB, we need to emphasise a serious attitude towards
Policy Policy
the observance and compliance of our safety instructions and procedures. Our
OHS vision and underlying principles:

Think, and act Safely

We don’t want anybody to get hurt

We all take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others
We understand that all accidents are preventable
We understand that prevention of injuries is good business
We will invest in training our employees to work more safely
We report and investigate all incidents to ensure improvement, not to
Environmental
apportion blame
Working Safely is a condition of Employment Policy

Note: Any reference to contractors in this handbook

Your Supervisor will ensure you receive instruction on the above Policies.
shall include contractors, subcontractors and all of their
employees.

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

4 5
 Safety Responsibilities
Whether it is at corporate level or site level, all personnel have a responsibility
for the health & safety of their fellow workers. It is the policy of ABB Australia
that everyone is aware of and complies with their responsibilities.
Management Responsibilities
It is Management’s responsibility to ensure that identification, assessment and
control of hazards is conducted and opportunities for improvement are
actioned as appropriate. Managers provide information, instruction, training
and supervision to all employees, to enable them to perform their tasks in a
manner that is safe and without risk to health. Every Manager must constantly
remind his/her subordinates of their responsibilities, and by their own example,
demonstrate their personal commitment to safety.
Supervisory Responsibilities
An integral part of a supervisors responsibilities is to train and educate
employees in methods and techniques aimed at the removal of hazards. They
must ensure that employees observe all necessary precautions and wear the
appropriate safety protective equipment for all tasks. To monitor their areas on
a regular basis for human, environmental and situation factors capable of
causing incidents.They must investigate all incidents occurring within their
areas of responsibility to determine causes and recommend/take measures to
prevent recurrence. To convince employees of the need for safety performance
and to administer corrective action when safety rules are violated.
(Enforcement should be viewed as educational rather than punishment).
Employee Responsibilities
Employees are responsible for their own and others safety. They are required to
comply with the regulations placed on their employer. To use all safety devices
and equipment correctly and not render them inoperative or wilfully damage
them. To report their supervisor any situation which they have reason to believe
could present a hazard and which they themselves cannot correct, and to report
Think, and act safely!
6 7
Safety Responsibilities
any incident which arises in the course of or in connection with their work.
ABB Australia management will assist supervisors and employees in every
manner possible towards a mutual goal of a safe working environment.
Contractor responsibilities
The Contractor shall at all times exercise all possible care for the health and
safety of their employees, sub-contractors and other personnel within the
Contractor’s work scope. This shall be in accordance with the conditions under
which the contract is to be carried out, and in accordance with the conditions
under which the contract is to be carried out.
The Contractor shall ensure compliance with all relevant Federal and State
Legislation as well as any additional requirements or directions that ABB
may consider necessary or desirable, including those incorporated into this
document.
Involvement is the key
Everyone should be involved with safety.
ABB believes that the involvement of all employees is a necessary part of
staying safe & healthy. All employees have the opportunity to be actively
involved in health & safety by participating on committees or at meetings which
rely upon the involvement of employees at all levels in the organisation.
Think, and act safely!
 Hazard Resolution Emergency Procedures

A hazard is anything that may cause harm or damage. Check for danger
Call for assistance
If, in your opinion, a hazard exists and requires urgent attention, correct it Follow Emergency Procedures
yourself if possible. If you cannot, make it as safe as you can and report the If qualified, assist injured person/s
conditions to your supervisor immediately. Clear path for emergency vehicles, provide guide
for emergency vehicles
The following flowchart sets out the course of action that should be followed to Stop machinery or turn off power where appropriate
resolve Occupational Health & Safety matters. Proceed to muster areas as directed
Report incident to supervisor

Remember: when raising an emergency, talk slowly and clearly.

Don’t hang up the telephone until you are sure the person understands
the situation.
Concern identified YES
R
E Emergency Contact Numbers
Can a person take
YES M
direct action to fix?
E SITE FIRST AID COORDINATOR: ..................................
NO
D
AMBULANCE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Can a supervisor
take action to fix?
YES Y
FIRE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obtain advice from
NO OHS Representative
P SECURITY: ...................................................
Can manager take
action to fix?
YES R
WATER AUTHORITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NO
Obtain advice from O
Workcover
Can safety B GAS AUTHORITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
committee take YES
action to fix? L ELECTRICAL AUTHORITY: .......................................
NO E
Concern referred to M
YES Insert relevant site contact numbers, at time of induction
statutory authority

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

8 9
 Fire Prevention & Protection Reporting of Incidents

Make yourself familiar with all the fire equipment on your site. Check the fire You must report ALL INCIDENTS, no matter how small to your Supervisor
procedure with your supervisor and memorise the location and how to operate immediately, and seek medical; or first aid treatment where required. An
the fire extinguishers. incident report must be completed.

