OHS&W IN THE ART ROOM

STORAGE Shelves and racks should be stable and ideally built in or fixed to walls Ensure that storage racks are in a safe and tidy condition so material can be removed without fear of things falling Racks holding round material should have lugs to stop things rolling off Materials should not extend beyond racks and under no circumstances be in doorways or movement areas. Ladders must be used to access items stored at heights Heavy objects should be stored at a low level Volatile materials such as turps must be clearly labelled and stored in a metal cabinet MSDS sheets should be available for all items necessitating them and a document of all hazardous and flammable substances must be lodged both in the Art room and in Administration

TASKS Appropriate protective gear is worn Students are familiar with safe work practices and use them Footwear, jewellery, hair and clothing do not compromise safety Clear instructions are given concerning use of equipment, techniques or possible hazardous substances used in an activity Students are familiar with safety rules There is a first aid kit in the Art room Equipment is well maintained and safe for the task Work stations and places are clean and clear for the task Clean up procedures are safe and appropriate to the task (eg ‘wet’ mopping for clay)

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Machines are correctly installed and maintained Safety operation instructions are fitted Operators are trained in the use of equipment and machines Eye, ear and respiratory equipment is worn where necessary Dust and fume extraction is functioning correctly Safety guards fitted to machines are always in place Only the correct tools are used for the job A place is provided for every tool, tools are not allowed to accumulate on benches All tools are regularly sharpened, correctly set and repaired Always check that a tool or electrical appliance is ‘tagged’ and safe. Loose hair and clothing are secured safely

MANUAL HANDLING You are not permitted to move anything that is of such a weight to cause risk of injury Mechanical aids should be used at every opportunity (eg hand truck) Heavy weights and long lengths should be carried by more than one person. Where possible have materials delivered in short lengths, smaller sizes It is essential industrial gloves are worn when shifting sheet metal Think and plan before commencing Keep the back straight, do not twist, use body weight and momentum where possible

WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS Desks, tables, benches should minimise posture problems and back strain Emphasis should be placed on work heights and access Furniture should be positioned to improve movement and comfort Equipment should be racked correctly and at a suitable height Equipment should be clean and ready to use at all times The size of the workplace should be commensurate with its intended purpose and not overcrowded Layout of the room should allow for quick entry and exits and the occurrence of trips and falls is minimised

Other considerations Noise Rubbish removal Lighting Cleaning Substance spillage Portable power tools Kiln safety and maintenance Ventilation and thermal comfort Your own personal responsibilities as an employee under the OHS&W Act

What is a hazard?

SAFETY HAZARDS HEALTH HAZARDS Slippery floors Electrical leads across floor Unguarded machines Blocked fire exits/walkways Inadequate lighting Lifting and manual handling Workplace violence Noise Chemicals Heat/cold Increased workload ACUTE: Watering/itching eyes Dry or sore throat Coughing Shivering Loss of consciousness Burns to skin, eyes, lung tissue CHRONIC: Cardiovascular disorders Cancer (lungs, kidneys, liver) Damage to central nervous system Sensitisation

ASSESSMENT OF RISK QUESTIONS FOR ASSESSING RISKS FROM HAZARDS What type of hazard is it? What is the likelihood of the hazard causing injury? What types of injuries or diseases are likely to occur and how serious might they be? How are people in or around the workplace exposed to risk(s) from the hazard? How much, how long and how often are people in or around the workplace exposed to these risks?

TASK In groups of 4, do an audit of the art rooms, specifically: STORAGE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS Identify the existing hazards How would you need to deal with them for effective OHS&W?