Contractor Handbook

Contractor’s Handbook Facilities Management Version 13 Revised: September 05

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FORWARD Hunter New England Health is committed in providing a safe working environment, safe systems of work and management practices, which ensure a high standard of health and safety, are integrated into day-to-day service provision. Hunter New England Health assumes that Contractors are aware of their obligations under the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001, Hazardous Substance Regulation 1996, Work Cover Authority, Australian Standards and Infection Control Policies (this list is by no means exhaustive; it would be impractical to list all relevant regulations in detail). This Contractors Handbook has been developed to provide a generic guide to working safely within Hunter New England Health. All Site Supervisors will be able to assist the Contractor in their adherence to local issues and regulations. External service providers must be willing to participate in accreditation surveys by the ACHS and others.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Developed by Hunter Area Health Service. Contractors Handbook Version: 1 issued June 1998. Version: 13 Reviewed by Hunter New England Health’s Facilities Management Unit September 2005

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1.0

Page 5

Scope

2.0

Application

5

3.0

Safety Performance

5

4.0

Workers Compensation/Insurances

5

5.0

Relevant Standards

5

6.0

Emergency Procedures

5-6

6.1

Mishap/Accident Reporting/Emergency Treatment

6.2

Immunisations/Blood & Body Substances/Needle Stick

6.3

Gluteraldahyde & Latex Sensitivity & Screening

7

Conditions of Entry

8

7.1

Units

8

7.2

After Hours Access

8

7.3

7.4

Contractor Responsibilities ~ Confidentiality ~ Standard Work Procedures (Safe Work Practices) ~ Manual Handling Policy ~ Working in a Confined space ~ Personal Protective Equipment ~ Portable Electric Tools and Power Cords ~ Non Issue of Hunter New England Health’s Tools and Equipment ~ Oxy Fuel Sets Isolations – Tag out Policies

7.5

Penetrations

9

7.6

Parking

9

7.0

8.0

Contractor’s induction Passport 8.1 8.2 8.3

6 6-7

8-9

9

9-10

9.0

Performance Management Program Performance/KPI Guarantees Inspection and Certification of Works Contractor’s Access and Exit Procedures

10 10 10 11

10.0

Checklist

11

11.0

Housekeeping

11

12.0

Prohibited and Restricted

13.0

Warning signs

12

14.0

Plant and Machinery

12

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15.0

Electrical Plant and Equipment

12-13

16.0

Chemicals / Hazardous Substances

13

17.0

Infection Prevention & Control Policy related to Construction

13

and Renovation (# 04/14) List of Contact Persons / Numbers

14

Letter of Agreement for Contractor’s Handbook

15

Application for Long Term/Period Contractors ID

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Contractors Check List

17

Record of Entry into Designated Asbestos Hazard Areas

18

Samples of Danger and Out Of Service Tags

19

Hunter New England Area Health Service Occupational

20

Health & Safety Policy References

21

Hunter New England Area Health Service

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Danger and Out of Service Tag Policies

CODE OF CONDUCT ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS TO HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH SHALL BE AWARE OF HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH'S POLICY 92/02 "CODE OF CONDUCT" WHICH IS BASED ON CIRCULAR 98/79NSW HEALTH SYSTEM CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS (AUG. 1998) AND IN PARTICULAR CLAUSE 3.9 (BRIBES, GIFTS AND BENEFITS).

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1.0

SCOPE This handbook has been designed to provide relevant information to service providers entering any Hunter New England Health Facility.

2.0 APPLICATION The information contained within this Handbook applies to: All contractors engaged by Hunter New England Health.

Please Note: The term “Unit” means that section of Hunter New England Health engaging the contractor.