Should you discover a fire, assess the situation and extinguish it if you have
been trained to do so. If you cannot, alert your fellow workers and follow the
action points outlined in the emergency procedure.
TYPE OF EXTINGUISHER
Suitable duties will be provided to the injured person if they are unable to
perform their normal duties.
All serious incidents will be thoroughly investigated and
statutory authorities notified within the required time frames,
if required.

Water Foam CO2 Dry Powder You should familiarise yourself with who the First Aid personnel are on site and
the location of First Aid facilities, prior to commencing work.
RED WITH
TYPE OF FIRE RED BLUE BLACK RED WITH
BAND WHITE BAND
Near Misses
A. Combustible solids
ie wood paper
clothing
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Report any potential hazards and/or near misses and dangerous occurrences
B. Flammable Liquids as soon as they occur to your supervisor for follow-up and investigation.
ie Oil, Paint, Petrol ✘ ✓ ✓ ✓
What is a near miss to you could be a serious injury to someone else if not
reported and the hazard controlled.
C. Gases ie; Natural
Gas, Acetylene ✘ ✓ ✓ ✓
Conduct
D. Fires involving
Electrical Hazards ✘ ✘ ✓ ✓
As part of your on going commitment to Safety, if you disregard safety
requirements or procedures, whilst working with ABB, this will be regarded as
serious and may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

10 11
 Alcohol & Drugs
Having, consuming or bringing alcohol or drugs onto site is strictly forbidden.
Arriving at work suffering from the lingering effects of alcohol or drugs which
cause impaired faculties is not acceptable. Any employee found to be in
contravention of these rules may be liable to instant dismissal.
If you are taking drugs or medicine prescribed by a medical practitioner that
may cause drowsiness or lessen your ability to perform your job safely, then you
must report that to your supervisor.
Circumstances in which an alcohol breath/urine test may be conducted
Pre-employment drug screening
Where an incident or circumstances give reasonable cause for concern
Randomly at designated sites eg where required by legislation, contractual
obligations or where the critical nature of the operation makes it necessary
ABB’s Drugs and alcohol in the workplace education booklet provides
comprehensive information on the policy. Please ask for a copy if you don’t
have one.
Smoking
A smoke free work place policy is in place to protect personnel from the
effects of smoking. The policy is to apply in all work places. This includes but is
not limited to: offices, factories, construction sites and vehicles. The prohibition
extends to any other area designated as a no smoking area.
In many situations however such as a dematched site, smoking or any other
activity which generates a naked flame is prohibited due to the potential
risk of fire or explosion. In these cases, smoking in any area, unless
specifically approved of by Site management, is strictly forbidden.
Think, and act safely!
12
Office Safety
The most frequent type of office accidents are falls, strains,
cuts and electrical shocks. To avoid injury there are a
number of guidelines which need to be followed in your office.
Any electrical defects in cords or machines must be
promptly repaired.
Avoid having telephone and electrical cables across aisles and
passageways.
Serious strain can result from improper handling of boxes, office supplies,
files and office machines. Use trolleys where available and lift with a straight
back and using the more powerful leg muscles. Get help where necessary.
Watch out for recently polished floors and wipe up any spills immediately.
Open one filing cabinet drawer at a time to prevent it tipping over.
Do not leave desk drawers open.
Doors should be opened slowly to avoid striking anyone on the other side.
Material should not be placed on top of cupboards or other places where it
could fall.
Always use hand rails when going up or down stair.
Learn the fire and evacuation procedures for your building. Never use lifts in
a fire situation.
If you need to climb, use a step stool or a ladder
- never stand on wheeled or revolving chairs.
Set adjustable chairs and tables at a comfortable
working height. Inspect your chair reqularly for
defects.
Report loose and defective fllor coverings
immediately.
Think, and act safely!
13
 Risk Management Safe Work Practices

