DANGER/OUT OF SERVICE TAGS
A new procedure has been introduced across the workplace regarding the servicing and maintenance of equipment. It is now mandatory to use a “Danger” or “Out Of Service” tag whenever equipment is found to be faulty or it is being serviced or maintained. This procedure applies to all staff and contractors on site.
So what is the difference between the two types of tags?
“Out Of Service”
This tag is used on equipment where repairs have not been completed or the fault on the equipment has not been found. It is a warning to other people that the equipment is in some way faulty and should not be used.
“Danger”
This tag is to ensure personal safety. It is designed to protect you from someone else inadvertently turning on a machine that you had isolated and were working on. If three people are working on an instrument, then there must be three personal “Danger” tags attached. After finishing work on any equipment, you must remove your own danger tag personally.
Before commencing any equipment maintenance or servicing, the following basic principles MUST be followed:
- IDENTIFY and assess all hazards and risks e.g., mechanical, electrical, gas, pressure.
- ISOLATE all hazards.
- TEST integrity of isolation (very important).
- TAG all isolation points with a “Danger” tag.
More detailed training regarding the new policy and the use of tags will be held on 30/5/03.
WATER DAMAGE
As a result of all the heavy rain we now have leaks in rooms on the second floor. Obviously nothing can be done until the rain clears up and everything has had a chance to dry out. Unfortunately, leaking water has caused the lift to break down by shorting out one of the controllers. At this stage they don’t know if it can be repaired or if it will need to be replaced, so the lift could be out of action for some time. This will have repercussions on work, as we will be limited on the movement of equipment between floors.
PROCEDURES FILE
I hope by now that all staff are aware of the centrally located procedures file. This is stored on the X-drive of our company server and contains an up-to-date list of all safe operating procedures for the laboratories.
MD’s REPORT
Marjorie thanked everyone for their efforts in helping to eliminate safety problems in the workplace and said that we had come through a very difficult two years, but were now in a much better position to survive and grow. She will introduce a new Strategic Plan for 2003-2005 and also urged everyone to support the new communication system.
ENVIRONMENTAL & OHS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Environmental Planning Group is still working hard on developing the new Environmental Management System. There is a potential for large savings in electricity usage and the new refurbishment of the minerals laboratory will have a high environmental focus and in many areas will use recycled water.
We will soon have a new Health and Welfare Advisor (Lois Lane) in a permanent position. She will be available to all areas for advice on OHS matters.
ISO 9001
Last week I also spent two days training to be an internal auditor for ISO 9001. In case you are not aware, SimuLab is applying for ISO 9001 certification towards the end of the year.
So what is ISO 9001? It is an international standard concerned with quality management and the way an organisation goes about its work.
What are the benefits of ISO 9001 certification?
Further improvement of our quality improvement processes.
Better service to our customers.
Improved recognition as a quality service provider.
Enhanced commercial opportunities.
Before external auditors for the certification audit us, we need to carry out a series of our own internal audits to see how well our processes and procedures meet the requirements of the standard. Naturally it will be impossible to audit every process in every section before the certification audit. Instead a random sample of internal audits will be done, which means that we may or may not be audited in this section. However, at some time in the future an audit will take place. Please remember though, that the audit is not of an individual or the way they perform in their job. Instead the audit looks at the processes in order to obtain evidence that allows an objective evaluation of how they meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard.
SAFETY AUDIT
Over the last two weeks, members of the occupational health and safety committee have been auditing this building. A number of issues were discovered and Neville Nostram is doing a great job of getting these corrected. Feedback from the audit team was extremely positive; the attitude to safety by every member of staff and their willingness to co-operate with the audit process was greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to everyone as this gets reflected back to other areas within the company. We can never place too much importance on the safety of staff and visitors.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
We have a couple of birthdays coming up next week that I know of. Happy birthday to Lis Lombardo and Quentin Allamby.
A copy of the newsletter is filed on the X-drive and any contributions are very welcome.