The Muster is under way and that means another month is over. How time flies.

Fathers Day is on Sunday

the 5^th September.

Don’t forget we have lots of ideas for dad including Gift Vouchers for the hard to buy.

Bamboo Socks

 Safety Glasses

 Gloves

Bubba Kegs

 Head Lamps

Gloves Holders

We are open Saturdays from 8am – 12pm

Monday to Friday 7am – 5pm

I would like to introduce the

M1 Customer Care Club

It is FREE to join and we keep a record of what you buy including the size, color and style of a particular product.

It is great when you need to remember the size of a boot or type of safety glass that you like.

During your birthday month you also receive a FREE gift.

Just ask when you next come into the shop and it will only take an extra minute to complete the details.

Some Safety Snapshots From

Workplace Health & Safety

Using Pesticides

From the Workplace Health and Safety Website

General rules and risks

All pesticides must be used in accordance with registered labels or APVMA permit conditions (non-Queensland Government link). Some pesticides can be very hazardous if not used correctly so it is necessary to read and apply the information supplied in the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

When using pesticides, the three major risk areas are:

· The risk to a person, property and the environment by accidental events such as spillage or fire.

· Daily chemical exposure of anybody at the workplace.

· Chemical exposure to anyone on an adjacent property who may be affected by the application of chemicals such as spray drift.

Applying pesticides

When applying pesticides:

· Use the least toxic pesticide available for pest control.

· Ensure only the recommended rate of pesticide is used.

· Wear protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the pesticide as described on the label.

· Prepare only enough for immediate use.

· Keep a record of the use and results.

· Ensure equipment works properly and does not leak.

· Cover feed and water containers near areas where livestock are grazing.

· Do not eat, drink or smoke while pouring, mixing or spraying.

· Do not pour concentrated pesticides into tanks above shoulder height.

· Never work alone if you are using a highly toxic pesticide.

Spraying pesticides

To manage and reduce health and safety risks when spraying pesticides:

· Spray when weather conditions are suitable and stable - for example winds between 3 - 15 km/hour (not too still, not too windy) and consider humidity, as low humidity can contribute to spray drift for water based pesticide formulations.

· Use a suction method of transferring pesticides to a spray tank. A vortex mixing system can also be used where the pesticide concentrate is added to a water supply during spraying without having to be pre-mixed.

· Prevent nozzles from becoming blocked by using the correct filters and pesticide formulation and ensure that water and equipment are clean.

· Clear blocked nozzles using a soft bristle brush, or compressed air. Never suck or blow blocked nozzles to clear them.

There are requirements under the law for spraying pesticides or agricultural chemicals. For more information refer to:

Aerial distribution of agricultural chemicals
Ground distribution of herbicides
Agricultural chemicals users’ manual.

Cleaning up pesticides

· Continue to wear protective equipment to prevent skin contact and splashes during clean up.

· Thoroughly clean all spraying and protective equipment where run-off will not contaminate the environment or create a hazard.

· Wash work clothing separately from domestic clothing or use disposable clothing.

· Wash yourself well after a spray operation.

· Wash hands with soap and water after handling pesticides before eating, drinking, going to the toilet or smoking.

Other information

· The first aid kit should contain a towel, clean clothing, an approved resuscitation mask for expired air resuscitation, disposable eye wash bottle and eye wash solution, soap, nail brush, and clear instructions on what to do with all this equipment. This kit should be kept handy and protected from dust and dirt.

· Keep fresh water close by for washing.

· Advise someone where you are going to spray and how long you intend to be gone. Otherwise, ensure you have a two-way radio for emergency calls.

· It is important that at least one person attends a first aid course to make sure a basic level of first aid is able to be administered in an emergency.

· Before use, check the labels and MSDS or other safe handling guides of your pesticides to see what emergency treatment or procedures may be required and make suitable arrangements.

· Stop work immediately and seek medical attention if there is any sign of muscular spasm, chest pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, blurred vision, excessive saliva in the mouth or difficulty in breathing. These symptoms could indicate pesticide poisoning.

· If regularly using toxic pesticides, a medical examination is recommended before and after the spraying season. You may require more frequent health surveillance with some chemicals.

· Remove any contaminated clothing and seek medical advice.

· For eye contact, hold eye open under running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical advice.

· If swallowed, ring the Queensland Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. Reference;

Do not forget that it is Safe Work Australia Week from 24 – 30 October 2010.

Speak to you next month and I hope it is a great one.

Yours in Safety……..Because it Matters,

Michelle and the team at M1 First Aid & Safety Supplies

Welcome to our newly named newsletter .

Winter is definitely here, don’t you think……

This month I would like to talk about a few things that are coming up including a Climatesmart Business Cluster information night, product information on hard hats and winter gloves.

What a great opportunity to save money and reduce your carbon footprint in the workplace.

