Brewers and distillers information and checklist - Department of ...

Introduction
In 2009 WorkSafe conducted an inspection campaign in the
brewing and distillery industry aimed at improving safety and
health issues within the industry.
The checklists used by WorkSafe inspectors during this
campaign are included in this newsletter. Please use the
checklists to ensure your workplace meets the occupation
safety and health legislation.
Safety priorities for working
with hazardous substances
Lost time at work, illness and sometimes death are all
outcomes of failing to store, use or dispose of hazardous
substances properly. Great care is essential and following
the information below will help reduce the risk of such
serious outcomes.
Hazardous substances are any chemicals or other materials
that may put people at risk. They include pesticides, acids,
alkalis solvents, cleaners, paints, asbestos, wood dust and
welding fumes.
Some substances may cause allergic reactions and other
medical conditions of varying severity. Other substances
may be corrosive, harmful or toxic.
Employers must identify any hazardous substances being
used in their workplace and should question whether their
use is essential.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be provided for
each hazardous substance, identifying the ingredients, and
giving health information and precautions for safe use and
handling. Continual vigilance is essential.
Because of the high potential for hazardous substances to
cause lost time injuries, disease and even deaths, WorkSafe
has designated their use in industry as one of seven areas
to be given priority when our inspectors visit your workplace.
During their inspection, the department's inspectors will be
looking for the six key elements. These deal with many of
the common problems affecting the handling of hazardous
substances that WorkSafe has found in workplaces. The
elements of the checklist do not cover all mandatory
requirements under workplace safety and health laws.
However, following the same checklist yourself will assist
you to identify any shortcomings in your procedures or
training and to correct or update them, thus getting you
started on meeting your safety and health responsibilities.
In looking at safety in relation to hazardous substances and
all workplace safety matters, please remember the three
ThinkSafe steps:
• spot the hazard;
• assess the risk; and
• make the changes.
Breweries and distilleries
information and checklists
Manual tasks
August 09
What are manual tasks?
Manual tasks means any activity requiring the use of force
exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise
move, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing.
Manual tasks also include any activity involving repetitive
and/or forceful movements (eg. keying data into a computer;
using a screwdriver) and any activity where the person must
maintain constrained or awkward postures (eg. lifting items
such as full beer kegs or bags).
What is the current legislation on manual handling?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 contains general
duties and responsibilities placed upon employers and workers
to ensure their own safety at work, and that of others who
might be injured by the work. These duties extend to the
prevention of manual task injuries.
The Act also requires employers to investigate matters
reported to them by employers, determine the action to be
taken (if any), and notify the worker who made the report of the
action to be taken.
The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 require
the employer to identify each hazard that is likely to arise from
manual tasks at the workplace and to assess the risk of injury
or harm.
How can manual task hazards be identified?
Manual task hazards can be identified by:
• reviewing hazard/injury reports;
• consulting with workers and safety and health
representatives; and
• by observing tasks being performed.
What is a safe weight to lift?
There is no safe weight. The risk of injury increases as the
weight of the load increases. Evaluating the risk posed by the
weight of the object needs to take into account:
• how long the load is handled;
• how often the load is handled and:
• the physical characteristics of the individual.
Is it expensive to implement manual handling solutions?
There are a wide range of ways to control the risk of manual
handling injury, ranging from simple procedural changes to
state-of-the-art machinery and equipment. The costs of
solutions are justified when you consider the costs associated
with injured workers requiring time off work.
What type of products could I use to address manual
handling problems?
The type of products depend on the work being done include:
• trolleys;
• castors and wheels.;
• drum handling;
• hand trucks;
• lift tables;
• work stands; and
• pallet lifters.•
Westcentre 1260 Hay Street
West Perth WA 6005
Telephone: 1300 307 877
Facsimile: (08) 9321 8973
Email: safety@commerce.wa.gov.au

