Respiratory protection is only effective if it is correctly selected, fitted and worn throughout the time when the wearer is exposed to respiratory contaminants. Disposable respirators are only effective when there is a good seal between the edges of the respirator and your face. The instant this seal is broken protection is compromised as contaminated air can leak in through any gaps.

These fitting instructions must be followed each time a 3M Cupped respirator is worn.

Warning about Face Fit Check

- If air leaks around the nose, re-adjust the nose clip to eliminate leakage by repeating step 4. Repeat Face Fit Check.

- If air leaks at the respirator edges, work the straps back along the sides of your head to eliminate leakage. Repeat Face Fit Check.

If you cannot achieve a proper fit, repeat steps 2-5.

If you cannot achieve a proper fit, DO NOT enter the hazardous area. Consult your supervisor.

Download a Printable PDF of these instructions

Mistakes can be costly so keep your workplace free of hazards and dangers. We all want to know our family and friends (and ourselves!) can get home safely after a day’s work. The key to getting everyone home safely is knowing some common workplace mistakes and how to prevent them from happening.

Mistake 1: Not having enough signs or visual cues at work

We can use signs, symbols and graphic images to help people quickly understand messages within different areas around the workplace. These messages can even be colour coded or sized appropriately to the area or type of action necessary to keep safe. So often at work, the hazards present are unclear and accidents can happen because signs and symbols are nowhere to be seen. Also, it is necessary under the Health and Safety Regulations 1996 to maintain safety signs at work.

How to Prevent it:

• Road and traffic signs are required in workplaces to regulate road traffic.
• A combination of signs can be used to provide multiple messages to workers and visitors.
• Tapes, barriers, tactiles and signs are all helpful visual cues to factor into your workplace.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong tool for the job

When you use the wrong tool for the job you are asking for trouble. It can cause unnecessary danger and create ineffective results. Did you know that using the wrong kind of trolley or hand truck for moving goods can result in injury or damage to products?

How to Prevent it:

• Take some more time to get the right tool for the job.
• Remember, the right tool for the job can help you work quicker and produce the right results the first time.
• Implement these key steps to prevent manual handling injuries

We take our tools seriously. If you need some new tools like ladders or manual handling equipment, take a look at some of our products here. 

Mistake 3: Removing or not wearing protective equipment

Some tasks need the appropriate amount of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and this is very important to prevent injuries and accidents. Not wearing a face mask or appropriate gloves, for example, can result in severe injuries. So no matter what the weather or conditions - each job must be met with the right level of PPE to get the job done safely.

How to Prevent it:

• Conduct a PPE Assessment to understand and identify the necessary PPE for your company’s jobs.
• Ensure all PPE fits each worker correctly.
• Keep the right equipment on for the duration of every relevant work task.

We have a wide range of PPE products ready to protect your staff for just about any job. View our full range here.

Mistake 4: Using a ladder when you need scaffolding

When it comes to safety at work, use the right tool and equipment for the job. It’s that simple. Ladders are fit for a purpose. Scaffolding is fit for an entirely different purpose than ladders. While scaffolding can take lots of time, cost much more and is more of a hassle, it is sometimes the only solution for the job and should be taken very seriously. There have been many falls at work this year due to incorrect use of scaffolding1, and we want to make sure we all learn from these mistakes. The risks far outweigh the reward.

How to Prevent it:

• Have the right equipment when working with heights - make sure scaffolds and ladders are both checked and compliant.
• Don’t take shortcuts. The risks can be fatal. If in doubt, speak to your manager.
• Conduct training on the best way to setup and use scaffolding when it is needed.

If you’re working from heights and only need a ladder, we have a large range of products from trusted brands such as Bailey and Gorilla - check them out online here.

Mistake 5: Skipping machine & equipment inspections

Maintaining your equipment inspection intervals can help your workplace to be more productive and effective. Always have your machinery inspected before the audit date to reduce unnecessary risk of equipment failure or production downtime. Inspectors can find hidden dangers that you may not have noticed. Ensuring that your machines are functioning at their optimum can help keep your business running and improve workplace safety.