********************************************************************************************

The cold weather is closing in and it’s time to give some thought to gloves that will keep hands warm.

I don’t know where people get the idea that Australia is always HOT. There might be a suggestion of global warming, but tell that to someone working outside in Kalgoorlie or Broken Hill or Gympie in June.

The rigger lined glove can keep hands warm, without them being plunged into pockets. They are made from quality pig grain leather and constructed with a 100gm 3M Thinsulate lining for added warmth, without inhibiting dexterity. These are one of the most durable and well designed natural leather gloves available. We have them in stock now, but be quick.

For cold, night-time work, we also have a Hi-Viz glove. Made from A grade cow grain leather, they are lined with the same 100gm 3M Thinsulate and are backed with fluro material and 25 mm yellow reflective tape.

Both these models come in one-size-fits-all. Mind you, they are not the only gloves that will protect you from the cold, but they are pretty good and we keep them in stock at M1 First Aid & Safety Supplies

********************************************************************************************

Come and hear more about the Climatesmart Business Cluster Program at a Free Information Forum to be held in Gympie.

When?

Thursday 22^nd July 2010 at 5.45pm

Where?

Fossiker’s Room, Gympie Civic Centre,

Mellor St Gympie

Speakers

A department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) representative will discuss the Climatesmart Business Program and a range of successful case studies from around Queensland.

Rob Absalom, Cluster Leader from local business About Freedom will speak on the formation of the Gympie Cluster, its timeline, process and the expected savings.

Registrations for the Cluster will also be taken on the night.

What do I need to do?

To attend the Forum please phone or email About Freedom with your details by Tuesday 20^th July 2010.

Further Information:

To attend the information Forum, join the Cluster or obtain further information please contact Rob Absalom from About Freedom

1300907887 or 0458335000

info@aboutfreedom.com.au

The most asked question from customers is something to do with hard hats. Below I hope that I will address your questions, but if not, email me.

What is the in-use life span of a hard hat?

When a hard hat shows signs of wear and tear to both the helmet shell and the harness it should be replaced. It should also be replaced after any impact that would have caused the wearer injury as the integrity of the structure will have been weakened. Although there is no set service life for hard hats, we recommend replacement after no more than 5 years.

In-use, head protection is generally treated with a lack of care, often being thrown or dropped, used as a receptacle for all manner of items, or carried on the rear window shelf of a vehicle. None of these actions are conducive to continued performance so suppliers recommend users to regularly inspect both the helmet shell and its harness for signs of wear and tear and to store in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Replace your hard hat when:

Cracks appear in the shell

The shiny surface appears dull or chalky

The shell becomes brittle

Impact with helmet surface has been made

Replace your suspension when:

The suspensions become brittle

One or more of the mounts break off

The suspension will no longer hold securely to the head

The cradling straps break or become worn

Date stamp? Is that like a best before date?

No, we are required by the Australian Standards to mark each helmet with the month and year of manufacture. This should not be used as a basis for determining the life of an industrial safety helmet.

Will the addition of chin straps, visors or ear muffs affect the effectiveness of the Hard Hat?

ProChoice accessories such as chinstraps, ear muffs and visors have been designed to complement the ProChoice hard hats without compromising the effectiveness of the helmet. Official  accessories have been tested and certified by Australian Standards to meet their stringent criteria, when worn with Hard Hats.

Can I use the chin strap off helmets supplied by a different company?

This not recommended.

Chin straps are not tested under AS/NZS 1801 for Type 1 helmet but in order to provide the best quality product,  chin strap is tested and certified by BSI against European Standard EN397:1995 Industrial Safety Helmet.

Under the European Standard requirement, it became necessary for the chin strap to break when a specific load is applied. A  chin strap may break in a different manner to another company’s and so it is recommended that you should only use a ProChoice chin strap on a ProChoice helmet.

Can a hard hat be painted?

No. The addition of paint or other chemical compounds may alter the structural and protective effectiveness of the hard hat. The  range comes in a series of colors to suit the varying requirements of workplaces.

What is the importance of the harness, apart from fitting the hard hat to the head?

The harness works by stretching, which absorbs and distributes the force of the energy at impact, thus minimising the effect of the outside force. ProChoice has the patented ProLink anchorage design to connect the inside webbing which significantly improves shock absorption.

Hard hats should be replaced after experiencing an impact as the harness may be weakened.

Can the effectiveness of a hard hat be affected by modifications such as drilling holes for ventilation or to secure a light?

Yes, the design of the hard hat is to give maximum protection at minimum weight. This is achieved by the ridging and moulding of the helmet shape. Any interference to the design will weaken the structure.

