Whitecard Learners Guide
Whitecard Learners Guide
Construction Industry
Learner Name:
Learner ID:
The unit relates directly to the general induction training program specified by the
National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (ASCC 2006).
This course covers the general WHS induction information you require to work on a
construction site in Australia.
Specific health and safety requirements will depend on where you are working. The following is a list of the current health and
safety laws in each state and territory of Australia:
Northern Territory: Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011
The following key elements of the WHS legislation will impact the way you do your job, and
the responsibilities of your workplace:
2. Representatives of the employer are responsible for ensuring compliance with WHS
requirements.
3. Workers conduct themselves in a way that does not negatively impact on the health
and safety of themselves or others.
The code of practice outlines the requirements of induction training across 3 different areas:
Site – This training occurs when you arrive at a site and provides information about
specific WHS issues or requirements for that particular site (or part of that site).
Finishing and fit-out work such as painting, tiling, carpet laying, floor sanding.
Landscaping.
Supervisors.
Workers.
Your own responsibilities are to comply with safe work practices, including
activities that require licences, tickets or certificates of competency, as well as to help the
employer on WHS matters. You should take reasonable care to protect the health and safety
of yourself and others through your actions at work.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you work in a safe way to avoid accidents.
Make sure you have all of the details about where you will be working. For example:
The Site – Is there clear access for all equipment? Are there buildings,
structures, facilities or trees in the way? What are the ground conditions like?
The Weather – Is there wind, rain or other bad weather? Is it too dark?
Traffic – Are there people, vehicles or other equipment in the area that you need
to think about? Do you need to get them moved out of the area? Do you need to set
up barriers or signs?
Hazards – Are there dangerous materials to work around or think about? Will you
be working close to power lines or other people?
You also need to make sure you have all of the details about the kind of work you will be doing:
The Task – What are you doing? How are you going to do it? Are there any special
requirements?
Plant – What type of plant will be used? How big is it? How much room does it need?
Procedures and Rules – Do you need any special permits or licences? Are there site rules
that affect the way you will do the work?
Drink plenty of water during the day to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you are working
outside in the sun. Dehydration can cause fatigue and make it harder for you to concentrate.
Driving a forklift.
1.4.5 Housekeeping
Clean up any rubbish you make as you work to help prevent tripping accidents, or accidents caused by flying debris.
Stack materials neatly so that they don’t fall out on the next person who tries to get to them.
Smoking around flammable materials is extremely dangerous. Make sure you don’t do it!
A hazard is the thing or situation with the potential to cause injury, harm or damage.
When you start checking for hazards, make sure you look everywhere. A good way to do this is to
check:
Down low on the ground (and also think about what is under the ground).
Some construction hazards you should check for in the work area:
Hazard Description
Asbestos Breathing asbestos fibres can have serious lasting impact on health.
Confined Spaces Could suffocate.
Could cause fire and explosion, toxic atmosphere, burns, or
Chemical Spills uncontrolled reaction with other chemicals, or environmental
contamination.
Electrical Hazards including Power Could be electrocuted.
Lines, Cords and Equipment
Excavations, including Trenches Could fall in, could collapse, could damage underground services.
Falling Objects Could cause damage to property or injury to personnel.
Fire Could cause damage to property or injury to personnel.
Hazardous Substances and Exposure may cause injury.
Dangerous Goods
Liquids Under Pressure Could cause an explosion and injury
Hot and Cold Working Environments Could cause dehydration/sunburn or exposure to cold could cause
(Temperatures) hypothermia.
Consequences of the hazard are not limited to injury, but can include property damage, loss of production (downtime) and
negative impact on the environment.
Property Damage/
Injury Environmental Impact
Production Loss
Limited damage to minimal
1. Insignificant Minor or short term injury. Low financial loss.
area of low significance.
Reversible disability or Minor effects on biological or
2. Minor Medium financial loss.
impairment. physical environment.
Moderate short term effects
3. Moderate Moderate irreversible disability. High financial loss.
but not affecting eco-system.
Serious medium term
4. Major Single fatality. Major financial loss.
environmental effects.
Multiple fatality and/or Serious long term
5. Catastrophic Detrimental financial loss.
significant irreversible effects. environmental damage.
Likelihood is a factor that looks at how often an event is likely to happen. Here are some examples:
Frequency Description
Rare May only occur in exceptional circumstances.
Unlikely The risk event could occur at some time (during a specified period), but it is unlikely.
Possible Might happen at some time, occurrence would not be unusual.
Likely Will probably occur in most circumstances.
Almost Certain Is expected to occur in most circumstances.
Consequence
1. Insignificant 2. Minor 3. Moderate 4. Major 5. Catastrophic
First Aid Required Medical Attention Long Term Illness or Kill or Cause
and Time Off Work Serious Injury Permanent Disability
Likelihood or Illness
1. Rare Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate
2. Unlikely Low Low Moderate Moderate High
3. Possible Low Moderate High High Extreme
4. Likely Moderate Moderate High High Extreme
5. Almost Certain Moderate High High Extreme Extreme
For example, a hazard that has a Major consequence and is Almost Certain to occur has a risk level of Extreme.