How to Prevent it:

• Keep machines up to date and inspected before audit dates.
• Remember, compliant and risk-free machinery can help you improve productivity and safety.
• Implement a Lockout Tagout process and use Lockout Tagout devices when performing machinery maintenance and inspections to prevent employees from being exposed to hazardous energy sources and sustain injuries

There are many visual clues when it comes to workplace safety. Discover our extensive range of workplace safety signs and essential Lockout Tagout devices to ensure safe equipment inspections and help keep everything running smoothly.

Mistake 6: Not reviewing safety guidelines each year

All workers must have safety guidelines in mind when they are at work. Every year, whether guides have changed or not, workers must review and reassess the safety guidelines to help prevent accidents and look after their colleagues. Safety training should happen on a regular basis and be up to date with regulatory and facility changes.

How to Prevent it:

• Review your guidelines with your manager.
• Allocate regular sessions to undertake safety training.
• Take your safety seriously and look after your work mates.

Don’t be complacent about work safety. Use our Workplace Safety Checklist to identify hazards and areas for improvement today.

You can’t afford to make these safety mistakes at work. The cost can be financial with fines and penalties, but the physical and mental cost can be far greater. Making simple mistakes at work can result in injuries or fatalities - so hazards and dangers must be considered and catered for. Prevention is always better than cure. Don’t forget, ongoing training and inspections are important steps to help maintain work standards and ensure that no shortcuts are taken when it comes to safety.

SOURCE:
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. Although no national regulatory framework exists that makes defibrillators mandatory, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation states that it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for workers. Here are three reasons why your workplace needs a defibrillator.

1. Defibrillator Awareness

There are now many people pushing for defibrillators to be a mandatory requirement. In 2018, the Queensland Government has made defibrillators mandatory for all reef tourist vessels¹. Major supermarket chains like Woolworths² and Coles³ are proactively rolling out defibrillators to all their stores nationwide. Australians everywhere are campaigning for them to be mandatory in schools, gyms and at the workplace⁴. More communities and businesses than ever before are proactively treating defibrillators as essential and government grants like the Caravan Park Defib Subsidy are reflecting this sentiment.

Given the increasing awareness around the need for defibrillators, a defibrillator in the workplace demonstrates a genuine concern for the safety of your workers. It’s not a mandatory requirement unlike fire extinguishers or safety signs that you are required by law to have. However,  this means that having a defibrillator shows you are going above and beyond to keep your workers safe.

2. Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere

Did you know that only one in five4 NSW workplaces have a defibrillator? First aid kits are there when accidents happen. Fire extinguishers are there when fires break out. What about when a cardiac arrest crisis happens?

• A defibrillator doubles the cardiac arrest survival rate if it is administered t and the first shock is delivered within 5 minutes⁴.

• The survival rate triples if the defibrillator is administered  and the first shock is delivered within 3 minutes⁴. 

A defibrillator can make the difference between life and death.

Seton recommends the Lifepak CR2 Defibrillators, one of the fastest units to shock in the market. Learn more here.

3. AED Defibrillators are easy to use

Defibrillators are simple and easy to use. Defibrillators are safe too. Someone with a normal heart rhythm won’t be shocked by the defibrillator because it only delivers a shock if it detects a shockable heart rhythm. Unlike the administration of first aid which requires specialised training, workers only need to know where the defibrillator is located and to follow the directions that are displayed on the defibrillator.

In fact, WorkSafe VIC guidance states that “anyone with access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can safely step in to handle a cardiac arrest crisis, knowing they cannot cause greater harm to the patient but may save their life⁶”. WorkSafe Health and Safety Executive Director, Julie Nielsen, has also stated that "anyone can use an AED. You do not need specialised training, but you do need access to one to save a life⁶". Everyone in the workplace can take ownership when it comes to safety by knowing where the nearest defibrillator is located.