Some accessories that fit hard hats include;

Harnesses

Cotton sweatbands

Brow guards

Earmuffs

Plastic brims

Cotton brims

Reflective strips for hard hats

Different color hard hats including:

Yellow

Red

Fluro Yellow

Blue

Green

White

Orange

We stock them all at 22 Hall Road Gympie

Trading Hours:

Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm

Saturday -  8am – 12 Midday

********************************************************************************************

Ring 54821021 for more information

Up to 5 Colors can be printed

Yours in Safety……..Because it Matters,

Michelle and the team at M1 First Aid & Safety Supplies

With the end of our tax year upon us I am sure many of you are considering your options regarding both small and large tax deductible purchases. It’s a good time to get your first aid kits updated, check your PPE stocks or new steel capped boots. See the special only for subscribers further down the newsletter.

This month I would like to announce the winner of our competition that we ran last month.

People are asking similar questions regularly, so I would like to take the opportunity to answer some for you.

Don’t forget to send a quick email to Michelle for any questions that weI can answer in the next newsletter…

And the winner for our competition to name our monthly newsletter is………(drum roll)

Thank you for your thoughtful names and I would like to congratulate

Rebecca Griffiths from NRG Drilling for the winning name. I will be in touch with your hamper from M1 First Aid & Safety Supplies. Our newsletter will be named

Safety Matters …

Here is a safety alert:

Purpose

This safety alert highlights the hazards when using nailing tools, such as nail guns, and provides examples of their correct and safe usage.

The information provided is designed to help people meet their obligations under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 in relation to the risks associated with the use of nail guns.

Background

Nail guns have often replaced hammers as tools of choice amongst builders.

There are many types of portable hand-held nail guns used throughout industry and, to a much lesser degree, in home handyman applications. They are powered by either:

· electromagnetism

· compressed air—pneumatic

· highly flammable gases—such as butane or propane

· powder actuated—requiring an explosive charge.

Since their introduction, the compressed air/pneumatic type (shown below) has become the most commonly used form.

Investigations have identified that occurrences of serious nail gun incidents are increasing, not only within Queensland, but throughout Australia and other countries.

The main cause for many of these incidents, are associated with the use of contact trip actuation (also known as bump-fire, bounce-fire or simultaneous discharge) type nail guns.

These type of nail guns are significantly prone to unintentional firing when users accidentally make contact with the gun’s muzzle (i.e. safety yoke/work contacting element) while handling the equipment (e.g. while moving from one location to another) with their finger engaged on the tool’s trigger mechanism.

The contact trip actuation method of operation allows nails to be driven/fired by holding the trigger in the firing position, then bringing the muzzle into contact with any surface that provides enough resistance to counteract the spring compression forces of the muzzle assembly.

Principally, due to repetitive strain considerations and easier application for use, many designers have adopted relatively low intensity spring compression units within the muzzle assemblies, therefore providing little protection against unintentional discharge.

Today, nail gun penetration injuries have increased throughout the industry to dangerously high levels. Reports clearly show that a significant number of these incidents are a direct result of the gun’s muzzle being unintentionally struck into a part of the body (or nearby structure) while the user has hold of the tool’s trigger switch. These incidents resulted in people being left partially or permanently disabled or blinded, and in some cases fatally injured.

Hazards

· Users and other people can accidentally place themselves into positions where they are directly exposed to the projectile path of a nail gun.

· As it currently stands, the safety of nail gun operations are mainly dependent upon the skill, knowledge and aptitude of the user.

· The nail gun is effectively a firearm which can release steel projectiles in excess of 130 mm in length.

· Contact trip actuation (bump-fire, bounce-fire or simultaneous discharge) type nail guns are much more prone to unintentional firing through accidental contact with the machine’s muzzle when handling the equipment from one position to another.

Risk

There is risk of steel projectiles penetrating into the human body: via direct contact with the muzzle of a loaded gun, deflection of a projectile when skewing off a hard surface, or penetration through a soft material. The power generated within a nail gun is sufficient to drive a nail through human bone, thereby highlighting the vulnerability of other organs in the human body.

Control or prevention measures

Bump-fire nail guns (including those fitted with switchable levers that allow the gun to be used in another mode) must not be used:

· where the user is required to climb ladders or other elevated areas with a loaded gun

· in restricted and tight spaced areas where the gun’s actuation muzzle is at high risk of being bumped

· where other people are likely to come within the firing path of the nail gun or there is a foreseeable risk of them being struck by a flying nail (e.g. by ricochet or deflection).

Nail guns should be maintained to ensure correct operation of the actuation mechanism. If any problems occur, the tools should be repaired by a competent person (i.e. an authorised agent) or be replaced.

A safer design of operation is found within sequential actuation type nail guns, which allow for only one single driving operation via trigger, after the muzzle of the tool has been applied to the driving location.

All workers who use nail guns should be trained in their safe use. Training should address the safe operation of the nail gun, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and any other specific directions as stated in the manufacturer’s manual. Additional information on safe usage may also be available from training organisations, industry associations or manufacturers.