Risk management is simply the process of identifying hazards, assessing the
level of risk posed by these hazards, implementing controls to eliminate or
minimise these risks and the monitoring the effectiveness of these controls.
Tasks which do not have documented work instructions or safe operating
procedures require documented risk management prior to commencing the
task. Within ABB, two tools are available to assist with this - The Job Safety
Environment Analysis (JSEA) and The Job Hazard Assessment (JHA).
Safe work practices are too many and too varied to defined fully in this booklet
but you may be involved in some of those listed below.
Ensure that the method of work you are about to commence has been
examined, a Job Safety Environmental Analysis carried out and safe work
procedures established that you fully understand.
Material storage/handling Crane and Hoist Operations

Rigging/Scaffolding Manual Handling

The minimum criteria for which a JSEA shall be completed include:
Jobs which have a high frequency of incidents Welding and Cutting Elevated Work Platforms
Jobs which have high severity potential
Tagging and Isolating Asbestos Removal
New, changed or infrequent jobs (including projects)
Any job on live operating equipment or plant Compressed Air Usage Machinery Operation
Jobs which have significant interface with others
Demolition Radiation

A JHA may be completed prior to a job only if all of the following conditions are met: Hazardous Substances Climbing Telstra Poles
The job has a low frequency of incidents; and
The job has a low severity potential; and
The job is carried out on isolated plant or equipment; and
The job has an insignificant interface with others

Remember: JSEA’s / JHA’s must be completed for all jobs and tasks.

When a hazard has been identified in the Job Safety & Environment Analysis /
Work Method Statement control measures are determined by using the
“Hierarchy of Controls”
Elimination, if not practical then
Substitution, if not practical then
Engineering Controls, if not practical then
Administrative controls, if not practical then
Personal protective Equipment

You will be taught how to complete a JSEA / WMS at your workplace.

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

14 15
 Manual Handling
Many injuries are caused by incorrect methods
of lifting and moving and could be avoided by
observing a few simple rules:
Size up the load
Position your feet as close as possible to
the object to be lifted.
Adopt a balanced position with your knees bent
Get a safe, secure grip, diagonally opposite the object with the palms
of your hands. Not with your fingertips.
Keep the upper part of your body erect and as straight as possible.
Beware of sharp edged materials, wear suitable gloves.
Take a deep breath and begin to raise the load by straightening your legs.
Complete the lift with your back held straight.
Mechanical aids should be used where practical or ensure other assistance.
Make sure you assess the risks before commencing manual handling tasks.
Think, and act safely!
16
Housekeeping
Use receptacles provided and remember that there is a place for everything
and every thing belongs in its place.
Nails protruding from timber must be pulled out or hammered over.
Walkways, stairways, passageways and exits must be kept clear to provide
unimpeded access or egress at all times.
Materials must not be left unsecured in elevated areas - falling objects may
cause serious injuries
Work areas are to be kept cleaned and free from debris and all waste
material. Spillages of oil or other similar liquids are to be cleared up
immediately.
Tools and equipment are to be returned to their proper places in clean and
serviceable condition after use. If damaged or in any way faulty, the piece is
to be marked as such and the fact reported.
Materials contaminated with hazardous chemical waste and combustible
material must be placed in special containers for such waste. Plastic
containers must not be used.
Think, and act safely!
17
 Working in Hot/Humid Environments
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Wear suitable clothes
Try to do heavier work during the cooler parts of the day
Reduce exposure to direct sun and other sources of radiant heat
Take more frequent rest breaks
Take rest breaks in cooler areas and where there is shade
Where possible encourage air circulation
If having difficulties seek help
Noise
Noise has become part of our lives today, however, we must do all we can to
reduce exposure to noise in our workplaces.
To do this, we must:
Ensure all new plant and equipment brought into the workplace meet
standards set for noise levels.
Report any increase in the noise level of plant or equipment
Consider others and the work environment by controlling noisy activities
Wear, and look after any personal hearing protection provided for your use
Think, and act safely!
18
Hazardous Substances/Chemicals
All chemicals must be used strictly in accordance with directions.
Never use any chemical without its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
available at the work site
Never use any chemical until you know it can be handled safely
Always check the Material Safety data Sheet (MSDS) before you use any
chemical. Read it carefully.
Look for warnings on labels, read and understand them. Advise your
supervisor of poor or non- existent labelling or if you don’t understand the
description.
Use recommended protective clothing and equipment.
Make sure you know the handling and storage procedures - some
chemicals are dangerous if dropped, exposed to air, mixed with water (or
other substances) or stored at temperatures which are too high or too low.
Observe the correct disposal requirements
Working at Heights
Wherever possible employees will work within protective barriers, and use work
platforms eg. scaffolds, scissor lifts. Avoid and Minimise work at height, where
this is not possible and there is a risk of falling, the following shall take place:
Using a Job Safety Environment Analysis
Identify the hazards involved including access or egress to a work area
Assess the risks involved
Control the risk by using one or more procedures or pieces of equipment
including Safety harnesses, fall arrest systems and anchorage’s to eliminate
the risk of a person falling
Think, and act safely!
19
 Battery Rooms
You should ensure that battery rooms are well ventilated whilst batteries are on
charge and gassing.
Because of the risk of explosion, smoking and the use of naked lights is
prohibited in battery rooms and confined areas where batteries are on charge.
Radiation
X-rays and gamma rays are used for examination of welds.
All areas where X-ray testing occurs are to be barricaded
with warning signs. When you see a sign illustrated below,
keep well clear of the area.
Plant & Equipment
You are not permitted to operate nominated plant or equipment without the
appropriate certificate of competency.
The following items shall be considered prior to operating any plant or equipment:
Is there a current copy of registration or certificate where applicable?
Is there a copy of the operator’s manual?
Has a pre-start check been completed?
Is there a copy of previous maintenance records?
Is a Client certification or approved pass required?
If plant or equipment is found to be unsafe, this must be isolated and reported
through the incident reporting procedure.
Think, and act safely!
20
Rail Tracks & Roadways
Work to be performed within three metres of any railway track shall be carried
out in strict accordance with rail safe working procedures. No equipment or
material of any kind shall be stacked within three metres of any railway line.
All persons working in rail reserves, road reserves and on footpaths or
pedestrian ways shall wear high visibility vests.
For all work in roadway reserves or on footpaths, an accredited person must
prepare a traffic management plan which complies with applicable codes of
practice. The plan must be followed.
Conveyors
Check Isolations First
Never assume a belt is isolated because it is stopped
Never wear loose clothing near moving machines
Never duck under conveyors
Never remove guards unless the belt or drive is isolated
Never interfere with dust suppression systems
Never oxy-cut or weld over or near belt without protective covering
Never allow material (off cuts etc) to fall onto a conveyor
Never reach onto a conveyor to retrieve materials
Never use emergency lanyard/stop as the isolation point
Think, and act safely!
21
 Portable Hand Tools & Equipment Electrical Safety and Electrical Equipment

