1. Scope
Control of Access to Hazardous and Restricted Locations hazard management procedures have been developed by The Australian National University to make formal the important current occupational health and safety control practice of the University that all persons, other than approved persons with appropriate information, training and supervision, be excluded from locations that are hazardous or otherwise restricted. These procedures are designed to eliminate the potential for injury and disease or risk to the University’s business operations that could otherwise occur from uncontrolled access to such locations. These procedures apply at all hours.
It is a requirement that these procedures shall be followed by persons throughout the University.
2. Definitions
2.1 Hazardous location.
A hazardous location is any location where safety and health hazards potentially exist and may include,
- laboratories,
- animal houses,
- workshops,
- stores,
-
plant rooms, switch rooms, valve rooms, lift plant rooms,
- service ducts,
- roofs,
- pits,
- confined spaces,
- commercial kitchens,
- commercial laundries,
- areas under construction or refurbishment,
- cleaners cupboards,
- other locations recommended by the Area occupational health and safety committee and designated by Area management,
- other locations designated by Facilities and Services.
2.2 Restricted location.
A restricted location is any location where access is limited because of risks to business function or security and could include,
- computer rooms,
- management offices,
- records area,
- stores,
- other locations designated by Area management.
2.3 Budget Unit.
Budget Unit refers to a School, Faculty, Department, Cost Centre or Unit designated by the Vice-Chancellor as responsible for an activity of the University.
3. Responsibility for Controlling Access to Hazardous or Restricted Locations
3.1 Responsibility of the Budget Unit.
It is an important element of the University’s occupational health and safety control program that all persons, other than approved persons with appropriate information, training and supervision, be excluded from hazardous or restricted locations.
Budget Unit management is responsible for identifying hazardous locations or restricted locations within its domains and controlling access of persons to such locations.
Children are not allowed in University buildings where hazardous locations or restricted locations exist, unless special arrangements are made by Budget Unit management to ensure children will not enter hazardous locations or restricted locations within the building or be exposed to hazardous agents.
The general public are not allowed in University buildings where hazardous locations or restricted locations exist, unless special arrangements are made by Budget Unit management to ensure the public will not enter hazardous locations or restricted locations within the building or be exposed to hazardous agents.
3.2 Responsibility of Facilities & Services.
Facilities & Services has additional responsibilities under these procedures to coordinate with Budget Unit management,
- to control access to hazardous locations or restricted locations associated with building services, such as plant rooms, service ducts, switch rooms, valve rooms and roofs,
- the access of Facilities & Services staff to hazardous locations or restricted locations within a Budget Unit,
- to control access to hazardous locations or restricted locations on the grounds of the University.
3.3 Responsibility of University Employees.
University employees are responsible for assisting with the implementation of procedures defined by Budget Unit management to effectively control access to hazardous locations or restricted locations. University employees must observe all restrictions on the entry to or work practices within hazardous or restricted locations, whether in their own or other Budget Units.
Further, it is important that an employee does not inadvertently invite an individual, who is not a University employee or approved visitor, into a location that is hazardous or otherwise restricted.
4. History
Control of Access to Hazardous and Restricted Locations hazard management procedures were reviewed by representatives of management and unions, reviewed and ratified by the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee, reviewed by the Director, Facilities and Services, and approved by Margaret Ford, Director of Human Resources on 23 April 1999.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the University's Occupational Health and Safety Policy and other relevant policies and procedures of the University.
First issued: May 1999 |
