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