OHSE - Read First

Dear Folks
At Monash, we have a very strict Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) program which requires that all experiments be risk assessed before commencing the experiment. When you come to Monash, you will learn much more about it but in the interim I want you to read the documents on the main page and try to understand how to prepare a risk assessment and safe working instruction of your experiments.

You also have a responsibility to:

• Take action to avoid, eliminate or minimise hazards Comply with all OHS instructions, policies and procedures
• Comply with instructions given by emergency personnel, first aiders, etc.
• Make proper use of all safety devices and Personal Protective Equipment
• NOT place at risk the health and safety of any other person
• Seek information and advice where necessary
• Wear appropriate clothing (closed shoes in labs)
• NOT store or consume food and drink in laboratories
• Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures, location of evacuation routes, exits, Break Glass Alarms, first aiders, emergency equipment, etc.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe environment

The Monash Risk Control Program utilizes the following components in risk assessment

• PROJECT SUMMARY: A step by step description of the project including all of the potential hazards in the project
• RISK MANAGEMENT: Based on the Project Procedures, identify the hazards in the project and undertake risk assessment and risk control of these hazards
• SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES: A dot point list of the hazards and ways of minimizing them
• TRAINING: The Safe Working Procedures will indicate the required training e.g. Chemical handling, Equipment and X ray
• EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: such as chemical spills will be developed from Training and Safe Working Procedures

These basic steps are used to risk assess your experimental work.