Consequence
1. Insignificant 2. Minor 3. Moderate 4. Major 5. Catastrophic
First Aid Required Medical Attention Long Term Illness or Kill or Cause
and Time Off Work Serious Injury Permanent Disability
Likelihood or Illness
1. Rare Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate
2. Unlikely Low Low Moderate Moderate High
3. Possible Low Moderate High High Extreme
4. Likely Moderate Moderate High High Extreme
5. Almost Certain Moderate High High Extreme Extreme
The risk level will help you to work out what kind of action needs to be taken, and how soon you need to act.
Extreme to moderate level risks must be dealt with before the work can begin.
The risk level can be used to decide the risk priority, showing which risk must be
managed first in order to reduce the exposure to danger. Small or insignificant risks might
be treated immediately where it would be relatively fast or inexpensive to do so.
The proposed task or process needs to be managed by documented routine procedures, which must
Low
include application of the hierarchy of controls.
High risk jobs should only be carried out when appropriate action has been taken to reduce the risk involved and clear guidelines
and approvals are in place to ensure it can be attempted safely.
Before you start, check for any documentation, workplace procedure or workplace policy that
explains how to eliminate or control the hazard.
Talk to other workers, your manager, supervisor, team leader or health & safety representative to
find out if the hazard has been addressed before, and what techniques are available to you to
resolve it.
If there are no existing guidelines for controlling a specific hazard you will need to investigate
options to manage it.
The Hierarchy of Hazard Control is the name for a range of control methods used to eliminate or
control hazards and risks in the workplace.
6. Personal This is your last line of defence and should be used with other hazard control methods.
Protective PPE includes any safety equipment or safety clothing worn on your body. Workplaces
Equipment (PPE) often have mandatory PPE requirements for the site.
It is important to consider all of the options available when deciding on the best course of action. Not all options are available,
realistic or possible under some circumstances.
You may need to use a range of risk controls to reduce the risk level to an acceptable level.
Each workplace and job requires different PPE. These items are often a mandatory requirement of entering work areas.
Depending on workplace requirements, environmental factors, and requirements of the job to be done, you may have to wear any
of the following:
Aprons.
Arm guards.
Make sure any PPE you are wearing is in good condition, fits well and is right for the job.
If you find any PPE that is not in good condition, tag it and remove it from service. Tell your supervisor about the problem and
they will organise to repair or replace the PPE.
If you are not familiar with an item of PPE, ask a competent person to show you how to use it.
The acceptable level of risk is determined by an organisation’s policy, goals and objectives towards safety.
Reviewing their effectiveness includes checking that controls are in place and operational in accordance with standard procedure.
Will this control keep me and other workers in the area safe?
Talk to your supervisor or WHS representative if you are not sure whether or not the
risk has been reduced enough to carry out the work.
You must ensure all controls are reviewed regularly as working conditions can
change often.
If you determine the risk to be at an unacceptable level, the work must not be
carried out until an authorised person can review the situation.
Before starting work it is important to check that the worksite is safe. Once you have
completed a check, record any hazards that you have found and report to your supervisor or
WHS representative to decide the best course of action.
Once you have completed a risk assessment of any hazards you have found, it is important to
record your observations and the actions you plan to take. This information will assist in the
completion of the Safe Work Method Statement.
A Safe Work Method Statement is a site-specific statement that must be prepared before any high-
risk construction work is commenced. It covers the job and safety responsibilities of each member of
a work group.
Workers should be involved in discussions of tasks, associated hazards, risks and controls. See
Appendix A for a copy of a Safe Work Method Statement.
A Job Safety Analysis is a review of how a job is done including the steps taken and risks inherent to the task. It includes
information on how to reduce the risk involved in completing the work, similar to a SWMS.
Incident and accident reports must be completed in the event of any incident. Use as much detail
as possible when filling out these forms as it may have a bearing on the outcome of
workers compensation and safety improvements in the workplace.
A Safety Data Sheet is a detailed document outlining the risks and hazards associated with handling chemicals and other materials.
The SDS will contain details that can help you to identify:
It will be issued by the manufacturer and may or may not include material handling methods.
Your supervisor can provide you with guidance on where to access information relevant to
your job (instructions) and can explain the safety procedures and requirements relevant to your
role.
Your WHS representative is employed to represent your worksite and you as a worker.
Your WHS representative is there to give information on WHS, raise your views, interests and
concerns to a WHS committee.
First aid officers are qualified members of the team who are responsible for administering
first aid in the workplace.
