PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

1. Look for hazards in your workplace The things that can cause harm (e.g. chemicals, machinery, falling from heights) WHS Regulation 2012 calls this identifying hazards. 2. Work out how serious your health and safety problems might be Decide who might be in danger (e.g. you, workers, customers), the factors contributing to the risk, what injuries could result (e.g. burns, amputation, fatigue) and how likely they are to occur. This is what the WHS Regulation 2012 calls assessing risks. 3. Eliminate or control risks by making changes that protect people. For example, replace a dangerous chemical, guard machinery, develop agreed safety procedures, train workers, or – as a last resort – issue protective equipment. The WHS Regulation 2012 calls this eliminating or controlling risks. You must follow these steps for every health and safety issue that requires attention. In the case of first aid, the method helps you to work out what facilities or personnel must be immediately on hand if there is an injury or illness that may arise in your workplace. Consider the type of work performed and the nature of the haz ds The type of work performed will influence the hazards and the possible harmful consequences for workers. For example, workers in an office will have first aid requirements different from those in a manufacturing plant. Workplaces using hazardous substances may require specialised first aid facilities, such as eyewash stations and emergency showers. Indeed, different areas within the one workplace may have different hazards, depending on the tasks being undertaken, and the equipment being used. So some areas within your workplace may have special needs for first aid facilities. Think about the types of activities and work performed across your workplace. Try to anticipate the risks faced by workers. Injuries associated with common workplace hazards that may require first aid First Aid in the Workplace, Code of Practice, July 2012, Safe Work Australia Hazard Potential harm Manual tasks Overexertion can cause muscular strain Working at height Slips, trips and falls can cause fractures, bruises, lacerations, dislocations, concussion Electricity Potential ignition source could cause injuries from fire. Exposure to live electrical wires can cause shock, burns and cardiac arrest Machinery and equipment Being hit by moving vehicles, or being caught by moving parts of machinery can cause fractures, amputation, bruises, lacerations, dislocations. Hazardous chemicals Toxic or corrosive chemicals may be inhaled, contact skin or eyes causing poisoning, chemical burns, irritation. Extreme temperatures Hot surfaces and materials can cause burns. Exposure to heat can cause heat stress and fatigue. Exposure to extreme cold can cause hypothermia and frost bite Radiation Welding arc flashes, ionising radiation and lasers can cause burns Violence Behaviours including intimidation and physical assault can cause nausea, shock and physical injuries Biological Infection, allergic reactions Animals Bites, stings, kicks, scratches

HLTAID008 MANAGE FIRST AID SERVICES AND RESOURCES

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PADI RTO