Aircraft maintenance

information and checklists

Sept 09

Introduction Safe movement of

In 2009 WorkSafe conducted an inspection campaign in the vehicles at workplaces
aircraft maintenance industry aimed at improving safety
and health issues within the industry. Vehicles and mobile plant moving in and around workplaces
cause far too many occupational injuries and deaths in WA.

Reversing, loading, unloading and pedestrian movements are

The checklists used by WorkSafe inspectors during this the activities most frequently linked to accidents.
campaign are included in this newsletter. Please use the
checklists to ensure your workplace meets the occupation To avoid incidents, traffic and pedestrian movement needs to
safety and health legislation. be designed, planned and controlled.

Here are some tips for safe movement of vehicles:

Design traffic routes so they are wide enough for the largest
vehicle using them. They should be one-way (if possible) and
What issues do the checklists have clearly signed traffic instructions.
• Separate pedestrian footpaths or walkways from traffic
cover? or make traffic routes wide enough for both vehicles
Issues covered by the checklists include: and pedestrians. Use pedestrian barriers to prevent
people walking in front of vehicles.
• Manual tasks • New and young workers • Situate loading bays where vehicles can be
• Electrical • Machine guarding manoeuvred easily and they are protected from
adverse weather conditions. Raised loading platforms
• Slips trips and falls • First aid and amenities
should be fitted with rails and raised wheel stop edges
• Mobile plant • Fire and emergency safety on the non-loading sides, to prevent people, forklifts or
• Emergency procedures • Housekeeping trolleys rolling over the edge.
• Confined space entry • Mark reversing areas so drivers and pedestrians can
Further information can be obtained by contacting WorkSafe on see them easily. To reduce reversing accidents, place
9327 8777 or by visiting the website at fixed mirrors at blind corners.
www.worksafe.wa.gov.au • Ensure that people directing traffic wear high-visibility
clothing and that their signals can be seen clearly.

Safety priorities for working with hazardous substances

Lost time at work, illness and sometimes death are all outcomes of failing to store, use or dispose of hazardous substances
properly. Great care is essential and following the information in this leaflet will reduce the risk of such serious outcomes.
Hazardous substances are any chemicals or other materials that may put people at risk. They include chemical paint strippers,
battery acid and fuel. Some substances may cause allergic reactions and other medical conditions of varying severity. Other
substances may be corrosive, harmful or toxic.
Employers must identify any hazardous substances being used in their workplace and should question whether their use is
essential. For example replace spotting agents containing hydrogen fluoride with a safer one.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be provided for each hazardous substance, identifying the ingredients, and giving
health information and precautions for safe use and handling. Continual vigilance is essential.
During their inspection, inspectors will be looking for many of the common problems affecting the handling of hazardous
substances that WorkSafe has found in workplaces.
The elements of the checklist do not cover all mandatory requirements under workplace safety and health laws. However,
following the checklist will assist you to identify any shortcomings in your procedures or training and to correct or update them,
thus helping you started meet your safety and health responsibilities.
In looking at safety in relation to hazardous substances and all workplace safety matters, please remember the three ThinkSafe
steps:
• spot the hazard;
• assess the risk; and
• make the changes.

Westcentre 1260 Hay Street

West Perth WA 6005
Telephone: 1300 307 877
Facsimile: (08) 9321 8973
Email: safety@commerce.wa.gov.au
 Slips trips & falls 2

How can I reduce the risk of slips and What risk factors contribute to slips and
trips in my workplace? trips incidents?
There are many controls that employers can use to prevent slips Slips and trips account for 20% of all lost time injuries every
and trips in the workplace. Firstly though, it is important to year. They can result in serious injuries and lengthy periods of
complete hazard identification and a risk assessment in time off work.
consultation with your staff. This will ensure that the right
control is chosen for the hazards that are relevant in YOUR Risk factors that contribute to slips and trips injuries will vary
workplace. according to the type of workplace and work tasks being
completed.
Common controls used in workplaces can be categorised
according to the hierarchy of controls: Common risk factor categories include:
• Eliminate the hazard - install more power points to • Floor surface & condition
avoid cords on floor, widen aisles
• Floor contamination
• Substitution - resurface floors with ‘less hazardous
• Objects on the floor
materials’
• Ability to see floor/ walkways/ hazards
• Isolation - restrict access to some work areas
• Cleaning/ spill containment
• Engineering controls (minimising risk by redesign)
- improve lighting, mark walkways install drainage, use • Space & design
ramps instead of steps • Stairs & stepladders
• Administrative Controls - ensure good housekeeping • Work activities, pace & processes
- clean up spills immediately, use signs for slippery or
wet floors • Footwear & clothing