Due to the increasing number of serious nail gun penetration injuries taking place throughout the building and construction industry, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland considers that bump-fire type nail guns should only be used within this industry under the strictest of controls. Nail guns with safer actuation mechanisms are preferred.

Where certain high volume production and manufacturing jobs exist, the use of bump-fire type nail guns may be needed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. strains and sprains). If this is the case, the application for these guns should only be allowed in designated exclusion zones, with specially laid out work areas and jigs to hold the work pieces in place. This will reduce the need for the user’s hands and legs to be near the job while the nailing operation takes place, and helps ensure that other persons are less likely to be nearby.

Employers allowing workers to operate bump-fire type nail guns need to ensure that the operational conditions are supported with evidence to demonstrate that appropriate risk assessments, control/safety measures and training have all been implemented to minimise the dangers involved.

Safety measures that should be implemented include:

· establishing an appropriate exclusion zone around the nailing operation

· placing signage to alert people that a nailing tool is in use

· re-assigning workers not directly involved in the nailing work away from the area where the nailing operation is taking place (where possible)

· ensuring users and other workers (located in or near that exclusion zone) wear appropriate eye and hearing protection and any additional PPE as specified within the user’s manual, and comply with all worksite rules.

Legislative requirements

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (the Act) sets out the laws about health and safety requirements affecting most workplaces, work activities and specified high risk plant in Queensland. It seeks to protect the health and safety of everyone at a workplace.

In particular, Sections 32, 32a and b of the Act list obligations of designers, manufacturers and suppliers of plant.

More information

Visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website at: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.

­­­­­­­­­­­____________________________________________

Workplace Health and Safety Inductions are essential tools for organizations serious about meeting their obligations under workplace laws. Here are some key tips and guidelines for anyone wishing to put in place their own OHS Induction program.

Proper induction training is increasingly a legal requirement and employers have a formal duty to provide new employees with all relevant information and training relating to health and safety, particularly.

Every employer has obligations to its employees under workplace laws. In fact all people who work in the construction industry need an induction to Occupational Health and Safety before they can commence on a work site. All construction workers have a role to play in making sure that people are safe at work.

In turn there are also quite important obligations on the employees to follow safe working procedures and take reasonable precautions to prevent personal injury to themselves or to others. One of the proven ways to meet those obligations is to create an induction program that every new employee completes when they first start with the employer.

However, designing an appropriate and cost-effective induction package is a complex task. The induction programme has to provide all the information that new employees and others need, and are able to assimilate, without being overwhelming or diverting them from the essential process of integration into a team. A well constructed OHS Induction Program can pay dividends for the organisation and there are some simple steps that you can take to ensure your OHS Induction is worlds best practice.

• Agree on the outcome in mind. The term ‘induction’ is generally used to describe the whole process whereby employees adjust or acclimatise to their jobs and working environment. It’s not just orientation or socialising. The purpose of induction is to ensure the effective integration of staff into or across the organisation for the benefit of both parties. Research has shown that tailor-made induction programmes increase staff retention.
• Make the process uniform across the whole organisation but allow for changes to be made to content. The length and nature of the induction process depends on the complexity of the job and the background of the new employee. One size does not fit all – a standardised induction course is unlikely to satisfy anyone. However there should be no tampering with the legal binding instructions such as reporting an incident.
• Use proven adult learning techniques. There is nothing worse than pushing a new employee into a poorly designed and delivered classroom program that they find boring or ill suited to their learning style.
• Collect, collate and report. Any successful system will have good reporting components which articulate into auditable results. Control systems must be in place to ensure that all risks are addressed and the employee signs off that they understand the information they have received. One day you might find yourself needing to prove that a certain safety policy was delivered and learnt by an employee – how will you prove that it was?
• Seriously consider using an on-line or hosted induction program. Unless you have a large HR department at your disposal the amount of time and energy used in creating and maintaining a strong effective program can be prohibitive. Even larger organisations with more than 100 people are outsourcing their induction management now because they can deliver a uniform induction process at multiple sites. Other benefits include the employee or contractor completing some of the program before they arrive on site, no more classroom training, and low costs of changes.

Having an OHS Induction Program shows a commitment by management at the highest level. It also provides a strong compliance lever under governance obligations of the company.

Here are some things a good induction checklist should contain:

• Details of Emergency Actions 
  - Evacuation procedures
  - Location of fire extinguishers
  - Nearest first aid kit
  - Nearest emergency exits
  - Isolating switches
• Responsibilities of the employee
  - Reporting procedures
  - Accident report form
• Personal Protection Equipment
  - Issue and proper fit confirmed
  - Monitoring equipment
• General Safety
  - Housekeeping
  - Waste removal 
  - Access 
• Policies and Guidelines 
  - Drug and alcohol
  - Machine operation

__________________________________________

Mention this advertisement to receive

with any purchase of steel capped boots*

*While stocks last

In accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act, organisations with 30 or more workers are required to appoint a Workplace Health & Safety Officer (WHSO).