Ensure portable hand tools and equipment are fit for purpose. on the ground and is subject to vehicular traffic, you must provide mechanical
protection for it.
Ensure all tools are inspected prior to use.
All Electrical tools shall be protected by E.L.C.B equipment.
Report all damaged equipment to your supervisor.

When using angle grinders ensure that the blade is securely attached and its
rated speed is not less than the grinder it is attached to. Prior to use ensure
that the wheel is inspected and that the wheel fits correctly with the disk.
Ensure that eye and ear protection is worn whilst performing the job.
Electrical Safety and Electrical Equipment
Earth Potential Rise Zones
If you need to work on telephone equipment, cable conductors, metallic
sheaths or screens that are located inside an EPR zone you must insulate
yourself from local earth by using insulating mats, insulated tools and rubber
boots. You may use insulating gloves for additional protection where practical.

All electrical work undertaken shall be in compliance with all relevant statutory
requirements.
Explosive Powered Tools
Only qualified and authorised electricians are permitted to carry out electrical work.

Inspect all electrical equipment prior to use and report any defective equipment to
Only persons who have a certificate of competency as an explosive powered
your supervisor.
tool operator shall use these tools.

Electrical Inspection Tags All electrical leads and

A register is to be maintained by the Supervisor to show receipt and issue of
Each portable electrical tool should be fitted with a current inspection tag. equipment shall be tested
cartridges and the signature of persons who have withdrawn or returned
COMPLETE WHERE APPLICABLE and tagged by a qualified
cartridges
Owner Test Data electrician.
Equipment type License Number Cartridges must be kept in a locked box marked EXPLOSIVES. The box is to
All extension cords and
Plant Number Signature
have individual labelled compartments for the different powered cartridges.
leads shall be in accordance
Please inform your electrical service if this appliance
Never carry loose cartridges.
is defective in any way with the relevant Australian
RED: January to March Standard. Arrange for sentries or warning signs to be placed at all access points in the
GREEN: April to June areas where explosive tools are being used.
BLUE: July to September Extension leads, as far as
YELLOW: October to December practicable, must be kept When an operator is firing into (or close to) walls, ceilings, floors, the areas
AS/NZS 3012: 1995 clear of the floor or ground above, below, or alongside the worksite must be barricaded off.
and kept dry at all times. If
Please check local/state requirements eg NSW
The operator may only load the tool at the worksite and immediately prior to use.
construction work requires monthly checks.
an extension lead has to be