• Personal Protective Equipment proper footwear • Individual factors

Working at heights
Key things to check at the workplace include:
Working at heights
-Identifying • surfaces: the stability;the fragility or brittleness; the slipperiness (eg. where surfaces are
wet, polished, glazed or oily in the case of new steelwork); the safe movement of
hazards employees where surfaces change; the strength or capability to support loads; and the
slope of work surfaces (eg. where they exceed 7o);
Identifying hazards involves
recognising things that may • levels (where levels change and workers may be exposed to a fall from one level to
cause injury or harm to the another);
health of a person, such as • structures (the stability of temporary or permanent structures);
where a person may fall • the ground (the evenness and stability of ground for safe support of scaffolding or
from, through or into a place
working platform);
or thing.
• the raised working area (whether it is crowded or cluttered);
There are a number of ways
• edges (edge protection for open edges of floors, working platforms, walkways, walls or
to identify potential things or
roofs);
situations that may cause a
fall to occur. • hand grip (places where hand grip may be lost);
Choosing an appropriate • openings or holes which will require identification or protection or unguarded shafts or
process or procedure for excavations;
identifying hazards will • proximity of workers to unsafe areas: where loads are placed on elevated working
depend on the nature of the areas; when objects are below a work area, such as reo bars and star pickets; where
work environment and work is to be carried out above workers (eg. potential hazards from falling objects); and
hazards involved. power lines near working areas;
A hazard identification • movement of plant or equipment (ensuring there is no sudden acceleration or
process or procedure may deceleration);
range from a simple checklist • access to, egress from and movement around the working area (checking for
for specific equipment, such obstructions);
as a ladder or fall-arrest
• lighting;
system inspection checklist,
to a more open-ended • weather conditions (when heavy rain, dew or wind are present);
appraisal of a group of • footwear and clothing (suitability for conditions);
related work processes.
• ladders (where and how they are being used); and
Generally, a combination of
methods will provide the • young, new or inexperienced workers (ie. workers unfamiliar with a task).
most effective results. A
Source: Commission for Occupational Safety and Health Code of Practice Prevention of Falls
 3

