SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT SWMS / Assessment no.

INT08/70316

Emergencies, Weeds & Pest Animals Branch

PMB 8 Camden NSW 2570
Tel: 02 4640 6467; 02 6391 3680
Email: [email protected]

Job Task: Branch - Emergencies, Weeds & Pest Animals

Manual Handling - inside Unit - Emergency Preparedness & Response

Location – Preparedness activities, emergency operation centres (EOC’s), temporary work sites

RISK IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROLS

Please include all discrete steps involved in the performance of the task NOTE: The PPE required must be listed and the minimum PPE for each chemical must be listed as per the relevant MSDS.

R1 Risk without controls R2 Risk with controls

Procedural step(s) Possible hazard(s) R1 Safety control(s) R2
Preparation: Assess size, Slips, trips & falls S • Ensure personnel are trained in manual handling lifting techniques L
shape, condition & weight of Fatigue & stress and/or effectively supervised
loads • Provide loads that are light & easy to handle eg compact, rigid &
preferably with handles
• Provide mechanical aids, straps, trolleys or team lifting for heavy
loads
• Ensure proper clothing, footwear & PPE that allows tasks to be
performed without restriction, eg
o Gloves for hot, cold or slippery loads (NB: Gloves may
adversely affect grip, strength & dexterity)
o Aprons to allow loads to be held close to the body (NB:
Aprons may affect mobility & comfort)
o Non-slip, enclosed footwear
• Reduce risk of injury by restricting:
o Lifting weights to less than 4.5kg when seated
o Lifting weights to less than 16-20kg when standing
o Lifting weights to less than 16kg to workers under 18yo
o Avoid pushing, pulling & sliding objects that are difficult to
move (without mechanical aid)

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SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT SWMS / Assessment no. INT08/70316

Procedural step(s) Possible hazard(s) R1 Safety control(s) R2

Preparation: Assess workflow Slips, trips & falls S • Eliminate unnecessary manual handling L
and work area Fatigue & stress • Allow for frequent rest periods & job rotation
• Organise a smooth work flow
• Ensure mechanical aids are available as required
• Provide sufficient staff numbers
• Train in safe team lifting procedures & use only when other means
are not available
• Provide even, slip-resistant floors
• Provide an uncluttered, well lit workplace
Lift & carry objects Strain the spine & back muscles S • Use mechanical aids where available L
Stress on back & limbs • Hold loads close to the body
Slips, trips & falls • Vary work tasks during day or take regular breaks
Fatigue & stress • Provide adequate numbers of trained staff to allow rotation
Lacerations & abrasions • Ensure new workers are supervised adequately
Fractures & crush injuries • Perform all movements in a controlled, balanced, comfortable
position
• Minimise repetitive bending, twisting and overreaching movements
• Use correct lifting techniques as per manual handling training,
including:
o Stand close to the load with feet apart for good balance
o Place one foot beside the object & one behind
o Bend your knees
o Keep your back straight as possible
o Ensure a comfortable grip of the object
o Lift gradually – straighten your knees & stand
o Use your leg muscles
o Avoid quick jerky movements
o Ensure the object does not obscure your vision or interfere
with normal walking
o Avoid twisting your body – move your feet to change
direction
o Support the object to change your grip
Lower & stack objects Strain the spine & back muscles S • Ensure your feet & body face the spot the object is to be placed L
Stress on back & limbs • Bend your knees, keep your back straight & hold the object close to
Fatigue & stress your body

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SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT SWMS / Assessment no. INT08/70316

Procedural step(s) Possible hazard(s) R1 Safety control(s) R2

Slips, trips & falls • Allow room for your fingers
Lacerations & abrasions • Ensure the object is secure when put down
Fractures & crush injuries • Store loads where possible between knee & shoulder height & as
close to the location to where they will be used
• Provide adequate space to facilitate ease of loading
Overall risk rating S Overall risk rating L

RISK RATING GUIDE

Consequence

Death Major Moderate Minor

Catastrophic Illness/Injury Extensive Injuries Medical treatment required No injuries

Almost certain
H H S S
Occurred before/expected
Likelihood

Likely
H S S S
Probably will occur
Moderate
H S L L
May occur at some time
Unlikely
S L L L
Unusual or rare situation
High (H) – cease exposure immediately until protection, approved at senior management level, implemented.
Significant (S) – procedures alone may not be enough, senior management attention required.
Low (L) – may be managed by routine procedures, some risks in this category may be acceptable.

SPECIFIC TASK REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications or experience
• Forklift operators qualifications and experience for personnel using forklifts

Training
• Formal training - relevant DPI/RLPB staff should attend formal training on Manual Handling
• Informal training in the use of appliances. Manufacturer’s operation instructions
Engineering details, certificates, WorkCover approvals
• Forklift license
• Correct shelving & platforms
• Furniture
• Correct transport vehicles

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SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT SWMS / Assessment no. INT08/70316

Relevant codes of practice, legislation or standards

• Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000
• Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001
• National Standard for Manual Tasks 2007
• National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks 2007
Plant/equipment
• Trolley
• Pallet jacks
• Fork lift – licensed operators only
Maintenance checks, site/workplace inspections
• For appliances follow Manufacturer’s Operators Manual
• Forklifts, jacks and trolleys maintained

Suggested improvements (in order or priority)

Additional comments

Assessment dates
Initial assessment date 30 September 08 Current assessment date Reassessment due date

Assessors
Name Signature Date

ƒ Joanne Loughlin ƒ J Loughlin 30 September 08

Recommendation (Project Officer, Agricultural Protection Officer, Team Leader, OIC, Coordinator) Follow up required
Name Signature Date

ƒ Joanne Loughlin – Project Officer ƒ J Loughlin 30 September 2008

Approval (Manager GEPR, Leader APFHEPR, Section Manager, Controller)

Name Signature Date

ƒ Kevin Cooper, Leader APFHEPR ƒ K Cooper 31 October 2008

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SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT SWMS / Assessment no. INT08/70316

I have read and understand this Safe Work Method Statement

Name / Role Signature Date Name / Role Signature Date

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