Seton offers a range of defibrillators designed for user confidence, easy to use with clear step-by-step instructions on administering CPR. Learn about this today.

More and more workplaces are getting defibrillators to make workers feel safer to be prepared when cardiac arrest happens. If your workplace doesn’t have a defibrillator yet, isn’t it time to consider one?

Sources:

1. Qld.gov.au

2. Woolworthsgroup.com.au

3. Colesgroup.com.au

4. Australianhearts.com

5. Nsw.gov.au

6. Vic.gov.au

To control manual handling injuries, many employers fall into the trap of simply buying a product or aid such as a trolley, back brace or gloves in order to control the manual handling risk. Although manual handling aids and products can definitely alleviate the risk, it's important to take a systematic approach. Safe Work Australia's National Standard for Manual Handling and National Code of Practice requires employers to identify, assess and control the risks arising from manual handling.

Step 1 - Identify Risks

Manual handling tasks that are likely to be hazardous to an employee's health should be identified. Some of the most effective ways to identify these risks involves:

• Checking workplace injury records - Injury records are a great way to spot problem areas within a work area

• Talking to employees and their health and safety representatives (HSRs) - The employee actually carrying out the task may have a better idea than management about the issues and problems they face on a daily basis

• Looking at the workplace - A simple walk through the area is a good way to identify risks. A simple checklist will make your walk through more effective. Download Setons Workplace Safety Checklist now

Step 2 - Assess Risks

Once risky manual handling tasks have been identified, employers should drill down and find the root cause of the risk. The following areas are a great starting point:

• Workplace and workstation layout - Try and reduce bending, reaching or twisting. Arrange workstation so that manual handling tasks can be eliminated or carried out at waist level.

• Working position and posture - Try and reduce the amount of time that a worker spends in the same position or posture

• Duration and frequency of manual handling - Injury increases as a manual handling task is done more often or for longer periods of time

• Where the load is and how far it has to be moved - Statistics show that there is an increased risk whenever a load is below mid-thigh height or above shoulder level. In addition, if a load has to be carried long distances or placed accurately there is increased risk of injury.

• Weight - Usually the heavier the object the greater risk of injury during manual handling.

• Force - The greater the force required to push, pull or restrain increases the risk of injury

• Characteristics of loads and equipment - Bulky loads or faulty equipment may force a worker to carry out awkward movements

• Work organisation - Staff shortages and unrealistic deadlines increase the risk of injury

• Work environment - Poor lighting, extremes of climate and limited space can all contribute to risk of injury

• Skills and experience, age - Employee attributes such as skills, training and age play a role. Workers under 18 are at greatest risk because they are still developing

• Clothing - Inappropriate clothing (ties, long sleeves in some cases) for manual handling tasks can get caught on objects and in machinery

• Special Needs - Employees returning from an illness may need time to rebuild their skills and abilities

Step 3 - Control The Risks

It is important to go through the previous two steps for the long-term safety of your workplace. It may be easy to identify the risk but the best way to make manual handling safer is to redesign the task or workplace using the following methods:

• Modify the object - You may need to change the shape of bulky objects so that they are easier to hold, pack or move

• Modify workplace and workstation layout - Reduce reaching or stooping and provide work surfaces at the correct height

• Change the way things are moved - Eliminate unnecessary handling. Lifting aids or devices may help with this. See Seton's range of Manual Handling aids

• Use different actions, movements and forces - Reduce bending, lifting, twisting, reaching and holding among staff

• Modify the task - Modify the task by using tools such as levers, hooks or crowbars for example. See Seton's range of Manual Handling aids

• Ongoing evaluation - Ongoing evaluation is an important part of the risk control process to identify change or further requirements

Contact Seton today for a safety solution suitable to your business requirements.

DISCLAIMER: All the information provided on this page are guides only.

Source: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Did you know that all workplaces are legally required to have an emergency plan? Emergencies are unpredictable and can happen from a range of things such as accidental fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters and acts of violence. Having an effective emergency plan will help keep your workers and visitors safe when emergencies occur. Here are six things to consider that any effective emergency plan should have.