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

22 23
 Spray Painting Permit Systems

Only qualified personnel shall use spray painting equipment Many of your activities may require a permit before operation begins. Permit
systems are established to protect yourself, your workmates and equipment.
Wear protective clothing when spray painting lead or silica paint; They entail checking systems and clearly defined safety criteria for the time
You must not smoke whilst spray painting or when in the close vicinity of covered by that permit.
someone who is spray painting.
Some of the activities you may be involved in that will require a permit are:
You must always use an approved respirator when spray painting.
Permits must be raised for confined space work
Confined spaces Pressure systems
Excavations Special entry areas
Hot work in selected areas Plant or equipment isolation
Compressed Air Energised equipment Hi-voltage

Permits are only as effective as the information included on them and how well
Only use compressed air for the purpose for which it is provided. YOU abide by that information and instruction.
Check and maintain equipment, release valves and control valves. Report any
defective equipment.

Do not play practical jokes with compressed air Travel in Remote Areas
Never use compressed air to clean clothing, hair or body
Never point the hose at anyone and always see that nearby workers are out
of the line of air flow Before undertaking a trip into remote areas you must work with your supervisor
to ensure the following aspects are addressed.
When not actually using the air, point the hose downwards and to the side
A hazard assessment and risk reduction must be carried out
of the feet
You must have a means of emergency communication
When a compressed air line crosses a thoroughfare, either suspend the line
There must be a procedure for regular contact to monitor your welfare
over the traffic area or guard it on the ground with boards or runways
Your vehicle must be suitable and equipped for the terrain
Use only strong hose with secure couplings and connections You must have maps of the area and know how to read them
Wear suitable protective clothing - glasses, face shields, hearing Water must be carried
protection etc You must be in good health
Remember, normal clothing is no protection against compressed air
Air hoses should be securely held to prevent whipping

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

24 25
 Driver Safety
Drivers shall:
Comply with all state and federal road laws
Ensure that all motor vehicle incidents and near-miss incidents are reported
according to the ABB Driving Safety Guide
Report to the driver licensing authority, any permanent or long term illness
that is likely to affect their ability to drive safely
Drive in a manner, which reflects ABB Australia’s values of respect for the
individual, integrity, commitment, accountability, and trust
Comply with ABB Australia’s procedures and programs relating to the
safe operation and maintenance of their vehicle and the promotion of
safer driving
Ensure that all vehicle equipment is complete, current and in good
condition. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that this occurs when
taking initial delivery of the vehicle, and on internal custody transfer
Asbestos Pits
Where you work requires recovery of asbestos cement pits:
Ensure you have at hand disposable respirators, disposable overalls,
“asbestos: disposal bags and sealing tape, and a supply of water at the
work location.
Prevent public access to the work area using pit guards.
Wear a respirator at all times.
Keep the asbestos cement wet at all times to stop dust being put into
the air.
Use hand tools, not power tools.
Keep the area clean by progressively placing asbestos cement pieces into
the plastic disposal bags.
Seal the bag with tape.
Place in another disposal bag ie double bag.
At the end of the job, take off your respirator and disposable overalls and
seal them in another disposal bag.
Dispose of the waste at approved sites.
Think, and act safely!
26
Gas Hazards
You must use a gas detector when working in public utility pits or manholes and in
confined spaces.
Most welding and cutting operations give off fumes and gases to the
surrounding air, which can be a hazard to health. The best guard is effective
ventilation by either natural of mechanical means. The choice of fume control
must be carefully considered and expert advice should be sought if an effective
control approach is not obvious.
“Danger” Tag - “Out of Service” Tag-Rules
Your supervisor will supply you with “Danger” and “Out of Service” Tags on
request.
Danger Tags
Whenever you could be endangered in your work by the operation of
machinery, flow of electricity, steam gas, liquids etc, the switch or controlling
devices must be placed in an isolated position and your personal danger
tag/s must be affixed thereto. Always do a visual check of all isolation
points before commencing work.
Out of Service Tags
“Out of Service” Tags are designed to ensure the protection of machinery
and environment and to place faulty, sub-standard equipment or machinery
out of service.
Site-Danger and Out of Service Tags
On most major work sites you may be required to use “Danger” and/or
“Out of Service” tags provided by the client, Project Manager or Principal
Contractor. When this is site policy - you must conform to it.
Think, and act safely!
27
 “Danger” Tag - “Out of Service” Tag-Rules Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)