3.0

SAFETY PERFORMANCE Hunter New England Health is committed to providing an injury free workplace. Contractors are required to conform to all Hunter New England Health’s safety policies, standards and procedures. Any injury must be reported immediately to the relevant Hunter New England Health supervisor, the circumstances investigated and actions put in place, to the satisfaction of Hunter New England Health, to prevent any recurrences. Contractors are to be prepared to submit to, and participate in audits of their safe working conditions and practices. Failure to follow these requirements may see the contract suspended or terminated.

4.0

WORKERS COMPENSATION/INSURANCES Contractors are to ensure that Worker’s Compensation/Personal Accident, Public Liability and any other insurance(s) required as an obligation of the work to be carried out are current, will be kept current during the course of the works, and that a Certificate of Currency for all relevant insurances will be provided to the Hunter New England Health, prior to commencement of work.

5.0

RELEVANT STANDARDS It is a condition of the contract that Contractors shall comply with all relevant statutory requirements. Where specifications require more stringent control than statutory requirements, then the higher standard shall apply.

6.0 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Hunter New England Health has specific Emergency Procedures in place. Emergency information/instructions are contained within a colour-coded booklet known as “The Rainbow Book” compiled to AS4083 – 1997 Planning for Emergencies – Health Care Facilities. These books are located adjacent to telephones.

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It is mandatory that all persons entering any Hunter New England Health unit become familiar with this book. 6.1

Mishap/Accident Reporting/Emergency Treatment All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur when working within Hunter New England Health shall be reported to the Unit supervisor and recorded in the “Incident Information Management System (IIMS) ”. Contractors must check with each site supervisor for specific detail of policies and procedures for the treatment of any injury or sickness occurring within the unit or unit’s grounds prior to commencing works. For Emergency Medical treatment:

6.2

__________________________

Immunisations / Blood & Body Substance / Needle Stick Contractors must cooperate with the NSW Health Department Circular 2002/97 "Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious Diseases" policy and obtain at their own cost, a documented screening and vaccination history consistent with the provisions of this Circular, which must be made available to the Health Service prior to the commencement of their employment or clinical placement. A copy of Circular 2002/97 will be provided on request. Blood and Body Substances When performing work in the Hospital environment a Contractor may come into contact with blood and/or body substances. Contractors must assume that all blood and body substances are potential sources of infections as a significant exposure to these substances could transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Universal precautions in the control of exposures to these substances will be reinforced in the mandatory Hunter New England Health orientation program. Exposure may occur through: • a penetrating injury such as a cut or puncture from an item, which has, blood and/or body substance on it. • blood and/or body substances coming into contact with your broken skin, such as cuts, abrasions, acne, and skin rashes. • blood and/or body substances coming into contact with the mucous membranes (moist parts) of your eyes, mouth and nose. To prevent exposure to blood and/or body fluids follow these rules: • cover existing cuts and abrasions with a closed waterproof dressing. • wear approved appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, apron and safety glasses or face shield when an exposure to blood and/or body substances is likely to occur.

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• The site supervisor will give you advice on the risk of blood and/or body substances being present in an area. • wash your hands after finishing the job, before & after eating, smoking, going to the toilet, etc. • do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose with hands or other items eg. pens, if it is possible that they have been in contact with blood and/or body fluids. First Aid for Blood and Body Substance Exposures If you are exposed to blood and/or body substance, you must follow these first aid procedures immediately: Needle Stick, Cut or Puncture Wound 1. Bleed the needle stick/cut/puncture wound as much as possible. 2. Rinse the wound thoroughly under running water. 3. Cover the wound with a clean, waterproof, closed dressing. 4. Report your exposure to Maintenance Supervisor/Site Manager/Nursing Unit Manager at the Unit and your own employer. You must document the exposure as requested by the Maintenance Supervisor/Site Manager/Nursing Unit Manager. 5. You will then be directed to the appropriate person at the Unit for follow-up or you can go to your own general practitioner. Splash with Blood/Body Substance 1. Remove any soiled clothing, and wash the splashed area thoroughly with soap and water. 2. For a splash to the face, rinse the nose, eyes and mouth thoroughly with water. Contact lenses should be rinsed and disinfected or disposed of if disposable type. 3. Test for any breaks in the skin using an alcohol hand rub (eg. Hibicol) which is available from the Maintenance Supervisor/Site Manager/Nursing Unit Manager. 4. You must report and document your exposure to Maintenance Supervisor/Site Manager/Nursing Unit Manager at the facility and your own employer. 5. You will then be directed you to the appropriate person at the facility for follow-up or you can go to your own general practitioner. 6.3