• Emergency procedures need to be tested and people trained or they’ll be less effective.
• Emergency plans need the right emergency gear which should be maintained and up to date. This includes having the right fire extinguisher for the types of fire you’d expect at your facility.

1. Evacuation Methods

Are your evacuation methods planned and set clearly? Are the exits clearly marked?

2. Notification of Emergency Services

Do you have a process in place that notifies the relevant emergency services as soon as possible?

3. Medical Treatment and Medical Assistance

Do you have a designated First Aid Officer? Do you have a defibrillator on hand and a first aid kit? Are these serviced regularly and have the First Aid Officers been given adequate training?

4. Effective Communication with all Personnel

Do you have a public announcement system that can give direction to everyone in the workplace? Are the Fire Wardens and other safety officers easily identified through clearly marked vests and caps? Are they able to communicate above the potential commotion via megaphones or other emergency equipment that can quickly get people’s attention?

5. Emergency Procedure Testing

How often do you test the emergency procedures to ensure they remain effective and that they actually work as planned?

6. Instruction and Training

Do you include the emergency procedures as part of staff induction? How often do you provide instruction and retraining for emergency procedures? Do you have training for first aid skills?

These are just some of the things to consider to help you familiarise yourself with emergency planning. For more detailed information, refer to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 that outlines the steps for an emergency plan.

Reference:

Legislation: legislation.nsw.gov.au - Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, Chapter 3, Part 3.2, Division 4, Clause 43

There are several types of fire extinguishers. So how do you go about choosing the right one? Follow this guideline to help make the right decision when purchasing a fire extinguisher and meet Australian safety compliance standards.

1. What’s the situation?

Your fire extinguisher should be one that matches with the types of fires that are most likely to occur in the vicinity or the premises where the fire extinguisher is installed. The types of fires are split into classes:

• A Class: Combustible materials such as wood, plastics and cloth.
• B Class: Flammable liquids such as solvents and petrol.
• C Class: Flammable gases such as butane and methane.
• E Class: Electrical equipment such as computers.
• F Class: Cooking oils and fats such as deep fat fryers.

Some fire extinguishers are better at handling certain classes of fires better than others or not at all. For example, wet chemical fire extinguishers can be ideal for the kitchen because they are suitable for use on fires caused by cooking oils but not for electrical equipment. Conversely, a CO₂ fire extinguisher is suitable for fires caused by electrical equipment but not for cooking oils. If this is confusing, don’t worry, we’ll have a table later in this article that will summarise exactly what each type of fire extinguisher should and shouldn’t be used for. For now, just ask yourself: what types of fires could you be expecting?

2. How much fire extinguishing power do you need?

Fire extinguishers are tested and given a fire rating to denote the types of fires they can extinguish. For instance, a fire extinguisher with a fire rating of 2B:E means it is capable of extinguishing B Class and E Class fires. Another fire extinguisher with a rating of 5B:E means it can do the same, however, the 5B part of the rating means it can extinguish bigger B Class fires compared to the previous fire extinguisher which only has a 2B rating. The higher the number, the bigger the fire it can extinguish for the specified fire type.

3. Refer to the Portable Fire Extinguisher Guide

Now that you know how to choose a fire extinguisher, Download the FREE Guide below. It is important to remember that fire extinguishers are for small fires only.

Download Guide

Seton’s Fire Safety Recommendations:

• ABE Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers - A0614W
• CO2 Dry Chemical Extinguishers - A13374W
• Water and Foam Extinguishers - A21606W

While having the right fire safety equipment is important, workplaces should also have an effective emergency plan to ensure the safety of all personnel. Here are 6 things to consider when creating effective emergency plan.

Call Seton on 1800 531 499 to order any extinguisher or shop online for a range of fire extinguishers.

Disclaimer: Information provided on Seton are guides only.

From picnics to dinner parties and BBQs, summer is the time of the year when there are many occasions for cooking.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or creating a delicious masterpiece here are simple tips to prepare food safely.