A WHSO is required to understand legislative requirements and standards, establish educational programs, investigate injuries or incidents and liaise with employers, employees and statutory health and safety officials. To ensure the appointed WHSO understands their role and is competent in performing it's functions, it is important they receive appropriate training.

___________________________________________

Reducing workplace noise is vital to safe work. Employers have a duty of care to ensure that the noise level in the workplace does not harm workers. Noise at the workplace is a major cause of hearing loss in Queensland. The effects of hearing loss can have a massive impact for not only the worker, but also their families, friends and co-workers. It contributes to social isolation, reduced quality of life, increased absenteeism, worker turnover and lowered work performance. It also can become a contributing factor to workplace injuries and accidents. Some early warning signs of hearing loss include: A ringing in the ears after noisy activity. Difficulty in understanding what people say, especially with background noise. The need to turn the volume up to hear the radio or television when others appear to hear adequately. Failing to hear background noises such as a ringing telephone or doorbell. If your workplace puts you at risk of exposure to excessive noise or if you're experiencing any of the warning signs of hearing loss, inform your supervisor or health and safety representative. Once your hearing is gone, it’s gone for good. For further information on managing noise in the workplace, refer to the noise Code Of Practice

Yours in safety….. because it matters,

The Team at M1 First Aid & Safety Supplies

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for workplace health and safety information, events, new products and lots of other interesting news snippets.

Where does the time go??????

I’m off to the show so I might see you out there…..

We have some great specials if you see me at the stand in the pavilion.

Keep the names coming in for our newsletter, there are some great ones.

Safe Work Australia Week 2010

This year Safe Work Australia Week will be held from 24 - 30 October. Set aside the week in your calendar to get involved and focus on the importance of preventing death, injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.

Workplace Healthy and Safety Queensland is urging businesses to get behind the week and start planning early to host an event in their workplace, no matter how big or small, to get people thinking about workplace health and safety.

A range of ideas and free downloadable resources to help you will be available on the Workplace Healthy and Safety Queensland website closer to the date. Some ideas to help you get started include:

• hold a health and safety information session or morning tea
• encourage staff to identify and speak up about a health and safety issue in their area
• encourage staff to take a break and exercise to improve alertness and physical wellbeing, i.e. walk, yoga, bike ride, run etc.
• hold an office clean up day to ensure workplaces are safe and clean
• invite a health professional to your workplace to talk about health and wellbeing.

Nearly 30,000 Queenslanders are seriously injured each year, costing the economy over $5.2 billion, and approximately 100 die each year as a result of work-related injuries or illness. Safe Work Australia Week, is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring workers understand the important role they play in making safety a priority at work and at home.

Keep your eye on the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website www.worksafe.qld.gov.au over the coming months for further information about Safe Work Australia Week.

I wanted to get this newsletter out so that interested parties could register for the workshops that are coming up in Gympie.

They are FREE……

Be quick to register as there are only limited spaces.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland offers various types of workshops to cater for a small business. Check which is best for you before registering to attend a workshop.

The first one is ….

Managing for Safety – Getting Started

This is an introductory workshop to help businesses begin developing a health and safety system using the Serious about Safe Business package.

This pack contains tools and information to help you identify what you need to do to make your workplace safer and outlines how to do it.

The pack is a practical approach to managing safety in your workplace, essentially it is a simplified safety management system.

Ideal for those businesses with very little or no current health and safety processes operating.

Date: 3 June 2010

Time: 10am – 1pm

Venue: Gympie Civic Centre

Fossiker’s Room

Mellor Street

Gympie

Click on the link below:

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/training/events/sbworkshops/getstarted/register/index.htm

The other workshop is

Managing for Safety – Tools and Techniques

This is a workshop that builds on the getting started workshop by providing additional tools, templates and techniques for managing health and safety in your workplace.

Suitable for those who have either attended the getting started workshop or who have implemented some health and safety processes already.

This workshop is designed to provide your business with tools, skills and knowledge to assist you manage health and safety at your workplace. It builds on the information presented in the previous workshop by providing additional information.

Date: 30 June 2010

Time: 9am – 2pm

Venue: Gympie Tafe

Block A Twigs Restaurant

71 Cartwright Road

Gympie

How to register

These workshops are NOT suitable for large businesses or businesses with well developed health and safety systems in place already.

Reserve your spot from the times and locations listed below. Numbers are limited at each location to ensure personal contact with a small business advisor.

If a workshop is fully booked, please register your interest so that we can contact you about future workshops, or if there is a cancellation. Further workshops are planned for 2010.

Click on the link below:

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/training/events/sbworkshops/tools/register/index.htm

This one is interesting but only in Maroochydore, which might not suit all

Constructing Better Business Seminar

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is offering a full-day seminar about management and control of occupational stress and manual tasks risks.
This seminar will help you improve decision-making to ensure you can meet organisational safety goals regarding occupation stress, fatigue and manual tasks.