7.0

Glutaraldehyde & Latex Sensitivity & Screening Glutaraldehyde is used within some Hunter New England Health facilities and contractors should be aware that sensitivity to this chemical is common. There are also rubber/latex items in use that contractors may come in contact with. If you have any adverse reaction to rubber/latex or concerns relating to glutaraldehyde, contact the Area Facilities Management Unit for advice and follow up.

CONDITION OF ENTRY

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7.1

Units All Contractors shall report to the Supervisor or delegate responsible for the appropriate Unit. All “certified” contractors will be issued with a “ Contractor’s Induction Passport”. Access will only be permitted to those sites as certified “Inducted To” within these passports. The requirements for the issue of a passport are detailed in Section 7.0. Section 8.0 makes allowance for those contractors deemed “not certified”.

7.2

After Hours Access If the Contractor requires after hours access, they must contact the appropriate site Supervisor and/or delegate to ensure access to the site is available and must ensure that the “Contractors Access and Exit Procedures” are strictly adhered to.

7.3

Contractor Responsibilities Confidentiality All Contractors entering a Hunter New England Health Unit must maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in relation to any matters arising or relating to that facility or any persons therein. Standard Work Procedures (Safe Work Practices) Contractors must carry out a risk assessment (Work Method Statement/Job Safety Analysis) for each site and process and show proof of ”Standard Work Procedures” (Safe Work Practices) in relation to the service provided. Manual Handling Policy Hunter New England Health is committed to controlling manual handling risks and preventing manual handling injuries in the workplace. All contractors shall be aware of their obligations under the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001(Chapter 4 Part 4.4 Manual Handling) and Hunter New England Health Policy 99/10. Working in Confined Space All works to be carried out within Hunter New England Health shall be assessed by a competent person with reference to the Confined Space Regulation 1990, the OH&S Regulation 2001(Division 9) and the Australian Standard “AS2865 Safe Work in a Confined Space” and all relevant upgraded Acts and Standards. Personal Protective Equipment All appropriate personal protective apparel/equipment shall be worn/used when on the job at a Hunter New England Health Unit. This equipment must be maintained in good repair.

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Portable Electric Tools and Power Cords All portable electric tools and power cords employed on site shall be tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3760. RCD devices shall be used with all electric power tools. Non Issue of Hunter New England Health’s Tools and Equipment Contractors shall supply all tools and equipment required for all services provided to Hunter New England Health. Oxy Fuel Sets All Oxy Fuels sets that enter Hunter New England Health Facilities shall be transported and restrained in accordance with AS4332 and be tested and inspected and tagged in accordance with AS4839 and AS4603 and record of this is to be produced. 7.4

Isolations – Tag out Policies All Isolations are to be suitably tagged in accordance with Hunter New England Health’s Danger Tag and Out of Service Tag policies. (Copies attached) Isolation details are to be carried-out under strict instruction of Hunter New England Health’s maintenance personal.

7.5

Penetrations No penetrations of walls, floors etc, shall be carried out unless authorised by Engineering Personnel at each Unit.

7.6

Parking Please contact the appropriate Unit regarding parking and unloading facilities. Please note that parking infringement notices will be issued if vehicles are found parked in a restricted area without an authorisation pass. The appropriate Unit issues the pass. The pass MUST be displayed on the vehicle. A parking fee may be charged at some facilities.