1. Clean Hands & Surfaces

Wash your hands prior to handling food. If you have any cuts or sores on your hands, keep them covered and wear food handling gloves. As for cooking surfaces, make sure they are clean and thoroughly washed - especially if any surfaces have had contact with raw food.

2. Check Before Use

When you’re hungry, it’s easy to grab anything from the fridge. Slow down, tiger. Check for signs of rot and mould first. Check for unusual odours. Check the use by dates. It takes only a few minutes. You can store food in containers with labelled dates to make identification easier.

3. Avoid Cross Contamination

Keep your raw and cooked food separated. Cross contamination may inadvertently occur when juices from raw meat drip onto other foods whilst in storage. It can also occur when using just one cutting board for all food types and when using the same utensils for both raw and cooked foods.

4. Cook Thoroughly

Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to cooking poultry, seafood and meats as eating undercooked foods can cause bacterial or viral infections. To ensure your food is cooked thoroughly, you can use a food thermometer.

5. Keep Food at Safe Temperatures

As a general rule, once food is cooked it should be eaten or placed in the refrigerator within two hours. The danger zone for bacterial growth is 5°C to 60°C and food that has been in these temperatures for more than 4 hours should be thrown out.¹

With these safety tips, we hope your meals this summer will be both safe and delicious. Now get out there and cook up a storm!

For a range of safety products for the worksite, office and home, call us on 1800 531 484 or visit seton.net.au.

Sources:

1. “Temperature Control”. Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Retrieved 12 January 2018.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Always consult a Work Health and Safety Professional when making purchasing decisions for safety products.

What’s an Australian summer without having a BBQ? It’s a tradition that all Australians enjoy.

It can also be a fire hazard. Here are 5 ways to make a BBQ safer if you’re grilling kebabs, pork belly skewers, garlic butter lobster tails or the classic snag.

1. Thoroughly Inspect Before Use

If you own a gas BBQ, and it’s been a while since you last fired it up, you should check the gas hose first for any leaks.¹ Make sure your BBQ is in good working order and that it is clean to prevent unwanted fires caused by residue oil, leaves or other matter.

2. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Flare-ups occur when grease build up gets out of control. People can panic and throw water onto the flames. This, however, intensifies the fire and spreads the grease. Throw salt, baking soda or sand onto the flames to smother the fire. For emergencies, use a fire extinguisher.²

3. Operate Only in an Open Area

The BBQ should be on a flat surface in the open and away from structures like sheds, fences, tents and overhanging branches. For gas cylinders, if you detect a strong smell of gas, Fire & Rescue NSW advises calling '000' and asking for the fire service.

4. Keep Children & Pets at a Safe Distance

Don’t let children near the BBQ and make sure any outdoor games they play are well away from the cooking area. Depending on your pet’s temperament and the type of pet you have, you may have to leave it indoors, securely tethered outdoors or contained in a fenced off area.

5. Never Leave the BBQ Unattended

Watching over an in-use BBQ is vital. It’s not just so that your beef patties and lamb chops can be flipped to perfection, but also to keep an eye on flare-ups and fire hazards. For BBQs that have been turned off, still keep an eye to make sure things have cooled properly.

With these safety tips, we hope your BBQ this summer will be both safe and a sizzling sensation. Now get out there whip us up a couple of snags!

For a range of safety products for the worksite, office and home, call us on 1800 531 484 or visit seton.net.au.

Sources:

1. “Summer Fire Safety”. Fire & Rescue NSW. Retrieved 12 January 2018.

2. “Barbeque Fire Safety”. Fire & Rescue NSW. Retrieved 12 January 2018.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Always consult a Work Health and Safety Professional when making purchasing decisions for safety products.

Everyone enjoys the beach. It’s a haven for surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, snorkelers and sand castle builders.

Here are 5 ways to make your trip to the beach a safer one.

1. Check Weather Conditions

Plan ahead and check the weather before you go. You can also check for notices of beach closures and dangerous surf conditions online at www.beachsafe.org.au, an online resource that’s brought to you by Surf Life Saving Australia.