Who should attend?

The seminar is aimed at the people who manage construction areas, such as:

· project managers, construction managers, project foremen

· major service contractors and trades

· safety managers.

The seminar will:

· include an industry update about occupational stress, fatigue and manual tasks issues

· provide participants with information and skills to manage these risks in their workplace

· use practical examples and solutions that are easy to implement in your workplace

· be an opportunity for information sharing and networking

Reserve your spot from the times and locations listed below.
Seminar cost is $55 (inc GST) per person. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch is included on the day. Numbers in each workshop will be kept to a maximum of 30 participants.
If a seminar is fully booked, please register your interest against the desired location so we can contact you about future events or if there is a cancellation.
Payment will be required at the time of registration.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland accepts MasterCard and Visa card payment options only.

Date: 9June 2010

Time: 8.30am – 4.15pm

Venue: RSL

Memorial Avenue

Maroochydore

Click on the link below:

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/training/events/betterbusiness/index.htm

Short and sweet this month, but do think about these seminars and if they are fully booked this register interest as this will keep them coming into Gympie.

Yours in Safety

Michelle and the team at M1 First Aid & Safety Supplies

Thank you to the boys from Ferno who came up to Gympie and did a fantastic demonstration on height safety.  We have sold most of the special offers to the attendees. These are all that is left…. Be quick while stocks last.

1 x Demo Tradesman’s Kit now

$336.00

3 x Demo Harnesses only

$95.00 each

Competition

This month I would like to introduce a competition to name our monthly Newsletter. Have a think about it. Do you have any ideas, then let me know on email supplies@m1firstaid.com.au. 

The competition will be open for the next two months. The winning entry will receive a gift pack from M1 First Aid & safety Supplies. 

Workshops for WPH&S issues in Gympie

The "Managing for Safety" workshops for Gympie for June/July will be:

Workshop 1 "Getting Started" Thu 03/06/10, 10am - 1pm at the Civic Centre
- This workshop (which includes information sessions) is designed for small businesses (20 or fewer employees) who have little or no safety systems in place

Workshop 2 "Tools and Techniques" Wed 30/06/10, 10am - 3 pm at Gympie TAFE

- This workshop (which includes information sessions) is designed for any business (usually small to medium sized) that want to develop/update templates for a safety management system

The WHSQ webpage (for those who wish to register) is:

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/training/events/sbworkshops/index.h

Workplace Complaint Form is now Online!

For the first time Queenslanders can lodge a complaint online to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland about unsafe workplace practices of a business or organisation.  The new online form is another way Workplace health and Safety Queensland is improving access to core services to protect Queensland workers.

Lets look at hearing protection this month

Hearing Protection - Types

Personal hearing protectors – Different types of hearing protectors come in different types, shapes, and styles. They must be carefully selected with full regard to the work environment  in which they are to be used, the requirements of the job, and our personal preference, where this  does not interfere with protection needs. Hearing protectors should be selected personally by the wearer, on the basis of proper fit and comfort. Most of the time different brands of hearing
protectors offer similar reduction ratings so a choice can be made.

Earmuffs
Earmuffs completely enclose the ear with a hollow cup. The cup is internally insulated and fitted with sound absorbent foam. A soft-ring shaped cushion provides a firm but comfortable  seal around our ears. Earmuffs use a spring tensioned headband to hold the cups in place  over our ears at a certain clamp force to provide the desired reduction. Where earmuffs with this type of headband must be worn with a safety helmet the headband can be turned so that it can be worn
with the headband around the neck or under the chin with a suitable head strap fitted over the  head to hold the muffs in place. There are also earmuffs available, which can be attached to the safety helmet directly. In some noise environments with impulsive type  noise, e.g. with the firing of nail guns, manufacture of pressure vessels or drop forging, it may be necessary to use both earplugs and earmuffs to achieve adequate protection against
noise-induced hearing loss.

Earplugs
Earplugs are inserted in the ear canals. They must be fitted sufficiently deep to completely block off our ear canals and to be self supporting. There are three main types of earplugs, i.e. pre-moulded earplugs, individually moulded earplugs and adaptable earplugs.

Pre-moulded earplugs are available in disposable and re-useable types and come in foam or PVC material. A new type of plug has recently become available and differs from the "traditional" style plugs in that the plug is shaped like a half ball and has a narrow stem to which a thin cord can be attached to hold the plugs
together. These plugs can be re-used as well.

Flat Attenuating Earplugs
are a new type of earplug. These plugs give a more uniform sound reduction than normal industrial type  plugs. This type of earplug may be especially beneficial for people who already have a hearing loss, as they do not distort the high frequency sound as much as normal industrial type plugs.