8.0

CONTRACTOR'S INDUCTION PASSPORT A fee (amount TBA) is payable on issue of each passport. All service providers to Hunter New England Health must satisfy the requirements to be deemed a “Certified” contractor and be issued with a “Contractor’s Induction Passport” Hunter New England Health is aware that “non certified” contractors may be required from time to time to provide a service at our facilities, the minimum requirement for entry in these circumstances will be a site induction, supply of current Public Liability and Workers Compensation/Personnel Accident Insurance detail and the completion of the “Contractors Checklist” and appropriate Job Safety Analysis.

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Minimum requirements for the issue of a “Contractor’s Induction Passport” are listed in the “Documentation” section of the “Call for Quotations” document sent to all interested providers. These requirements are:1. Successful completion by individuals of the “NSW GOVERNMENT WORKCOVER GENERAL INDUCTION “ for Occupational Health & Safety or a course deemed equivalent to or better than by the NSW Workcover Education and Training Division. 2. Agreement to adhere to the rules and regulation as set out in the “Hunter New England Health Contractors Handbook”. 3. Proof of firm’s current Public Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance for the term of agreement. 4. Proof of firm’s willingness to participate in any accreditation or certification process in accordance with the requirements of the ACHS Equipe standards. 5. Criminal Record Check clearance for individuals (Cost of $6 per name/alias applies). 6. Individual attendance to generic HAHS orientation program. 7. Individual completion of site-specific induction in conjunction with regular service attendance. Passport to be certified of this attendance as in Section 6.0 of this handbook. 8.1

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM All contractors may be subject to a performance management program, on an Annual basis or as the need may arise (eg complaint by HNE Health units or contractors)

8.2

PERFORMANCE/KPI GUARANTEES All services provided by contractors to Hunter New England Health will be subject to a performance/KPI guarantee. The terms and conditions of these guarantees and the warranties provided will be negotiated before the commencement of a period contract.

8.3

INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATION OF WORKS All works carried out by contractors on/in Hunter New England Health’s facilities will be subject to inspection and certification before approval of completion is issued.

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9.0 CONTRACTOR’S ACCESS & EXIT PROCEDURES All contractors entering Hunter New England Health Units shall report to the Engineering office or in the absence of engineering personnel the person/ persons designated responsible for the unit before commencing work. The “Contractor’s Register” is to be completed in the presence of the Unit supervisor. All “certified” contractors will be issued with a photo ID in conjunction with the “Contractors Induction Passport”. A “Contractor’s Work Access Permit” will be issued to those contractors not deemed “certified” The work permit is valid for the day of issue only and all contractors must sign off the “Contractors Register” on completion of daily works. Contractors who fail to “sign off” will face disciplinary action as determined by Hunter New England Health’s Director of Shared Corporate Services.

10.0 CHECK LIST The “Contractors Check List” (sample page 17) may need to be completed on each occasion of service. The need to complete this form will be determined by the site supervisor.

11.0 HOUSEKEEPING Contractors are responsible for keeping the work area tidy and safe at all times. Access ways must be kept clear, and waste/surplus material promptly removed and disposed of. Cleaning up at the end of the job is not considered sufficient.

Materials must not be left unsecured in elevated areas – falling objects may cause serious injuries. Site engineering management will carry out regular safety walks in work areas to assure “Standard Work Procedures” are in place. Failure to observe the correct procedures will not be tolerated in any Hunter New England Health Unit.

12.0 PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED The following are prohibited on/in any Hunter New England Health Unit: * Intoxicating liquor or drugs that may impede judgement * Firearms * Animals * Cameras © Hunter New England Health Facilities Management Unit

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* Mobile phones in clinical areas or as indicated by signage * Non-Contractor personnel, eg partner, children, friends, etc.

13.0 WARNING SIGNS Contractors shall: * Strictly observe all signs displayed on facility. * Provide and post appropriate warning sign(s) for all work in progress. * Provide and use appropriate safety barriers and barricades for all work in progress. * Comply and be familiar with “Danger Tag” and “Out of Service Tag” regulations.

