1 general conditions of employment - Department of Education and ...

6 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Emergency Managementlegislation, OHS risk management must eliminate risks or, if that is not reasonably practicable,control the risk to the lowest level possible (using the hierarchy of controls).OHS risk management is to occur in consultation with relevant employees, that is, the employeeswho would be affected by the outcomes of the risk management process, such as thoseemployees directly involved with the work that is being assessed.The workplace must ensure that all employees and non-employees understand the risksassociated with the workplace. All new employees, including casual staff, are to receive inductiontraining. OHS instruction and training provided needs to be appropriate to the task performed andthe level of risk.OHS risk management applies to a broad range of school areas and activities including plant andequipment (such as tools, electrical goods), amenities (sick bays), chemical safety, purchasing ofmaterials, equipment and substances, and use of personal protective equipment (a risk controlstrategy).For further information on local workplace hazards, risks, safety procedures and training related tothe purchase of materials, equipment and substances, talk to your school OHS Committee orOHS Representative, principal or supervisor, regional OHS team or refer to the Department’sOHS website.6.6 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT6.6.1 MANAGING EMERGENCIESThere are specific requirements for emergencies under the OHS Regulation. The key points are:• Potential emergency situations are identified, based on the nature of hazards; size andlocation of the workplace; and number and mobility of staff and students.• Evacuation procedures are prominently displayed and communicated to all.• Adequate numbers of staff are appointed and trained to oversee evacuation.• Evacuation procedures are practiced regularly by all staff and students.• Location of emergency equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers) is known to all staff.• Emergency alarms are clearly audible.• Emergency exits are clearly marked, adequately lit and free of obstructions.All NSW government schools and Departmental workplaces are required to have an EmergencyPlan in place and to regularly conduct emergency response procedures and drills. Please refer tothe Department’s Emergency Planning and Response Policy or the Department’s OHS website forfurther information on Emergency Planning and Response.6.6.2 FIRST AIDThe OHS Regulation 2001 includes specific requirements for the provision of first aid. Schoolsare responsible for providing first aid at a local level. First aid facilities and personnel must beprovided that are adequate for the immediate treatment of injuries and illnesses that may arise atthe school.First aid can be carried out by staff members who have been asked by the principal to undertakethese duties or who volunteer. A first aid allowance is payable to approved employees holding acurrent St John Ambulance First-aid Certificate or its equivalent for undertaking first-aid duties.The principal is responsible for negotiating an appropriate arrangement for first aid at the school.The regional OHS team is available to assist. The school's first aid plan should be prominentlydisplayed for the information of all staff. Schools should also implement rigorous hygiene andinfection control procedures.The number and location of first aid kits is determined by the size and layout of the school and thetypes of programs delivered. First aid kits should be clearly identified and well maintained.Handbook for non teaching staff in schools (September 2008) Page 5 of 7