Banded Earplugs

Ear canal caps seal off the entrance to our ear canals. They are held in position by a tension band which is
normally worn under the chin or behind the neck. The pods are normally made of a light rubber material, are reusable and can be replaced. Ear canal caps are rather popular in work places where regular short term high level noise exposures occur, e.g. with the use of circular  saws, planers or nail guns. The ear canal cap hangs around the wearer's neck when not in use and can be easily inserted in the ears when needed. Because a spring band is holding the pods together and, because they are not actually going into the ear canal, hygiene problems such as with earplugs are much reduced. Other uses are for people having to be in, or move through noisy areas for short periods of time.

The Fitting of Earplugs
Make sure before inserting earplugs that your hands and fingers are clean. You don’t want dirt to be transmitted into your ear canal and cause ear infections. Take the plug between the tips of the index finger and the thumb and roll the plug tightly into a crease free cylinder.

With your arm over your head , pull the outer ear up and out to straighten the ear canal. Then insert the tightly rolled up earplug well into the ear canal, and hold your finger on top of the earplug until you feel the earplug expanding and blocking your ear canal in about 10 to 20 seconds. Earplugs should be inserted into the right ear with the right hand and into the left ear with the left hand.

With the earplug inserted in the ear canal it should sit , and when looking front-on should be hidden (most of it at least) behind the lump (tragus) at the front of the outer ear. If the earplug is inserted and it is not deep enough in the ear canal and does not provide the protection needed for it to do its job. When removing an earplug grab the plug and twist the plug while at the same time removing it. If you pull a plug out straight it may cause discomfort.

Further information is available from
www.deir.qld.gov.au

Below are some examples of hearing protection that we stock:

Have a great month and don’t forget to email any names for our newsletter.

Lastly, it constantly amazes me just how passionate people are about Workplace Health and Occupational Safety issues.  Every week I receive messages, comments and feedback from people on a diverse range of safety topics.  Indeed some of my biggest ideas have come from people just like you.

It is this passion that has created the motivation and a sincere desire to provide educational and informative content in this newsletter.  With such diversity of subjects it can be a pretty daunting task to keep up with all that we would like to cover.

Which brings me to an idea!!!!

What if i asked all my friends and contacts if they would be interested in making a written contribution to the monthly newsletter?

Now i know not every one considers themselves to be a great writer but I'm sure the passion would well and truly make up for it.

Naturally you would get full credit as the author with links to your own website if applicable.  I’m certain there would be heaps of benefits and perhaps we could have prizes for the most popular article, etc.

So, do you reckon you could put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard?

Speak to you next month.

Yours in Safety

Michelle and the Team at M1 First Aid & Safety Supplies

Also this newsletter includes information on the new electrical Code of Practice. Workplace Health and Safety are targeting EVERY medium size workplaces in 2010 and 2011. Read more about that below.

We are having an open day with one of our suppliers, Ferno. Go to www.ferno.com.au to check out all their products etc.

Here is our invitation to you:

Date: Friday 26^th March 2010

Time: 12 – 3pm

Place: 22 Hall Road

BBQ Sausage Sizzle

 Specials on the Day 

 Lucky Door Prize

1.00pm  Demonstration of a new product:

The Arachnipod.

The world’s most versatile modular total edge management system

The Arachnipod is an innovative design that captures multi-functional capabilities by its simplicity and robust engineering. The new innovative Arachnipod is based around the concept of an industrial tripod however this product is much more than just a tripod. Components can be added or removed as required so that the Arachnipod complements existing structural or natural features.

Come for your own chance to see for yourself the versatility of this Australian design that has been shown on ABC’s The Inventors.

RSVP

Monday 22/03/2010 to the Office on 54821021 or email to supplies@m1firstaid.com.au

Update your existing paper ticket

All 'old style' paper-based tickets issued in Queensland before March 1992 which have not been converted to the new licence formats are now invalid. If you hold an 'old style' paper ticket, which you have not converted to the new format, you must do so before you can legally work in the occupation/s for which you hold paper tickets.

If you have continued to work in the occupation/s during the last five years and have retained your competencies, you will be able to convert to the new licence/s usually without the need to obtain a statement of attainment or assessment summary. However, in some instances a gap assessment may be required where the paper-based licence class does not translate directly to the new licence/s.

Depending on the occupational class, generally the paper ticket will either convert to a plastic non-renewable certificate or a photographic and renewable licence.

Convert all paper tickets to the new licence types by 30 April 2010 by applying to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

New Electrical Safety Codes of Practice.

The Electrical Safety Office Queensland has announced the New Electrical Safety code of practice for Risk Management, which came into effect 1 January 2010. The codes of practice support the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and give practical advice on how to meet your electrical safety obligations.
The code was developed to assist employers and electricians alike in meeting their individual electrical safety obligations, both in the workplace and when working with live electricity.
It is important to note, the codes of practice do not cover everything you should do to meet your electrical safety obligations. However, electrical contractors and workers would fail to meet their obligations if they:

• went against or acted inconsistently with a code of practice
• did not adopt a method as safe as, or safer than, the code

To download a copy of the new Electrical Safety code of practice visit http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/25404/3198_ESO-CoP_Risk-Management_COLLATED.pdf.