14.0 PLANT AND MACHINERY All plant, machinery, vehicles and tools used in/on a Hunter New England Health Facility by the Contractor must be approved or licenced by the appropriate authority eg. WorkCover Authority, Roads and Traffic Authority, Standards Australia, etc. Current certification and testing documentation shall be provided when required eg Hydraulics testing for cranes. All personnel employed by the Contractor to operate any plant, machinery, vehicles or tools must be trained/qualified to do so and be the holder of the appropriate licence(s) or certificate(s) of competency for the type of equipment being operated. The Contractor shall be required to produce all licences or certificates of competency to the appropriate Unit. Failure to produce the appropriate documentation shall result in cessation of work/services. No Contractor is allowed to operate any plant, machinery, vehicle or tools that belong to the HNEH without the permission of the appropriate Unit. All ladders are to be stable and in good condition. The correct ladder must be used for the correct purpose, eg wooden or fibreglass for electrical hazards. An appropriately licensed person shall erect all scaffolding.

15.0 ELECTRICAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT Electrical dangers differ from some others in that they are not always selfevident. An electrical conductor looks the same whether it is alive or dead and therefore is dangerous. When your duties do not require you to approach or handle electrical equipment or lines, keep away from them.

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All electrical installations undertaken by a Contractor shall comply with all relevant Australian Standards and Codes of Practice. Appropriate information (eg plans or diagrams) will be provided to the Contractor by Hunter New England Health’s Engineering staff where appropriate or upon request if available.

16.0 CHEMICALS / HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (OH & S Act, Hazardous Substances) All chemicals / Hazardous substances must be clearly labelled and accompanied with the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The appropriate Supervisor and/or Delegate must sight these MSDS prior to commencement of work.

17.0 INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL POLICY RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION (# 04/14) All contractors shall strictly adhere to the HNEAHS Policy Number 04/14, this policy outlines the requirements of infection prevention and control within HNEAHS Policy 02/04 Workplace Change, Design/Re-design, Refurbishment and Service Planning. Details will be supplied on request by the Site-Supervisor.

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List of Contact Persons/Numbers (This list is be completed by the Hunter New England Health Unit site supervisor at the time of specific site induction)

Facility: _______________________

Title/Area

Name

Phone

Engineer Facility Supervisor Maintenance Supervisor Unit Supervisor Security Emergency Number Switchboard

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To:

Dear Re: Letter of Agreement for Contractor’s Handbook I/We have read and understand the protocols for Hunter New England Health as outlined in the Contractor’s Handbook. Version No. ____ . I/We agree to abide by the protocols as set out in the Contractor’s Handbook.

Name of Contractor: ________________________ Area of Service (eg refrigeration, BME, etc) Signature: _____________________________ Date: ___ / ___ / ___

Company/Contractor Address:

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH SERVICE

AUTHORITY FORM TO OBTAIN - IDENTIFICATION CARD

Date:

/

/

PLEASE PRINT WHEN COMPLETING FORM

Last Name:_______________ First Name_______________________

Mr/Mrs,etc________________ Applicants Signature_______________

Date of Birth____/_____/_____ Payroll number___________________

Hospital/Unit_______________ Department______________________

Position Title_______________ Contact Phone number_____________

This section must be completed by your Supervisor/Manager or Area Contracts Manager (for all Contractors)

(Accounting Flex field: 319950)/_________/_______________/____________/1 Unit Fund Cost Centre Program Approval_________________ Please Print

Signature______________________

Please present this authority form duly completed and authorised to obtain your Hunter Area Health Identification card. A record of this authorisation form may be held in your personal record for future reference. On receipt of your identification card please sign and date in space provided below.