Noise Electricity
Information on electricity in the
What is a 'safe' level of noise? workplace
One of the main effects of noise at work is noise-induced
Electricity is a frequent cause of workplace deaths and does
hearing loss. This can happen in two ways:
not have to be high voltage to cause electrocution. Electrical
• noise of very high peak levels (more than about 135-140 hazards exist in almost every workplace and the smallest error
decibels (dB)) can cause immediate damage to the can be fatal. Each year on average two to three workers are
structures of the inner ear; or electrocuted in Western Australia. Although there are many
different causes of electrocution, they have one thing in
• noise of a lower level over an extended period of time common – they could be prevented.
can cause gradual damage.
On 1 January 2009, changes to occupational safety and health
People vary in their susceptibility to noise damage. A 'safe' regulations will come into effect that allow the testing and
level to protect the most noise-sensitive people from any tagging of portable electrical equipment and portable RCD’s on
hearing loss during a working lifetime, would be an average construction and demolition sites to be undertaken by a
over the work shift of about 75 dB(A). For more information competent person or a licensed electrician.
see Section 1.2 of the Code of practice, Managing noise at
workplaces.
Noise can also contribute to other health effects such as What are the requirements for residual current
increased blood pressure, stress and tinnitus (ringing in the device (RCD) protection in the workplace?
ears). Safe levels to guard against these effects have not yet
been determined and research is continuing. As a guide, Regulation 3.60 of the Occupational Safety and Health
stress can be reduced by keeping levels below 55 dB(A) in Regulations 1996 requires a person having control of a
areas where people need to do work requiring concentration. workplace to provide protection against earth leakage
Another effect of noise is difficulty communicating and hearing current for workers using portable or hand held electrical
warning signals or other sounds needed to work safety. A equipment by means of a non-portable RCD installed at the
'safe' level in these situations will vary depending on the level switchboard.
of the signals and the hearing capabilities of the listeners.
Why do employers have to reduce noise at the source
when workers can wear hearing protectors?
The various types of hearing protectors (earmuffs, ear plugs, Confined space
semi-inserts) are not the best forms of protection because
they rely on individual workers being able and willing to use A person working in a designated confined space may be at
the equipment correctly. Failure to wear the hearing risk of exposure to:
protectors correctly 100% of the time in excessive noise will • electrical shock or electrocution;
significantly decrease the effective protection. Their • oxygen deficiency;
effectiveness is also reliant on their condition and whether • toxic gases or fumes;
they fit correctly, which is particularly difficult if other
protective equipment also needs to be worn. They can also • engulfment/Suffocation by solids;
fail or be inefficient without this being visibly obvious. • fire and/or explosion;
For all these reasons, hearing protectors are regarded as a • drowning in liquids;
last resort risk reduction measure, to be used only when all • falls from height; and
other practicable steps to reduce excessive noise have been
• environmental factors such as noise, extremes of
taken.
temperature, poor lighting, manual handling and
How can noise levels of loud machines and equipment be radiation.
reduced?
A person should be on standby in the immediate vicinity
Depending on the source, noise can be reduced in several outside the designated confined space. As the person on
ways, as follows: standby has to remain outside the confined space it is not
always possible for them to keep the person/s working
• buying quiet machinery and equipment; inside the confined space in sight at all times.
• maintaining machinery and equipment routinely;
Continuous communication with the worker/s inside the
• reducing machinery and equipment vibration; confined space must be maintained. Dependent upon the
• muffling engine and compressed air noise; location, communications may be achieved using:
• voice;
• isolating the noise source in an insulated room or
enclosure; • radio (intrinsically safe one if used in flammable
conditions);
• placing a barrier between the noise source and the
worker; or • mobile phone (not to be used if flammable gas or
vapour is present in sufficient concentration to cause
• isolating the worker from the source in an insulated booth
explosion or fire); or
or room.
• hard wired communications.
 4

New and young workers

'Young people' includes those leaving school and starting work for the first time (encompassing apprenticeships and
traineeships); those employed on a casual basis or working part-time outside school hours; work experience, vocational and
training students; and children who visit the workplace (but may not necessarily be 'workers').
When assessing risks to young people, special factors to consider are:
• the size of the person and their level of physical maturity;
• their general behaviour and psychological maturity;
• their work experience and training;
• their ability to make mature judgements about their own safety and the safety of others; and
• their ability to cope with unexpected, stressful situations.

With the high rates in lost time injury for new and young workers, one of the department's seven priority areas is to focus on
their safety in the workplace.
When our inspectors visit your workplace they will pay particular attention as to whether you are meeting your 'duty of care' in
respect of any new and young workers.
They will be looking for evidence that you have specifically assessed risk factors in respect of new and young workers, as well
as fulfilling your legal responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.
The aim is for employers to prevent accidents by identifying the hazards, assessing the risks, and dealing with them before new
and young workers are exposed.
In respect to information, instruction and training, it is your responsibility to provide this before a new or young worker starts work.
Similarly, your induction of new and young workers must ensure they understand emergency procedures and how to seek help in the
event of an accident or injury. This instruction must be specific and relevant to your workplace and working conditions.
In their inspection, the department's inspectors will be looking for the six key elements presented in the checklist below. These
deal with many of the common problems affecting new and young workers that WorkSafe Western Australia has found in
workplaces. The elements of the checklist do not cover all mandatory requirements under workplace safety and health laws.
However, following the same checklist yourself will assist you to identify any shortcomings in your procedures or training and to

How do I use these checklists?

1. Use the checklists in this newsletter to inspect your workplace. You may see other hazards as you are going through – add them
to the checklist.

2. Anything that you have ticked ‘No’ or added to the list needs to be fixed. So, look at each hazard using the table below to
prioritise identified hazards.

