Health and Safety Systems transcript

1. Introduction

Presenter:

This is Jennifer Robson with a special report live from La Trobe University. Today we are here to ask the question "What do you really know about your University's safety procedures?"

What do you know about La Trobe University safety procedures?

Member of public:

Actually, La Trobe University recognizes its obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and is committed to providing a healthy and safe working environment for students, staff and visitors.

Presenter:

You should really be working here or something

Member of public:

I do, I am the OHS manager

Presenter:

Oh.

Presenter:

It's the Vice-Chancellor. Great, what do you have to say about this topic Vice-Chancellor?

Voice of VC:

Here at La Trobe, we are concerned that every student enjoys a safe working environment, and with that I would like to introduce the Student Occupational Health and Safety film. With a responsible approach to applying these guidelines, we can all make sure that La Trobe is a great place to study

Presenter:

Thank you Vice-Chancellor. Can someone get him a copy of this afterwards, he seemed a bit two- dimensional.

Presenter:

The university does have formal OHS policies, these can be found on the website below. Is it there? Not yet? Now? No?? Now? Ok, is it flashing??? No? Make it flash!

2. Emergency evacuation

Presenter:

The University has emergency systems and procedures in place to deal with emergencies.

Fire and safety equipment including fire alarms are there for emergency purposes and must be accessible at all times. Emergency equipment must not be tampered with. Exits and corridors must be kept clear at all times to allow safe passage and access in times of emergency.

On hearing the fire bell or evacuation tone, or when you are instructed by a building warden please exit by the nearest emergency exit and proceed to assembly area as directed by a building warden.

Remember you must not enter a building area while the alarms are sounding or barricaded.

Emergency alarms are sounded for a purpose. Please treat all alarms as a potential emergency.

3. Incident reporting

Presenter:

An incident is an unplanned event that may lead to injury to persons or damage to property.

As a student we encourage you to report any incident or hazard you notice to your school, faculty office or security guard.

You will be asked to fill in an Incident Report form. This is a normal procedure.

If you are injured please contact your supervisor, school office or security guard as many staff members are trained in first aid and will be able to assist.

4. Computer use

Presenter:

As many of you will be using laptops computers it is important to be aware of potential dangers to your health from the repetitive use of keyboards.

The early warning signs of overtaxing muscles are feelings of numbness and/or tenderness in the muscle regions.

This may be avoided by some basic common sense measures, such as frequently changing postures and general arm and hand stretches.

Basic Rules are:

Avoid extended sessions at the keyboard
Take frequent breaks
The top of the monitor should be at eye height
Make sure your lower back is supported by a chair

5. Laboratory safety

Presenter:

Given the experimental work carried out in laboratories and workshops all students must adhere rigidly to the prescribed safety standards at all times.

Safety glasses, lab coats and closed shoes should as a general rule be worn when working with chemicals.

In some specific workshops and labs you may be required to tie hair back and wear further protective equipment such as ear muffs.

Please take note of Restricted Areas and other safety signs and ask your lecturer or tutor if you are unsure.

6. Smoking

Presenter:: For your safety and for the safety and comfort of others who may be affected, smoking is not allowed in any University building or within 3 metres of building entrances or air intake areas.
Smoker:: "What the…?"

7. Transport issues

Presenter:

If you are driving to the university, remember that all roads within the campuses are public roads and that Victorian Road rules apply at all times.

Parking is only is designated areas.

Access to the university via bicycles is encouraged but these should only be ridden on the roads, not on footpaths. ….Erhem, ridden, not written.

There are designated bike parking areas, they should not be secured in walkways where they impede general foot access.

Buses travel through the campus, so please take care when crossing roads.

8. Environmental issues

Presenter:: Help us keep a clean environment by placing all waste or rubbish in the appropriate container. Don't leave your waste for someone else to clean up.

9. Security

Presenter:

There is a security presence at each campus.

Remember in an emergency security can be contacted on the campus emergency number.

More information about services such as the campus bus and escort services are available on the student webpage.

This has been Jennifer Robson from La Trobe University for Channel 8 and a half.