Identification Card Received______________________________________ Date

/

/

Signature

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH CONTRACTORS CHECK LIST TO BE USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH “CONTRACTOR ACCESS PERMIT” 1

Contractors shall be aware of their responsibility under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to:a)

b) c)

take reasonable care for the health and safety of all persons at their place of work who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions. co-operate with employers on all Occupational Health and Safety issues. use and wear Safety Equipment as required.(PPE)

Yes / No

2

Job Safety Analysis/Standard Work Practices Lodged/sighted

Yes / No

3

Department of Fair Trading Licence/s checked

Yes / No / NA

4

Workers Compensation/PAI – Public Liability Insurance Details supplied?

Yes / No / NA

5

Tag out system used for all Hazardous work. (Out of Service Yes / NA and Danger Tags)

6

Confined Space procedures be followed as per AS 2865 and the Confined Spaces Regulation 1990 as included in the OH&S Regulation 2001.

Yes / No

7

Hot Work Permit required?

Yes / No

8

Hot work Permit issued?

Yes / NA

9

Fire Detection Isolation required?

Yes / No

10

Asbestos Record of Entry Log completed? (copy attached)

Yes / No / NA

11

Dust Hazard safety precautions taken? ie Seal area, Signpost, etc.

Yes / No / NA

12

Boiler Test, Reseal inspection holes after combustion test.

Yes / No / NA

13

Observation of all Hospital signage- including restriction of entry

Yes / No

Name (please print) ___________________ Signature: _________________ Company: __________________________ © Hunter New England Health Facilities Management Unit

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH

RECORD OF ENTRY INTO DESIGNATED ASBESTOS HAZARD AREAS

Name: _____________________________________

Date: ___ / ___ / ___

Designation: ______________________________________________________ (Outside person, Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter, Handyman, etc)

Building Name: ____________________________________________________

Purpose for Entry: __________________________________________________

Time Spent: __________________ Hrs: _____________ Mins: _____________

Signature: _____________________________________

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Out of Service Tag To be used when any plant or equipment is faulty, or it’s operation or use could cause damage to either it or a person. The tag is to be placed on the plant or equipment in a prominent place and fully visible to potential users. Reference: Hunter New England Health Service Policy 00/12

Danger Tag To provide personal protection when isolating energy sources, thus eliminating the risk of injury to staff, patients, clients, contractors, visitors and others. A personal danger tag when placed on equipment or isolation point is a direction to all others that the plant/equipment is not to be started or operated. Reference: Hunter New England Health Policy 00/11

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References Hazardous Substance Regulation, 1996 Infection Control Policy 12.14.56 Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, 2001 Occupational Health Act, 2000 Policies 12.14.15 Work Cover Authority The “Hunter New England Health Service” Procedures Manual for the Selection and Management of Contractors”.

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22 HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH SERVICE POLICY SUBJECT: DANGER TAGS POLICY NUMBER: 00/11 DATE OF POLICY: AUGUST 2000 POLICY AIM/OBJECTIVES: To provide personal protection when isolating energy sources, thus eliminating the risk of injury to staff, patients, clients, contractors, visitors and others. This policy and procedure will apply to any repairs, maintenance, installation and commissioning activities. RELATED LEGISLATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CIRCULARS, AREA POLICIES: • NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 • Department of Health Circular 76/53 - Use of Danger Tags in Hospitals DISTRIBUTION: All managers, staff and contractors of Hunter New England Health Service REVIEW: Annual AREA EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICY MONITORING AND REVIEW: Director Corporate Services POLICY APPROVAL: Area Executive 1.1 PURPOSE To provide the standard for personal protection when isolating energy sources, thus eliminating the risk of injury to staff, patients, clients, contractors, visitors and others by ensuring that danger tags are understood and used correctly throughout Hunter Area Health Service. A personal danger tag, when placed on a main/primary isolation point, is a direction to ALL persons that the plant is not to be started or operated. 1.2 SCOPE Isolation of energy sources to ensure personal safety as per requirements of the NSW Occupational Health & Safety Act 1983. 1.3 APPLICATION This policy applies to all operations within the Hunter New England Health Service, anyone working within Hunter New England Health Service facilities, including employees, consultants and contractors, as well as any work performed by staff of Hunter New England Health Service in any other location. 1.4 DEFINITIONS 1.4.1 Authorised Person: a person deemed competent in writing by their manager in the use of Danger Tags. 1.4.2 Energy Sources: Active Energy- Energy readily isolated by switching, disconnection, closing a valve or shielding. Includes: • Electricity • Diesel Power • Compressed Air • Gas (LNG, LPG, Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide) • Steam • Water • Hydraulic Power • Radioactive Devices Stored Energy - Energy isolated by securing, ‘chocking’, switching, disconnection, discharging or earthing. Includes: • Stored energy in springs and accumulators • Stored pressures in pressure vessels, tanks and hoses © Hunter New England Health Facilities Management Unit