Emergency Signs Fire Signs Hazchem Signs Safety Tags & Lockout
AS 1319 specifies these signs AS 1319 - 1994 refers to fire AS 1216 - 1995 specifies the Systems
shall comprise of a white signs which are covered in AS relevant "designs, layout and These are isolation systems
symbol or text on a green 2444 - 1995. These signs size". These signs are that help to prevent incidents
rectangle with white indicate the location of fire prescribed in the "Australian by making sure faulty
enclosure. These signs alarms and fire fighting Dangerous Goods Code" and equipment is not used. A
indicate the location or equipment. Signs shall various State Government lockout prevents operation of
direction to emergency comprise a red rectangle sign "Dangerous Goods, Storage equipment by an
related facilities and first aid with a white legend and and Handling Regulations". unauthorised person. Only
or safety equipment. enclosure. the person who placed a tag
or lockout device can remove
it.
Site Safety, Directional, Traffic And Warning Signs And Symbols.
Your supervisor.
Emergency services (e.g. police, ambulance, fire brigade and emergency rescue).
All reports should be made in writing, verbally (face to face/phone) or using a relevant form. Ask
your WHS representative or supervisor at the site office for the relevant forms and procedures for
reporting hazards, incidents and injuries.
Incident report forms are available for recording the details of incidents in the workplace.
Fire.
Gas leak.
Vehicle/machine accident.
Chemical spill.
Injury to personnel.
Structural collapse.
Collapse or failure of an excavation more than 1.5 metres deep (including any
shoring).
Collapse, overturning or failure of the load bearing of any scaffolding, lift, crane,
hoist or mine-winding equipment.
Electric shock.
First aid should only be provided by a trained and authorised person. Each work site will have first
aid officers who will need to be informed of any injury that requires first aid care. Workers must
know how to contact a first aider and access a first aid kit.
It is important that you know how to respond to any first aid situation. If you do not have first aid training you can still assist by
carrying out the following procedures:
1. Checking the immediate area for any danger – before approaching any
injured person check the area to make sure you are not putting yourself in any
danger.
When speaking on the phone, try your best to maintain your composure, speak clearly to the telephone operator and try to answer
all the questions as best you can.
There are situations where it may be necessary to request the use of a bystander’s mobile phone
to make the emergency call.
When calling emergency services (Dial 000) let the operator know the following details:
5. Your name.
Do not hang up the phone until you have been given instructions on how to proceed.
The fire safety equipment that is commonly available on construction worksites may include the following:
Breathing Apparatus
Fire Blanket
Fire blankets are ideal for settings where small Class F fires are a risk such
as in kitchens or wherever oils or fats are exposed to potential ignition.
Portable fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out or
containing fires within the capability of the extinguisher.
However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they
must be used correctly.
All fire hose reels must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS1221.
SWMS Summary:
Definitions:
Yes / No
Legislation, Australian Standards & Codes f Practice relevant to Equipment required to carry out work:
work (where applicable):
Yes / No
Use this table to determine the level of risk associated with an identified hazard.
Consequence
1. Insignificant 2. Minor 3. Moderate 4. Major 5. Catastrophic
First Aid Required Medical Attention Long Term Illness Kill or Cause
Likelihood
and Time Off Work or Serious Injury Permanent
Disability or Illness
By signing this SWMS, each person declares that they have carefully read the SWMS and that they understand their responsibilities
and requirements to complete the work.
Additional Comments:
Nature of incident:
Near Miss Injury Property Damage Fatality
(Please circle)
Equipment or machinery (List any plant, vehicles or equipment that was involved in the incident.)
involved:
Where did the incident (Clearly describe the exact location on site where the incident occurred.)
occur?
What happened exactly? (Describe the incident. Give as much detail as possible about what happened leading up to and during
the incident and who was involved to the best of your knowledge.)
What action was taken? (Describe any action including taken as a result of the incident such as first aid, evacuation, emergency
stop, area isolation etc.)
C. Details of Injury
Nature / type of injury: (e.g., burn, cut, sprain) Location of injury on body: (e.g., back, leg, left hand)
Cause of injury: (Give as much detail as possible about the cause of the injury such as fall, pushed, crushed, struck, chemical
exposure, equipment failure etc.)
Name:
Role, position or
duties in the
Workplace:
Signed: Date:
Please note:
After this form has been processed, you may be required to assist further with incident investigations and provide more
information on the details of the incident.
Conditions of Assessment
1. You are required to undertake an assessment for CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry.
2. The assessor will provide you with instructions about what you are required to do.
3. If you are unclear about what you have to do, ask the assessor before you start.
4. Each person must be observed and be assessed as being competent in each task even in situations where the work is
completed by a team.
5. You may not use any references, books or course notes during the assessment, unless these resources are common to
completing the task when performed in a real work environment.
6. All assessments must be satisfactorily demonstrated. If you do not satisfactorily complete an assessment a result of ‘Not
yet competent’ will be recorded.
7. You should be able to complete all assessments within [99] minutes. The time stated is a guide only. If you cannot
complete the assessment in the stated time then this will be considered when assessing overall competency.
Your assessor will confirm the availability of required PPE when making arrangements to conduct the assessment. If you do not
have the appropriate equipment the assessment cannot be undertaken.