Dangerous incidents
Confined space work
A cellar-hand was overcome by carbon dioxide after
entering a 4,500 litre wine vat through a 380 mm opening at
the top of the wine vat containing crushed grape skins and
seeds. The juice of the crushed grapes had been drained
off through the drainer at the bottom of the tank. The
atmosphere was inert due to the presence of a large
amount of carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide is added to the process as an antioxidant to
displace oxygen during the winemaking process.
Factors
• Lack of scientific monitoring equipment to test the
internal atmosphere in the wine vats. (Non-scientific
methods such as the sniff test are not satisfactory and
expose workers to harmful gasses).
• The worker appeared to have a lack of appreciation of
the risks associated with carbon dioxide, that is the
rapidity of symptoms, the onset of euphoria, loss of
muscle control and death within four (4) minutes.
Recommendations
• Procedures and systems of work must be developed
and implemented for all confined space entry. The
system of work must include training and provision of
satisfactory equipment for oxygen measurement and
personnel rescue.
• The wine industry develop and implement a code of
practice to ensure that there is a greater awareness,
and following training, a greater understanding of
hazards, risks and the management of these hazards
and risks.
• Australian Standard 2865-1995 "Safe Working in a
Confined Space" is to be used when determining the
suitability of a confined space entry system.
• Consideration must be given to a regime of safety
inspections and audits with a view to ensuring safety
requirements are adequately adhered to and
implemented.
ThinkSafe Small Business Assistance Program
If you are a small business owner or manager (employing less than 20 full-time employees) and want to make your
workplace safe, the ThinkSafe Small Business Assistance Program can help you.
The good news is that the help you get is:
• free (up to three hours assistance);
• easy to obtain;
• provided by an independent and qualified osh consultant; and
• is a simple process with clear and immediate outcomes.
To apply download and complete the online form from www.worksafe.wa.gov.au or call 1800 429 273.
2
Slips, trips and falls
Slips and trips can result in serious injury and lengthy
amounts of time off work. The factors that contribute to the
risk will depend on the type of workplace. Common factors
include:
• unstable, loose, or uneven floor surfaces;
• obstacles blocking walkways;
• slippery floor surfaces from spilt substances, fluid, mud,
oil;
• type of flooring or surface texture like wood, concrete or
vinyl;
• carrying boxes etc that obscure the view of the floor;
• inadequate lighting; and
• inadequate footwear.
How can I reduce the risk of slips
in wet areas?
A risk assessment should be undertaken at the workplace to
determine the specific hazards, level of risk, and appropriate
controls, and all staff should be provided with appropriate
information and training. Controls may include safe work
practices such as:
• keeping floors, ramps and stairs clean and dry;
• following procedures for cleaning up spilled substances;
• decanting fluids away from common areas; and
• wearing footwear suitable to the task and surface.
Other controls include providing:
• anti-slip mats;
• adequate drainage;
• restricted access to areas that are potentially
hazardous;
• the right floor surface for the type of work;
• adequate and well directed lighting; and
• warning signs.
Regular updates on OSH
WorkSafe has a service that provides information on occupational safety and health direct to your email. To subscribe to
receive this service go to www.worksafe.wa.gov.au servicesmailing lists

Frequently asked questions
Confined space
1. What is a confined space?
Regulation 3.82 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, defines a confined
space as an enclosed or partially enclosed space which:
a. is not intended or designed primarily as a workplace;
b. is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy; and
c. has restricted means for entry and exit;
and which either:
a. has an atmosphere containing or likely to contain potentially harmful levels of
contaminant;
b. has or is likely to have an unsafe oxygen level; or
c. is of a nature or is likely to be of a nature that could contribute to a person in the space
being overwhelmed by an unsafe atmosphere or contaminant.
2. Is there a maximum size area that can be classed as a confined space?
The size of a space is not one of the factors used to define a confined space. Therefore, there is
no specified minimum or maximum size.
3. What risks might I be exposed to whilst working in a confined space?
A person working in a designated confined space may be at risk of exposure to:
electrical shock or electrocution;
oxygen deficiency;
toxic gases or fumes;
engulfment/Suffocation by solids;
fire and/or explosion;
drowning in liquids;
falls from height; and
environmental factors such as noise, extremes of temperature, poor lighting, manual
handling and radiation.
4. Do I always need an observer?
Yes. A person should be on standby in the immediate vicinity outside the designated confined
space.
5. Does the person on standby need to have the person working in the
confined space in sight at all times?
As the person on standby has to remain outside the confined space it is not always possible for
them to keep the person/s working inside the confined space in sight at all times.
Continuous communication with the worker/s inside the confined space must be maintained.
Dependent upon the location, communications may be achieved using:
voice;
radio (intrinsically safe one if used in flammable conditions);
mobile phone (not to be used if flammable gas or vapour is present in sufficient
concentration to cause explosion or fire); or
hard wired communications.
3

