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Safety induction for University venues

It is a condition of hire that all bookings of UTAS venues on weekdays after 6pm, and on weekends, require the attendance of a University security officer for the duration of the hire period. The number of security officers will be determined by Campus Services in conjunction with UTAS Security. The University  may also require security staff to be present for some venue hire functions held during business hours on week days.

Please read all of the safety information below and complete the declaration at the end.

Introduction

The aim of this induction is to:

  • Ensure that the duty of care requirements of the Tasmanian Work Health and Safety Act 2012 are fully complied with.
  • Ensure that users of the Stanley Burbury and Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre theatres and other UTAS venues are able to enjoy the venue and facilities in a safe manner.
  • Brief you on your obligations as a venue user/hirer.
  • Alert you to some common hazards.
  • Make you aware of safety procedures that are particular to the venues.

The following are some of the work health and safety issues to consider when using UTAS venues:

  • manual handling hazards
  • electrical hazards
  • hazardous substances
  • traffic hazards.

Your responsibilities

The University of Tasmania expects you a hirer/user of University venues to:

  • Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided by the employer in the interests of health and safety.
  • Not  place your own or another person's health and safety at risk.
  • Abide by all rules and procedures applicable to University venue hire.
  • Be aware of what you do and how it may affect your safety and the safety of others.
  • Not use any equipment or perform any procedure unless you have been trained and authorised to do so.
  • Ensure that children are fully supervised by responsible adults at all times and in all areas of the venue.
  • Communicate: If you are unsure or have concerns for your safety or for the safety of others, approach the University's Campus Services staff or UTAS Security (6226 7600) and request assistance. Safety is everybody's business.
  • Consult: Employees and hirers/users of the venue are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns with Campus Services Venue or UTAS Security (6226 7600) if the event is after hours or on a weekend.

Hazards and risks

Remember:

  • A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm, injury or disease.
  • A risk is a measure of the probability of the hazard occurring.

Manual handling

Manual handling can involve lifting, pushing, pulling, restraining, gripping, carrying or moving. These types of activities can result in some form of musculoskeletal injury.

Manual handling tasks should undergo hazard identification and risk assessment followed by the establishment of a safe system of completing the task.

You can reduce the risk of incurring a musculoskeletal injury by using a safe system of work involving:

  • team lifting
  • reducing the weight
  • applying some form of mechanical assistance i.e. a hand trolley
  • reducing the dimensions
  • using lifting aids
  • redesigning the task
  • adopting correct lifting postures.

Remember: If it's unsafe, do not perform the task.

Electrical safety

  • Use only current tested and tagged equipment.
  • Remove faulty equipment from service.
  • Report electrical faults to staff, management or security (6226 7600).
  • Don't use faulty equipment.
  • Don't perform electrical installations unless qualified and authorised to do so by UTAS.

Safe work at heights

  • Falls from height have the potential to result in a severe injury or death.
  • Persons working at height (above 2 metres) must first seek approval from Campus Services.
  • A risk assessment must be undertaken for any task that requires work above 2 metres.

Hazardous substances

An example of a hazardous substance is the fluid in a smoke machine. The use of this substance creates certain hazards and risks that require assessment.

It is essential that hirers/organisers obtain approval from Campus Services for the use of any substance at the venue when making the venue booking.

Prior to using any substance:

  • Obtain a current material safety data sheet (MSDS) from the supplier or manufacturer.
  • Identify the hazards.
  • Assess the risks.
  • Implement control strategies to reduce the risks.
  • Ensure the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn as last resort.

Safe use of equipment

Some of the technical and AV equipment in UTAS venues requires a licensed operator or specialised training, and verification/documentation of licence and training will be required by Campus Services.

Do not attempt to use any equipment within the venue unless you are trained, qualified and have received authorisation from Campus Services.

Noise

Exposure to excessive levels of noise may cause a loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent.

A rough indication that you are being exposed to excessive levels of noise is if, when you are communicating with someone, you have to approach that person closer than normal to determine what they are saying.