2. Swim Between the Flags

The red and yellow flags at a beach show the area of the beach that is supervised and operated by lifesavers. If a beach does not have these red and yellow flags then, as recommended by Surf Life Saving Australia, you should not swim there.¹

3. Read & Obey the Safety Signs

Surf Life Saving Australia says there are two types of safety signs on the beach: Permanently installed beach safety signs including warnings about hazards and prohibited activities. Temporary safety signs that may be erected each day by lifeguards to show specific dangers like rips and currents. Look for both.

4. Swim With a Friend

Never swim alone. There are too many “what ifs” that can occur. What if you get a cramp? What if you get caught in a rip and no one knows? What if you have a heart attack? What if you encounter dangerous sea creatures? Avoid letting your imagination and risk-taking behaviour run wild. Bring a friend.

5. Ask a Lifeguard for Advice

Lifeguards are there to help on most popular beaches. Surf Life Saving Australia encourages you to ask the lifeguards about beach safety in your current location because every beach is different.²

With these safety tips, we hope your beach trips this summer will be both safe and incident-free. Now get out there and make the most of the coast!

For a range of safety products for the worksite, office and home, call us on 1800 531 484 or visit seton.net.au.

Sources:

1. “Flags and Signs”. Beachsafe, Surf Life Saving Australia. Retrieved 12 January 2018.

2. “Lifeguards Top Tips”. Beachsafe, Surf Life Saving Australia. Retrieved 12 January 2018.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Always consult a Work Health and Safety Professional when making purchasing decisions for safety products.

Summer can be a great time to be going to the beach, camping and even for landscaping, lawn care and garden maintenance. However, the Australian summer comes with challenges due to extreme heat and other environmental factors. Here’s how you can avoid some of the dangers of being outdoors in summer:

1. Wear Boots

Thinking of working outdoors in a pair of thongs? While they’re a typical part of every Australian summer, thongs provide very little protection from the sun and tools dropping on your feet. On the other hand, a pair of comfortable safety boots will provide better protection when working outdoors this summer (and you can avoid those awkward thong tan lines too!).

2. Apply Sunscreen

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia has one of the highest levels of UV exposure in the world.¹ Whether you’re outside for work or having fun in the sun, applying sunscreen will afford some protection from the harmful effects of the sun.

3. Wear a Suitable Hat

Did you know that wearing a hat helps to reduce the likelihood of sunstroke? It’s better for the sun to beat down on your hat instead of your head. The Cancer Council recommends wearing bucket or wide-brimmed hats over baseball caps for sun protection.²

4. Stay Hydrated

Did you know that it only takes 2% of dehydration to cause up to 50% decrease in work and mental performance?3 Keeping hydrated helps prevent fatigue and heat stress. When doing strenuous activities outdoors in summer, make sure hydration products such as electrolyte mixes, drink coolers and bottled water are at the top of your list. We also recommend Sqwinchers as an effective electrolyte hydration product that’s low sodium, caffeine-free, gluten-free and great tasting. Also, Sqwinchers come in different sizes and concentrations for convenience!

5. Have a First Aid Kit Handy

Summer. The sun is out, as are the mosquitoes, bees and ants. There’s also the potential snake in the grass, not to mention all the usual knocks and bumps that go with swimming at the beach, hiking or working outdoors. For the holiday season, you should have a first aid kit handy to help yourself and others. With these safety tips, we hope that you can stay safe while having fun or working outdoors during summer. Now get out there and start crossing off those outdoor summer activities! Thinking of going to the beach this summer? We’ve got 5 essential tips to keep you safe!

For a range of safety products for the worksite, office and home, call us on 1800 531 484 or visit seton.net.au.

Sources:
1. “About UV and sun protection times”. Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
2. “Sun Protective Hats”. SunSmart, Cancer Council Victoria. Retrieved 12 January 2018.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Always consult a Work Health and Safety Professional when making purchasing decisions for safety products.