Locking out and tagging equipment
1. What is locking out and tagging?
Locking out of equipment or machinery is the most effective way of preventing it becoming operational during
maintenance. Its effectiveness lies in the "one key per lock, one lock per person" procedure.
If there is only one key per lock, the key has to be with the person carrying out the maintenance. Where more than one
person is working on equipment or machinery a multi-lock system should be followed, ensuring that each person has
attached a "personal" lock to the equipment or machine's multi-lock switch.
All workplaces must have a system unless the equipment or machinery is fully inoperative and then disconnected from
the energy source.
Essentially, there are two types of tag, the "DANGER" tag and the "OUT OF SERVICE" tag.
2. Danger Tags
4
Danger tags are used for a variety of hazards that may be involved in equipment and machinery maintenance, such as
moving parts, electricity, steam, gas, liquid or toxic substances.
If any work is to be carried out on a particular piece of machinery or equipment and there is a possibility of somebody
inadvertently turning it on, the person carrying out the work must personally fasten a red and black "DANGER" tag or
lock to the main isolating switch or valve.
As with locking out, if more than one person is undertaking the work, each person must fit their own personal lock or tag
to the machine. Each tag must be printed with the person's name and their section, and give the date and time it was
attached to the switch or valve. No one must operate a switch or valve that has been locked or tagged "DANGER" until
the lock or tag has been removed, and only the person who attached the lock or tag is allowed to remove it.
3. "Out of Service" Tags
Yellow and black "OUT OF SERVICE" tags are to be used to prevent accidents or damage to machinery that is out of
service for repairs or alterations. These tags are used in the same way as "DANGER" tags, except that only a
supervisor can remove an "OUT OF SERVICE" tag. If possible, both tags AND locks shall be used. This will provide
both visual and physical protection. As a further precaution, a portable sign can also be placed in front of the equipment
or machine, or it can be cordoned off with a barrier or rope.
Once a locking-out and tagging system has been introduced, it must be strictly enforced. If the system is not always
followed, it becomes ineffective and dangerous.
Safety locks and tags are readily available from most distributors of industrial safety products.
4. Colour Coding
Australian Standard 1318 - 1985 recommends specific colours for the marking of physical hazards and the identification
of certain equipment in industry. Colours used are red, yellow, green and blue.
• RED AND WHITE: Signifies danger and prohibition, fire protection equipment, stop buttons for electrical
switches and emergency stop controls for machinery.
• YELLOW AND BLACK: Signifies caution: draws attention to such hazards as unfastened or removed
machinery guards.
• GREEN AND WHITE: Denotes safety and location of safety or first aid equipment.
• BLUE AND WHITE: Is for information signs where there is no specific hazard.

5
Electricity safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Electrical installations are installed, constructed, maintained, protected (cover) and tested to
minimise the risk of electric shock or fire. Evidence of maintenance and testing in place.
Components clearly marked and switchboard free from obstructions.
Hand held portable equipment is protected by RCD (not construction)
Switchboard or fixed sockets marked whether RCD protected.
Maintenance program in place.
Flexible cords and extension cords are used in a safe manner
Connection moulded or transparent plug
Plugs, sockets and extension leads in good condition and protected from damage
Electrical installations are protected from damage that would increase the risk of electrical
shock or fire
The work is organised for the safety of workers and others at the workplace. Work in the
vicinity of power lines and plant
Hazardous substances safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Register of hazardous substances is complete (contents list and MSDS)
Register is readily available
Hazardous substances are properly labelled: manufacturers labels on container
Decanted containers labelled with name, risk & safety phrases
Risk assessment has been completed for all substances and recorded in register
Report is available where risk is significant
Practical control measures have been implemented and maintained
Hierarchy of control is taken into account
People who may be exposed or work with hazardous substances have been provided with
adequate information, instruction and training
Record of training includes health effects, controls, safe work methods, PPE
Health surveillance is undertaken where appropriate

6
Manual tasks-lifting safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Practical control measures have been implemented and maintained to eliminate or
reduce risk associated with manual handling work activity: hazard identification, risk
assessment conducted, worker feedback
Accident or hazard investigation is conducted
Everyone involved in organising and implementing manual tasks where manual task
hazards have been identified have been provided with adequate instruction and
training (induction and ongoing training)
Mobile plant safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Mobile plant is maintained to minimise risks. Log book/records, pre-start checks
Evidence of training/instruction. License if high risk work.
The plant is a safe condition, Eg Plant registration, access to cab, seat & seat-belt,
FOPS/ROPS as req’d, loadchart as req’d, operator’s manual, controls labelled,
guarding dangerous parts.
Work is organised for the safety of employees and others. Pedestrian control, traffic
mgt, 2-way communication as req’d, high-visibility clothing as req’d.
Site hazards are identified, assessed and controlled (ramps, slopes, rough ground,
power lines, excavations, ground load limits, underground services)
New and young workers safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Induction, information, instruction & training emergency/evacuation procedures
Induction, information, instruction & training in hazard and accident reporting
Induction, information, instruction & training in how to reduce the risk of injury or
harm for hazards new/young workers may be exposed to in the course of their work
Induction, information, instruction & training in use, maintenance & storage of PPE
Supervision: ensure that new & young workers are working in accordance with safety
instructions including instructions re. skylarking, initiation ceremonies, bullying
Employers ensure the risk of injury or harm to (young) visitors is reduced by means
appropriate for the workplace and the type of work activity