Risk rating table – for working out level of risk Use the vertical and horizontal columns to consider both the likelihood of injury or
harm to health and the consequences to work out the level of risk

Likelihood of injury or Consequences of any injuries or harm to health

harm to health
Insignificant eg no injuries Moderate eg first aid Major eg extensive injuries Catastrophic eg death

Very likely High Extreme Extreme Extreme

Likely Moderate High Extreme Extreme
Moderate Low High Extreme Extreme
Unlikely Low Moderate High Extreme
Highly unlikely (rare) Low Moderate High High

Risk assessment is a 'best estimate' on the basis of available information. It is important the responsible person undertaking a risk assessment has the
necessary information, knowledge and experience of the work environment and work process, or such a person is involved.

3. If the hazard falls into ‘high’ or ‘extreme’, based on your view of how likely it is someone will get hurt and what level of injury could
happen, then you need to fix it straight away.

If it is lower down in the table – moderate or low – then plan when you will fix it.

Remember hazards have to be controlled – you can’t ignore them.

 5

Checklists
electricity
safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Electrical installations are installed, constructed, maintained, protected
(cover) and tested to minimise the risk of electric shock or fire. Evidence of
maintenance and testing in place. Components clearly marked and
switchboard free from obstructions.

RCD’s
• Hand held portable equipment is protected by RCD (not
construction)
• Switchboard or fixed sockets marked whether RCD protected.
• Maintenance program in place
Plugs sockets and electrical cords
• Flexible cords and extension cords are used in a safe manner
• Connection moulded or transparent plug
• Plugs, sockets (explosion proof - lights & sockets must be
approved for spray painting & flammable storage area) and
extension leads in good condition and protected from damage
Electrical installations are protected from damage that would increase the
risk of electrical shock or fire
The work is organised for the safety of workers and others at the workplace
Work in the vicinity of power lines and plant

Electrical leads do not exceed 30 metres in length

GROUNDING OF AIRCRAFT Are there enough grounding points to

adequately support aircraft parking & maintenance facilities.
Is there a system in place for the regular testing of the ground rods? and
testing of continuity on cables and leads.
AVIONICS / ELECTRICAL REPAIRS,
All physical and high-voltage hazards have been identified and marked,
Rubber floor mats or similar insulating materials are provided for repair
positions.
Is all testing equipment properly grounded?
POWER CARTS / GROUND POWER UNITS, operators are trained; plant is
maintained, operational manual available, appropriate maintenance, records
of maintenance

Electricity
Electrical hazards exist in almost every workplace. It is not only high voltage that causes electrocution – the
smallest mistake can be fatal.
People can be electrocuted by coming into contact with overhead wires, carrying out maintenance work on live
electrical circuits, working with damaged electrical equipment, extension cords, plugs or sockets. Familiar
appliances like toasters and microwave ovens also cause a significant number of electrical burns.
A WorkSafe study found that, with the exception of deaths caused by overhead power-lines, many electrocutions
could have been prevented with the use of residual current devices (RCD).
Safety regulations require employers to fit RCDs to minimise the risk of electric shock. All electrical installations
must meet Australian Standards.
 6

confined spaces
safety checklist
Confined space work in fuel tank maintenance / aircraft hull access

check yes no n/a

Are people required to enter into a confined space for work purposes?

Has the confined space entry point been designed to reduce the risk of
injury ie safe access, entry and exit?

Is the work being done in the confined space compliant with AS 2865
requirements?

When people enter a confined space is there another person present in the
immediate vicinity outside the confined space?

Have the people who supervise, enter, work near, purchase or maintain
equipment, are likely or could be involved in any rescue or first aid
procedure, received training on confine space entry in accordance with
Australian Standard 2865.
Confined space training includes:
- hazards on confined spaces;
- assessment procedures;
- control measures; emergency procedures; and
- selection fit storage, use and maintenance of safety equipment.
Is there adequate lighting for the type of work been done and the location?

Are work practices arranged so that workers are protected from extremes of
heat and cold?

Are confined spaces monitored for hazards such as fumes?

Has a documented risk assessment been carried out and completed and
permit for entry been endorsed. Risk assessment MUST comply to AS 2865
requirements?
 7

hazardous substances
safety checklist

check yes no n/a

A register of hazardous substances is complete and current.