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23 Sources of Energy : • Gravitational energy in imbalanced machinery or elevated equipment/material • Stored energy in capacitors • Stored energy in high voltage cables • Gas Mains • Water Mains • 1.4.3 Danger Tag: a system that provides personal protection 14.4 Out of Service Tag: a system that places faulty plant and equipment out of use 1.5 PROCEDURES Only authorised personnel to perform these procedures. 1. Identify the need to isolate energy sources in order to protect the personal safety of those on the job. 2. Identify the actual and potential energy source(s) associated with the equipment. 3. Isolate and/or de-energise the energy source(s). - When electrical work is to be performed, and provided where reasonable and equipment hardware allows, the electrical circuit(s), being worked upon will be isolated by visible disconnection (incl. main circuit breaker) and/or earthing. 4. Prove that no energy is present at the energy source. 5. Should work need to be performed on "live" or energised equipment, due to a very specific reason, this can only be carried out after a written risk assessment has been performed and a safe work procedure developed. These documents must then be approved by the appropriate manager / engineer. Staff to undertake the work in such conditions must then be trained in the requirements of the procedure, and sign off on the training. 6. A danger tag is only to be securely attached to the main isolating switch, valve or any other positive isolating device. Push buttons, emergency stops and control switches are not to be considered positive isolators, and must never be used as such. 7. Each person working on the equipment to apply his or her own individual Personal Danger Tag to the main isolation device. In cases where more than one main isolator is involved, ensure a danger tag is applied by every person to each of the main isolators. 8. Each individual is responsible for ensuring all the details are correctly completed on their own danger tag. This information will include the date and time, their name and signature and identification of the item isolated. 9. Prove no energy is present, (either Active or Stored), at the equipment. 10. Perform the work consistent with Hunter New England Health Service safe work practices. 11. Upon completion of work all persons working on equipment to remove their own individual Personal Danger Tag. The only person permitted to remove a Personal Danger Tag is the person who attached such tag. 12. If work is uncompleted at the end of the shift, remove your Personal Danger Tag and attach an Out of Service Tag. 1.6 ACCOUNTABILITIES Directors/General Managers – Accountable for ensuring all staff in their departments are fully aware of, and understand this policy/procedures. Executive Officers/Unit Managers – Accountable for ensuring that all staff are trained in the use of this policy/procedures and receive regular instruction as to the mandated need to follow the policy. © Hunter New England Health Facilities Management Unit

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24 Supervisors – Accountable for ensuring that all staff and contractors, for whom they are responsible, use the policy/procedures at all times. Employees – Accountable for ensuring their full compliance with the requirements of the danger tag policy. 1.7 BREACHES OF POLICY The Danger Tag policy/procedure is fundamental to the elimination of injuries from working on equipment with an energy source. Any breach of this policy/procedure will be fully investigated and if proven will result in serious disciplinary action, including dismissal. 1.8 SUPPLIES OF DANGER TAGS. These must be readily available throughout the workplace, as well as carried by relevant staff personally. The danger tags are available through the Area Purchasing Department. Only these tags shall be used, to ensure standardisation across all of Hunter Area Health Service. The only acceptable danger tag is a red and black on white pre-printed tag, with a means of fixing it already attached. They must comply with Australian Standard AS 1319 1.9 OUTCOMES The outcomes of this policy are a workforce fully cognisant with the requirements to safely use a danger tag, which will result in no injuries in the workplace due to failure to adequately isolate energy sources before working on equipment.