7
Working from heights safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Practicae control measures have been implemented and maintained to eliminate or reduce
the risk associated with work at heights
Hazard identification, risk assessment conducted?
Elimination of hazard considered?
Would a fall be arrested before contact with the ground or a structure?
Edge protection required if could fall > 2 metres from scaffold, fixed stairs, landing,
suspended slab, formwork, false-work. In any other case > 3 metres: FIPS (catch platform,
scaffold, safety nets, safety mesh, fall arrest system) or edge protection provided.
There is safe means of access and egress to the work being performed at heights
Stairs, walkways, ladders, mechanical lifts, obstruction free
People required to work at height have been provided with adequate information, instruction
and training for the work being performed.
Slips trips and falls safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Floor or any stair or ramp has unbroken and slip resistant surface.
Special provisions for slip resistance provided in wet areas
Floor or any stair or ramp is free from any obstruction that may cause a person to fall (eg.
electrical leads, hoses, floor mounted power boxes in walkways, etc.)
Access to egress from workplace safe and at all times kept free from obstructions
Safe systems of work (eg. clean as you go policy) in place
Warning signs available and erected near spills
Guard rails or other safeguards provided on ramps and stairs
Appropriate PPE, such as slip resistant footwear, provided
Ramps in areas where height of floor levels change and trolley access required or items are
carried regularly
Machine guarding safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Is every dangerous part of fixed, mobile or hand held powered plant (machinery) securely
fenced or guarded in accordance with Regulations 4.37 and 4.29, except where the plant is
so positioned or constructed that it is as safe as it would be if fenced or guarded?
Are adequate safe work procedures provided and documented to set, test and use
machinery during all cycles of production and maintenance? Look for:
• Pre-operational checks?
• Presence sensing system: safe system of work documented and a clearly
identified warning provided when guard is muted?
• Presence sensing system: inspection and maintenance records maintained?
• Appropriate isolation and lock-out procedures provided for maintenance?
• Where setting, testing and start-up of machinery is required with the final means
of safeguarding removed, have interim safeguards been provided?
• Where fixed physical guards are provided is adequate provision made for
cleaning, maintenance, adjustment and repair?
• Where it is not practical to guard machinery is a safe system of work in place for
persons operating or passing in close proximity?
Are operators and maintenance personnel properly trained, familiar with the operation and
set up of the machinery and able to demonstrate safety features?
Are manufacturers decals, manuals and operator instructions readily available and in the
English language?
Is the highest level of guarding that is practical being provided?

8
Hoses safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Hoses should have identification marked on the outside that indicates the maximum working
pressure of the hose
There should be no damage that affects the structural integrity of the hose eg. Broken wires
or kinking
Bubbles or blisters in the outer covering that indicate leakage are reasons for discarding
End fittings and crimping should be examined for cracks, damaged threads or other
evidence for damage
Pressure equipment categorized as hazard level A, B, C or D according to the criteria set
out in AS 4343, but not pressure piping must be registered with WorkSafe
Pressure vessels safety checklist
Other issues safety checklist
check yes no n/a
Notifiable accidents reported to WorkSafe
LTI/LTD accidents and notified hazards investigated
Workers have received induction and on the job training
Passages/walkways kept free of obstructions
Access and egress (emergency exits) kept free of obstructions
Emergency egress enable safe egress in event of emergency / exit signs provided
Portable fire extinguishers provided and maintained
Evacuation procedures & diagram available and displayed and practised and training in the
use of fire extinguishers provided
Warning signs provided
Cleanliness and removal of debris
Surface and floors are unbroken and slip resistant to prevent slips and falls
Seating provided and maintained
Workplace facilities provided
Portable ladders according to AS 1892.1 (metal) or AS 1892.2 (wooden)
Gas cylinders secured
Flash back arrestors are fitted (oxy-acetylene or oxy-LPG)
PPE provided where necessary
Instruction, information, maintenance, storage of PPE, sign
Noise
- Noise assessment conducted
- Control measures in place / avoid noise above exposure standard
- Provision of personal hearing protection (PHP)
- Instruction fitting, use, selecting, testing, maintenance and storage PHP
- Training on noise
Signage PPE according to AS 1319
First Aid box or facilities available and first aid trained person available
No smoking in enclosed workplaces
Location of any asbestos on site identified and the risk assessed
A2332334