The register includes a contents list and material safety data sheets (MSDS)
for all hazardous substances, such as cleaning products, used from time to
time at the workplace. The MSDS are less than 5 years old

The register of hazardous substances is readily available for workers

The outcome of the risk assessment for all hazardous substances is

recorded in the hazardous substances register

Decanted bottles containing hazardous or other substances are labelled

Practical control measures are in place to reduce risks relating to hazardous

substances For instance, substitute hazardous substances for non-
hazardous substances, use substances in accordance with MSDS ensure
adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and used

PPE for use with hazardous substances is maintained and in good working order

Training has been provided to workers working with hazardous substances.

Training includes potential health risk and toxic effects, control measures to
minimise risk, correct use of methods to reduce exposure, correct care and
use PPE

A record of hazardous substance training is kept at the workplace

Health surveillance is undertaken where appropriate

Activity involving chemical paint strippers is conducted in a well ventilated area.

Are clean and dirty rags separated from each other and stored in a proper
place to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion.
DE-FUELLING OF AIRCRAFT Are flammable and other harmful liquids
stored out in the open? Is the moving, storage, & disposal of fuel in
accordance with Australian Standards?
OXYGEN GASEOUS CYLINDERS Are they stored in a separate location
away from aircraft servicing and maintenance areas of the hangar?
BATTERY SHOP MAINTENANCE

• Eye wash or shower is within 10 metres of work area.

• Correct fire extinguisher is available.

• Appropriate PPE is available and used.

• Is the battery charging area adequately ventilated to prevent the
accumulation of explosives gases? (ie do exhaust ducts lead to the
outside, above roof level where fumes cannot accumulate).
• Non-seal batteries are located in enclosures with outside vents or
in well ventilated areas.
• Facilities are provided for flushing & neutralizing spilled electrolyte.

• Lead acid batteries are stored separately from NICAD batteries.

 8

abrasive blasting
safety checklist

check yes no n/a

Abrasive medium used for abrasive blasting is an approved abrasive

material that is not prohibited as defined in Column 1 of Schedule 5.2 or
does not contain more than 2% crystalline silicon dioxide as a contaminant.
A safe system of work is developed and controlled to prevent excessive dust
emissions occurring.

Abrasive blasting is conducted in a fully enclosed chamber that will prevent

the escape of dust and noise.

Blasting chamber inspection port must allow effective visibility, be

constructed of toughen glass, laminated safety glass or safety wired glass.

Blasting chamber to contain or provide lighting to 200 lux illumination.

Abrasive blasting chamber has eye protection and hearing protection safety
warning signs displayed.

Abrasive blasting automatic cut off device (dead man control) has a quick
release control if accidentally dropped by operator and ceases immediately.

Procedures are in place for workers to shut down nozzle in the event of an
emergency, when operator is unable to do so.

Blasting nozzle has the capacity to discharge static electricity.

Sand Pot is registered with WorkSafe Commissioner as registered item of

plant (eg ( Hazard C Level Pressure Vessel).

Blasting chamber emergency exits clearly identified and doors are fitted with
quick release system.

Ventilation air flow must pass through filtration system.

Air flow rates:
• Blast chamber with down draft air flow 0.3 metres /sec
• Blast chamber with cross draft air flow 0.4 Metres /sec
Evidence is kept at the workplace that shows air supplied to blasting helmet
is tested for air quality.
 9

spray painting
safety checklist

check yes no n/a

Air supplied respirators are used when two pack polyurethane paint or
specialized aircraft coatings are being applied at the workplace, meets
AS/NZS 1716:1994
Appropriate PPE is worn by the operator when two pack polyurethane paint
or specialized aircraft coatings are used in the workplace. AS 3765 &
AS 2161
Evidence is kept at the workplace that shows air supplied to respirators is
tested for air quality.

System of work is in place to minimise the risks to others from conducting

spray painting at the workplace.

Dedicated Paint Hangar / Spray Booth, must meet Australian Standards

AS 4114 – 1995 for adequate ventilation, & correct type of fire extinguishers.

mobile plant, lifting and racking

safety checklist

check yes no n/a

Mobile plant is maintained to minimise risks including aircraft lifting jacks and
equipment. Log book/records, pre-start checks. Vehicles operating airside must
have anti-collision beacon & seatbelts fitted, no seat, no ride policy.

Evidence of training/instruction exists.

Do operators have a licence for high risk work ie forklifts, crane and hoist
operation.

The plant is a safe condition, eg plant registration, access to cab, seat &
seat-belt, FOPS/ROPS as required, load chart as required, operator’s
manual, controls labelled, and guarding dangerous parts.