Danger tags should bear your printed name, as well as your signature and
the date.
It is important that your Danger Tag is attached when you are working on
equipment or conductors which has been isolated and/or tagged by others
prior to you commencing work on the apparatus or mains.
The company provides a wide range of protective clothing and equipment.
Make sure that your PPE is correct for the job, fits and/or operates correctly
and you know how to use and maintain it.
If additional PPE is required or you require further instruction on it’s use, please
ask your Supervisor.

No switch-control button or the like, may be operated whilst a Danger Tag

is attached to it or any other part of the installation associated with the
section which has been de-energised.
Personal Protective Equipment
When two or more employees are working on the same job, each employee
Face shield and safety glasses
including the person directly in charge must attach his/her own Danger Tag
to the main isolating switch. Each individual will be responsible for removal
of his her Danger Tag.

Where locks are used for isolation make yourself familiar with these
procedures. Close fitting
canvas or Ear muffs
Whilst Danger tags can only be removed by the person who signed and leather gloves
affixed the tag, in exceptional cases such as sickness or inability to contact
that person an ABB supervisor may remove the tag after familiarising
himself/herself with the reasons for the tag being attached and after a Overalls or close Safety
fitting clothing boots
thorough inspection and testing of the apparatus or mains involved to make
sure it is safe to restore power.

If you are working alone and the job is incomplete when you are scheduled
to go off duty your Danger Tag must be replaced by an “Out of Service”
tag. If possible you must contact the client and advise that the plant or
machine is Out of Service.

Personal Danger Tags must be destroyed after use. Tags with alterations
and erasures can be misleading.

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

28 29
 Environment Introduction

All work shall be carried out in accordance with current relevant Codes and
Standards and shall comply with all Acts and Statutory Regulations concerning
environmental protection.
I ...........................................................
PRINT NAME [ BLOCK LETTERS]
from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COMPANY

acknowledge receipt of the ABB Australia Pty Limited Occupational Health,

Safety & Environment Handbook.

I understand that I am required to read the instructions and follow them to the
Environmental protection shall include, but not be limited to the following: best of my ability. If there is any part which I do not fully understand I undertake
Noise emissions, particulate and gaseous emissions, liquid waste (collection, to enquire from my supervisor the full meaning or interpretation.
storage and disposal) and solid waste (collection, storage and disposal),
pollution of waterways. I also undertake to use all personal protective equipment necessary under
Statutory and Site Regulations.
Work shall be conducted in a manner to ensure:
Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
That no substance which can cause harm to the environment is allowed to
leak, spill or escape from any container or storage area. Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No oil or other effluent is allowed to escape from any source into the
company’s drainage system and/or local stormwater system, waterways or
groundwater system.
No oil or other effluent is allowed to escape from any source onto the Issued by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ground and cause soil contamination
All dust generated during work is to be contained to prevent air pollution Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No harmful solids or liquids are to spill from containers whilst in transit on
the premises Position Title: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All oil based waste material shall be kept segregated and placed in sealed
drums. This material shall be disposed of through a recognised recycling
company Note: This page is to be detached at the time of Induction training and
All water based waste shall be kept segregated. Small amounts shall be maintained within the training files.
collected and stored in drums. Large amounts shall be pumped into bulk
tanks for disposal.
Noise emanating from the site shall not exceed the limit set by relevant
authorities.

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

30 31
 Notes

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

32 33
 Notes
Notes Notes

Think, and act safely! Think, and act safely!

34 35
 Think, and act safely!

Produced by ABB Australia Marketing & Corporate Communications Sep 2005 Revision 3.
ABB Australia Pty Limited ABN 68 003 337 611
Level 20, Gold Fields House
1 Alfred Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: (02) 9255 3999
Fax: (02) 9255 3988