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(August 2000) HUNTER NEW ENGLAND HEALTH SERVICE POLICY SUBJECT: OUT OF SERVICE TAG POLICY NUMBER: 00/12 DATE OF POLICY: AUGUST 2000 POLICY AIM/OBJECTIVES: To provide the system that identifies and removes faulty, unserviceable or in-operable plant, equipment, devices (and the like) from use until deemed safe by qualified personnel. RELATED LEGISLATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CIRCULARS, AREA POLICIES: • NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 • Department of Health Circular 76/53 - Use of Danger Tags in Hospitals DISTRIBUTION: All managers, staff and contractors of Hunter New England Health Service REVIEW: Annual AREA EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICY MONITORING AND REVIEW: Director Corporate Services POLICY APPROVAL: Area Executive 1.1 PURPOSE To provide the standard for the system that identifies and removes faulty, unserviceable or in-operable plant, equipment, devices (and the like) from use until deemed safe by qualified personnel. 1.2 SCOPE and APPLICATION All plant and equipment within Hunter New England Health Service. 1.3 DEFINITIONS 1.3.1

Danger Tag: a system that provides personal protection

1.3.2 Out of Service Tag: a system that places faulty plant and equipment out of use 1.4 PROCEDURES 13. Identify any plant or equipment, where it is considered foreseeable that to operate or use it could cause damage to either it or a person. 14. Identify the problem with the plant or equipment by completing an out of service tag, and affixing it to the object as identified. 15. As far as is practical, remove the item to an area where it can be inspected and repaired by suitably qualified personnel. 16. Inform your supervisor of the need for the object to be inspected and repaired. 17. Under no circumstances is a piece of equipment or plant, tagged as "Out Of Service" to be used. 18. Only authorised maintenance personnel can remove Out of Service tags.

© Hunter New England Health Facilities Management Unit

Version: 13 Reviewed: September 2005

26 Remember that other authorised persons may remove the Out of Service tag you attached; hence it does not provide you with personal protection. 1.5 ACCOUNTABILITIES Directors/General Managers – Accountable for ensuring all staff in their departments are fully aware of, and understand this policy/procedures. Executive Officers/Unit Managers – Accountable for ensuring that all staff are trained in the use of this policy/procedures and receive regular instruction as to the mandated need to follow the policy. Supervisors – Accountable for ensuring that all staff and contractors, for whom they are responsible, use the policy/procedures at all times. Employees – Accountable for ensuring their full compliance with the requirements of the danger tag policy.

1.6 BREACHES OF POLICY Any breach of this policy/procedure will be fully investigated and if proven will result in commencement of the disciplinary process. 1.7 SUPPLIES OF OUT OF SERVICE TAGS. These must be readily available throughout the workplace, as well as carried by relevant staff personally. The out of service tags are available through the Area Purchasing Department. Only these tags shall be used, to ensure standardisation across all of Hunter New England Health Service. The only acceptable Out of Service Tag is a yellow and black pre-printed tag, with a means of fixing it already attached. They must comply with Australian Standard AS 1319 1.8 OUTCOMES The outcomes of this policy are a workforce fully cognisant with the requirements to safely use an out of service tag and to ensure that unsafe equipment is not operated until repaired. [AUGUST 2000]

© Hunter New England Health Facilities Management Unit

Version: 13 Reviewed: September 2005