Work is organised for the safety of workers and others. Pedestrian control, traffic
mgt, 2-way communication as required, high-visibility clothing as required.

Site hazards are identified, assessed and controlled (ramps, slopes, rough
ground, power lines, excavations, ground load limits, underground services).

Operator has received instruction on the operation of the aircraft / engine

lifting equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction / manual.

Evidence that webbed slings have been inspected by competent person in

accordance with the manufacturer.

Plant does is not suspended over, or travel over persons underneath.

Plant and vehicles are prevented from entering area where loads are lifted
by means of warning signs, flashing lights, barriers, traffic controllers.

Movement of vehicles are controlled at the workplace.

 10

manual tasks
safety checklist

check yes no n/a

Practical control measures have been implemented and maintained to

eliminate or reduce risk associated with manual handling work activity:
hazard identification, risk assessment conducted, worker feedback
Accident or hazard investigation is conducted.

Everyone involved in organising and implementing manual tasks where

manual handling hazards have been identified have been provided with
adequate instruction and training (induction and ongoing training)

Manual tasks-lifting
Lifting is the single most common cause of manual handling related injury in Western Australia. On average,
workers with injuries from manual tasks take the longest time to recover and return to work.
The weight of an object is only one of many factors to consider in avoiding injuries. Other things to take into
account include: how often and how quickly a task is performed; the age and physical strength of the person; and
the size and shape of the object.
Workplace injuries most commonly linked to manual tasks include sprains and strains, hernias and damage to the
back. Injuries can be the result of gradual wear and tear from frequent or prolonged lifting or sudden damage from
a single lift of something very heavy or awkward.
 11

new and young people

safety checklist

check yes no n/a

Induction, information, instruction & training emergency/evacuation

procedures is provided.

Induction, information, instruction & training is provided in hazard and

accident reporting

Induction, information, instruction & training is provided in how to reduce the

risk of injury or harm for hazards new/young workers may be exposed to in
the course of their work

Induction, information, instruction & training is provided in use, maintenance

& storage of PPE

Supervision: ensure that new & young workers are working in accordance
with safety instructions including instructions re. skylarking, initiation
ceremonies, bullying

Employers ensure the risk of injury or harm to (young) visitors is reduced by

means appropriate for the workplace and the type of work activity
 12

working at height
safety checklist

check yes no n/a

Practical control measures have been implemented and maintained to

eliminate or reduce the risk associated with work at heights
Hazard identification, risk assessment conducted? Is there an alternative
way in which the work could be performed? Would the fall be arrested
before contact with the ground or a structure?

Edge protection is required is provided in accordance with OSH regulation

3.55 if there is a risk of a person could fall 2 or more metres.

People required to work at height have been provided with adequate

information, instruction and training for the work being performed.

Working from heights

In Western Australia, an average of two workers die each year after falling. Most of these falls occur from
relatively low heights ie. less than 5 metres. A further 5 people are killed by falling objects. Many more suffered
serious injuries.
Workers falling from ladders, stairs or scaffolding are typical accidents and the most common types of injuries are
sprains and strains, fractures and bruising.
 13

slips and trips

safety checklist
check yes no n/a

Floor or any stair or ramp has unbroken and slip resistant surface.
Special provisions for slip resistance provided in wet areas

Floor or any stair or ramp is free from any obstruction that may cause a
person to fall (eg. electrical leads, hoses, floor mounted power boxes in
walkways, etc.)

Access to egress from workplace safe and at all times kept free from
obstructions

Are workshops and hangars kept clean and free of grease and oils on floors,
are hangars well arranged and uncluttered

Spill kits available and a clean as you go policy in place.

Passages/walkways kept free of obstructions.

Access and egress (emergency exits) kept free of obstructions.

Warning signs available and erected near spills.

Guard rails or other safeguards provided on ramps and stairs.

Appropriate PPE, such as slip resistant footwear is provided.

Ramps in areas where height of floor levels change and trolley access
required or items are carried regularly.