Australia's noise exposure standard sets a safe maximum exposure level of 85 decibels (A-weighted) averaged over an eight-hour period, and a peak level of 140 decibels (c-weighted). It is advisable that personal hearing protection devices such as ear muffs or ear plugs be worn when communication is difficult or discomfort is experienced during noisy periods.

Noise also causes secondary risks in that it is difficult to detect approaching vehicles or warning signals.

Hot work

Hot work is defined as an activity that generates a potential source of ignition. Hot works include arc welding, oxygen and acetylene welding or cutting, metal grinding or the use of any naked flame.

All hot work activities should undergo a hazard identification and risk assessment. No hot work should be performed without appropriate firefighting measures on standby.

Please ensure Campus Services is notified of any planned activity involving hot work. Hot work is not to proceed until approval is received from Campus Services.

Special notice required

Please advise Campus Services if you intend to use any of the following:

  • naked flame
  • pyrotechnics
  • lasers
  • strobes
  • smoke and haze
  • truss systems
  • guns, knives and swords.

Traffic management

The movement of traffic around the venue presents a risk to the health and safety of all users.

  • Undertake a hazard identification and risk assessment of traffic movement.
  • Segregate pedestrians from traffic whenever possible.
  • Obey signage and protective fencing.
  • Give vehicles a wide berth.
  • Be aware of what is going on around you.
  • Do not assume drivers have seen you.

Over crowding

The Stanley Burbury theatre is limited to 730 patrons in the auditorium and the Sir Raymond Ferrall theatre is limited to 270 patrons.

Aisles and stairways are to be kept free of obstructions at all times, including prams, tripods, additional seating, unseated patrons and scenery.

All UTAS venues have designated capacities.

Slips, trips and falls

Injuries from slipping, tripping or falling can occur as the result of a missing hatch cover, loose cables trailing over the floor, slippery surfaces, spilt liquid, unstable structures, open pits and unsafe systems of work. As a general rule, do not leave instruments, tools or equipment lying on the floor unattended.

Emergency evacuation

All University theatres and similar venues are equipped with an audible evacuation warning tone. The first and only audible sound will be a 'ringing bell' sound to prepare patrons for the evacuation of the building. UTAS Security personnel will commence the evacuation at the earliest possible time.

In case of an emergency at the venue you as hirer/responsible person should:

  • Be aware of the venue emergency evacuation procedure prior to the event.
  • Ensure you are aware of the nearest exits and assembly area prior to the commencement of the event and conduct a brief presentation on emergency evacuation procedures to all patrons at the beginning of the event.
  • Do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been trained to do so.
  • Obey the directions of any UTAS Security Officer/Fire Warden and exit the building in an orderly fashion.

Most importantly do not panic.

Supervisors of:

  • children
  • people with a mobility disability
  • people who are wheelchair dependent
  • people who have special care needs

are responsible for assisting the above people in their evacuation and assembly.

Accident and incident reporting

Report all accidents, incidents and near misses to UTAS Security (6226 7600) on the day they occur, no matter how minor. Unreported events will not be acted upon and chances are they will reoccur, with the possible result of a severe injury. Your inaction may result in other persons being injured.

First aid

Should you need first aid, please notify the duty UTAS Security officer (6226 7600).

Hires/users are to make themselves familiar with first aid kit and defibrillator locations prior to the commencement of the event.

In summary

  • The Stanley Burbury and Sir Raymond Ferrall theatres and other University venues are work places and as such can be hazardous environments.
  • The University of Tasmania and you, as hirer/user, have a responsibility to look after your health and safety.
  • All activities planned by hirers/responsible persons at UTAS theatres/venues should undergo a hazard identification and risk assessment before starting.
  • Do not use any equipment or perform any activity unless you are trained, qualified and authorised by UTAS Campus Services or the Security officer on duty (6226 7600) if it is an after-hours or weekend event.
  • Be aware of your actions and how they affect your safety and the safety of others.

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

To complete the venue safety induction, please complete the following and submit the form.

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