Introduction to health and safety

Safety starts before class

Occupational health and safety (BHP) means the rules and actions that protect health and life while learning. It covers both operating equipment and everyday activities: using stairs, working at a computer and keeping your workstation tidy. Before starting an exercise, check what could cause an injury and how to prevent it.

Three questions before starting work

• What could put me or others at risk? Look around: a wet floor, damaged cable, hot surface or unlabelled container requires action.
• What safeguards are needed? Check the instructions, the condition of the equipment and the required protective equipment.
• Do I know what to do if something goes wrong? Find out how to stop work and whom to notify. If you do not understand something, ask the instructor before starting.

Get to know your learning environment

• Locate the emergency exit and familiarise yourself with the building's evacuation plan.
• Check where the first aid kit is and who is teaching the class.
• Look for signs identifying fire extinguishers and an AED, if one is available in the building.
• Find out where to assemble after leaving the building during an evacuation.

Hazards, risk and prevention

A hazard is something that can cause harm, such as a rotating machine part. Risk depends on the likelihood of an event and its possible consequences. Equipment guards, proper work organisation and following instructions reduce risk. Experience or caution alone does not replace safeguards.

How to use the course

Read the lesson, consider the situations described and answer the question. Marking a module as read saves your progress in your browser. Formal completion follows the rules provided by the organiser; the progress counter does not replace it.

Occupational safety, hygiene and protection

Safety means reducing events that can suddenly cause injury: being caught in machinery, falling or receiving an electric shock. Occupational hygiene also concerns the long-term effects of conditions on health, such as noise, dust and physical strain. Occupational protection covers legal, technical and organisational measures that protect life and health. A good system combines equipment in good working order, proper organisation and adequate preparation of the individual.

The person, the task and the surroundings

An error does not occur in a vacuum. Fatigue, unclear instructions, haste, noise and poorly positioned equipment can together lead to an accident. For example, a heavy box stored high up forces someone to reach for it from a chair. The solution is to change the storage location and use suitable equipment, rather than merely instructing people to be more careful.

How to read rules and instructions

The Constitution sets out fundamental rights, statutes regulate duties, and regulations develop detailed requirements. At the university, these are supplemented by internal rules, orders and workstation instructions. An instructor's direction cannot justify conduct that breaches the law. Before a practical class, learn the local rules, even if you have performed a similar activity elsewhere.

Preparing for your first practical classes

• Establish which activities you may perform independently and which require direct supervision.
• Check the required clothing, eye protection, gloves and footwear. Tie back your hair and remove items that could become caught.
• Read the workstation instructions and risk assessment, and learn how to raise the alarm and switch off the equipment.
• If your health may affect your ability to participate safely in the practical class, discuss any limitations with the appropriate person before starting. You do not have to share your health information with the whole group.
• Before classes or a placement, check whether exposure-related examinations are required and where to report hazards. The Rights and responsibilities module explains student examinations and university responsibilities.

Check your knowledge

Work through these short scenarios. Check each answer separately.