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls are a significant problem affecting every workplace, from factory floor to office. People who
work near wet floors or concrete surfaces face the greatest risk of suffering an injury from slipping or tripping.
Factors that contribute to the risk of slips and trips include:
• unstable, loose, or uneven floor surfaces;
• obstacles blocking walkways;
• slippery floor surfaces from spilt substances, eg. fluid, mud or oil;
• types of flooring or surface texture, such as wood, concrete or vinyl;
• inadequate lighting; and/or
• inadequate footwear.
 14

machine guarding
safety checklist
check yes no n/a

Is every dangerous part of fixed, mobile or hand held powered plant

(machinery) securely fenced or guarded?

Are adequate safe work procedures provided and documented to set, test and
use machinery during all cycles of production and maintenance? Look for:

• Pre-operational checks?

• Presence sensing system: safe system of work documented and a

clearly identified warning provided when guard is muted?

• Presence sensing system: inspection and maintenance records

maintained?

• Appropriate isolation and lock-out procedures provided for

maintenance?

• Where setting, testing and start-up of machinery is required with

the final means of safeguarding removed, have interim safeguards
been provided?

• Where fixed physical guards are provided is adequate provision

made for cleaning, maintenance, adjustment and repair?

• Where it is not practical to guard machinery is a safe system of

work in place for people operating or passing in close proximity?

Are operators and maintenance personnel properly trained, familiar with the
operation and set up of the machinery and able to demonstrate safety
features?

Are manufacturers decals, manuals and operator instructions readily

available and in the English language?

Is the highest level of guarding that is practical being provided?

For more information about guarding of machinery see the new Code of practice Safeguarding of machinery and plant

consultation
safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Elected and trained safety and health representatives at the workplace

Safety committee in place

 15

other
safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Have notifiable accidents been reported to WorkSafe

Have LTI/LTD accidents and notified hazards been investigated

Have workers received induction and on the job training

Emergency egress enable safe egress in event of emergency / exit signs

provided

Portable fire extinguishers provided and maintained

Evacuation procedures & diagram available and displayed and practised

and training in the use of fire extinguishers provided.
Is all necessary contact numbers posted in the advent of an emergency for
workers to use?

Warning signs posted relevant to each hazard, signs meet Australian

Standards AS 1319.

Seating provided and maintained

Workplace facilities provided , is there a supply of cool clean drinking water

available to workers working in the hangar.

Portable ladders meet Australian Standards AS 1892.1 (metal) or AS 1892.2

(wooden)

Gas cylinders secured (exception is cylinders scheduled to be installed in

aircraft)

Flash back arrestors are fitted (oxy-acetylene or oxy-LPG)

PPE provided where necessary.

Instruction and information is provided on maintenance, storage of PPE.

Noise (ARE AIRCRAFT TAKEN TO THE RUN UP AREA, BEFORE HIGH

RPM TESTING)
- Noise assessment conducted
- Control measures in place / avoid noise above exposure standard
- Provision of personal hearing protection (PHP)
- Instruction fitting, use, selecting, testing, maintenance and storage PHP
- Training on noise
- Signage PPE according to AS 1319

First Aid box or facilities available and first aid trained person available

No smoking in enclosed workplaces

 16

Information to help you meet the OSH laws

The WorkSafe website contains a number of publications which may assist you in making your workplace a safer
place. Go to the WorkSafe website www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

Code of practice
• Fatigue management for commercial vehicle drivers
• First aid, workplace amenities and personal protective clothing
• Manual tasks
• Prevention of falls at workplaces
• Safeguarding of machinery and plant
• Working hours and risk management guidelines

Guidance note
• Alcohol and other drugs at the workplaces
• Formal consultative processes
• General duty of care in Western Australian workplaces
• Plant in the workplace
• Preparing for emergency evacuations at the workplace
• Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Provision of information on hazardous substances (MSDS)
• Safe movement of vehicles at workplaces
• Working alone
• Working safely with forklifts

Bulletin
• Gloves-selection use and maintenance
• Machine guarding
• New licence for high risk work
• Tips for investigating accidents and incidents

Guides
• Application guide for a national certificate of competency
• Armed hold-ups and cash handling
• Priority area checklists
•
•
The first step
The next step
Regular OSH updates
Do you want receive regular emails from WorkSafe to keep
Fact sheets you up to date with changes to occupational safety and
health in Western Australia, then go to
www.worksafe.wa.gov.au ÆservicesÆmailing lists
• Safety and health tips for laundry staff

A2332355