Workplace Health and Safety

targets medium sized businesses

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will visit every medium sized business in Queensland in 2010 and 2011 to check their compliance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (PDF, 766 kB).

Businesses will be offered a free voluntary advisory session to identify workplace health and safety issues and develop better safety practices before the inspections take place.

Please visit the Medium sized business initiative page for more information on the initiative including registering for a free advisory in your region, tools and resources on how to prepare for the inspection or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.

I am aiming for a monthly newsletter and would welcome your feedback and questions that you may have too.

Remember to work sun smart with the weather continuing to be warm this month.  We have a large range of hats and products to for you while out in the sun.

Our Trading Hours are:

Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm

Saturday 8am - 12midday

Looking after a respirator

Respirators are essential pieces of equipment to be kept in good working condition. The tips below will help keep your respirators providing maximum protection.

1. Respirators should not be left in areas where they will be exposed to dusts, solvents and other chemicals as the filters will continue to absorb any organic vapours present which diminish their usefulness.

2. Filter cartridges should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations or when it becomes difficult to breathe through them. Write the date on the filter cartridge when replacing them to help you determine the amount of use or exposure time each cartridge has had.

3. Prolong the life of reusable filter respirators by:

• removing the filters and inhalation and exhalation valves before cleaning

• washing the face-piece with mild soap and water and rinsing thoroughly with clean water

• checking all the parts and replacing any defective pieces

• ensuring one-way valves are soft, pliable and functional and the face piece is soft, comfortable and provides a good face seal

• storing the respirator in a clean plastic bag inside a locker or clean dry place, and

• reducing deterioration by not storing respirators in direct sunlight or where exposed to extremes of temperature.

For further information see rural fact sheet 13 Chemicals – Protective Equipment at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au.

I know that there are so many things to think of in the workplace that can costs lots of money, but I have something which is FREE (as long as you have MS Publisher) ….yes all you need is about 5 minutes of your time.

Workplace Safety Posters: Here's How to Make Your Own

You can reduce risk in your workplace by adding other types posters that OH&S does not require everything from reminding people to use equipment properly, to cough into their elbow, or remembering to "THINK!" to prevent accidents. The funnier images the better, as long as the message clear and to the point. Finally, you are going to get the creative part of you on paper and on the wall.

Your ideas for these types of posters cross your mind all the time and they can be the most meaningful posters of all because your ideas match the needs an culture of your workplace. Your posters will have an impact more than any poster you order from a catalogue.

So, here is how to do it.

Open up your MS Publisher 2003 or 2007 to a blank document.

Next, create large rectangle and choose a colour fill. Click on you picture tool and insert a picture.

Then go online after clicking "Cilp art on Office Online".

Browse through the free photos available. When you identify a photo that you would like to use, click on "copy" to send the photo to your "clipboard".

Return to MS Publisher and click on "paste."

The photo will insert. Create a text box down below and type your catch phrase for the safety message you wish to promote.

Edit the text in the poster as desired. Print! Save. Or Print as a PDF and mail by e-mail

You will save a ton of money when you can make your own workplace safety posters, and the topics and photos are endless that are ready for your ideas. You can draw your inspiration - your employees. Have a contest and create these posters. Award a prize for the cleverest.

The reality is that posters get old and stale, and even if they don't, no human being will see them or consider their message after walking by them six or seven times. This invisibility drives up risk and employees begin to forget any positive message that has been posted. So give you bulletin boards a fresh look continually by relying on Microsoft MS Publisher or MS Word free art and photos.

while stocks last* personal shopping only

August 2010 - Fathers Day, pesticides, specials.

July 2010 - Climatesmart info night, hard hat product update, gloves to keep warm.

June 2010 - Nail guns-safety alert. Competition winner Workplace Health and Safety alerts and hearing.

May 2010 - Workplace  Health and Safety Seminars confirmed.

April 2010 - Workplace Health & Safety Seminars, hearing protection and newsletter competition 

March 2010 - Information on height safety open day and Workplace Health & Safety Alerts

February 2010

To find products in the website shop, please view the product list in the right hand menu column and click on the product group you are interested in.  There may be several products listed on each page - scroll down the page to view all products.

Search for products - each product page has a product search engine located at the top of the product listings.  Type a product name or type into the search field and hit the enter key on your keyboard to see if it has been added to the cart (our website shop is only new and we have many more products that we are in the process of listing).

If you can't find the product you are looking for, please contact Michelle - phone 07 5482 1021 or email supplies@m1firstaid.com.au