Association of
301 Unley Road, Malvern SA 5061
P (08) 8179 1400 F (08) 8373 1116
E office@ais.sa.edu.au W www.ais.sa.edu.au

Work Health Safety
An WHS Audit is a documented, systematic examination and investigation to evaluate if procedures and practices
1. drive activity to meet WHS KPI’s: a) lead KPIs e.g. audits; and b) lag KPIs e.g. injury stats. are effective in meeting the school’s WHS due diligence obligations. 2.
The audit can also identify areas for continuous improvement.
1. SCOPE: WHS Audits cover both WHS systems and physical inspections of the workplace and environs. Note that the audit may only focus on specific areas, for example high risk areas / tasks, or utilise the most relevant parts of the checklists provided in the enclosed document.
2. REQUIREMENTS:
2.1
Frequency of Audits:
The audit frequency should be determined by the school, having regard to its circumstances.
This can include resourcing annual or bi-annual audits, and considering the risk profile, for example frequent inspections of high risk areas, tasks or operations.
2.2
Audit Planning and Preparation:
When planning an audit, things to consider include:

nature and scope of the audit (specific areas and procedures to check)

persons to conduct the audit (including a lead auditor / organiser)

persons affected needing notice of the audit occurring and de-brief following the audit

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USEFUL QUESTIONS
(1) Planning and Commitment
1.1 Have all actions from the previous safety audit been completed? (List remaining actions on this report)
1.2 Have key personnel been given the training to understand their WHS obligations and roles, including the auditors?
1.3 Has a legislative audit been conducted to ensure compliance with the WHS
Act and the Regulations?
1.4 Have staff in high risk areas conducted their own safety audits? (eg chemistry)
1.5 Have resources been allocated to ensure the achievement of WHS KPI’s
(lead KPIs e.g. audits and lag e.g. injury stats) ?
1.6 Are actions to achieve KPIs regularly reviewed by the committee and the person responsible for achievement of KPIs?
1.7 Are there written service agreements and / or contracts in place will all staff, volunteers, facility operators and contractors as applicable?
YES NO
(2) Policies and Procedures
2.1 Has the WHS Policy been signed and implemented?
2.2 Are the staff aware of supporting policies and procedures?
2.3 Are the policies and procedures reviewed on a schedule?
2.4 Have Officers been identified, documented and their role in applying due diligence under the Corporations and WHS Act been explained to them (including the Board)?
2.5 Is information about rehabilitation, compensation and WHS readily available to staff including who are Offices, workers and their responsibilities?
2.6 Have translations, diagrams / pictures and competency assessments been provided to staff where appropriate?
2.7 Do specialist areas have their own policies or procedures? (for example
Safe Working Procedures)
2.8 Have Officers been identified, documented and their role in applying due diligence under the Corporations and WHS Act been explained?
2.9 Is the relevant information provided to contractors / volunteers and is their adherence to procedures checked by staff or verified by the contractor?
YES NO
(3) Consultation and Communication
3.1 Is there a health and safety committee which operates under a constitution or terms of reference?
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3.1.1 Are minutes of the meetings kept and published and are recommendations followed up within reasonable timeframes?
3.2 Is adequate time made available for the consultative process?
3.3 If a work group has been requested has this been established?
3.4 Are there examples of the communication and consultative process?
3.5 Do accident and hazard reporting procedures incorporate and identify the involvement of WHS Committee or key WHS person?
3.6 Are there arrangements in place to identify and discuss risk controls with other duty holders who have overlapping responsibilities, eg co-tenants, contractors, emergency service providers
(4) Hazard Identification Assessment and Control
4.0.1 Are staff aware of the mechanisms for reporting hazards?
4.0.2 Are WHS considerations incorporated into design specifications and the purchase hire etc of equipment and substances which may be of a hazardous nature?
4.0.3 Are newly purchased or obtained items checked for compliance with specified safety standards?
YES NO
(4.1) Access / Egress
4.1.1 Are hazards arising from surfaces or work areas that may be slippery controlled?
4.1.2 Are all surfaces even and firm?
4.1.3 Have all loose or damaged floor coverings or mats been made safe?
4.1.4 Are hazards arising from loose materials, boxes that have been delivered and student bags etc, that could cause a person to trip or fall in a transit area controlled?
4.1.5 Are all transit areas free of dangerous objects?
4.1.6 Are ground areas free of pot holes?
4.1.7 Are edges clearly defined where the levels of an area are uneven? (e.g. with yellow paint or tape)
4.1.8 Are surfaces on ramps/steps/stairs non slippery?
4.1.9 Are floor coverings on ramps/steps/stairs safe?
4.1.10 Are ramps/steps/stairs free of clutter so as to allow safe and rapid egress for all persons?
4.1.11 Are there steps or railings where needed?
4.1.12 Are railings are 1.2 meters high and in good order?
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4.1.13 Do people refrain from driving vehicles, riding bicycles, skateboarding or running in areas where this may be hazardous?
4.1.14 Is access such so that staff cannot be injured by doors that swing across transit or work areas?
4.1.15 Have boundaries of industrial aisle ways been marked with boundary lines to ensure only the operator has access to a working machine and materials are not stored around it?
4.1.16 Is there adequate access for persons with disabilities to those parts of the premises to be used by them? w:\AISSA OHSW\AUDITS\WHS audit V1 2013 5 of 21

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(4.2) Work Environment
4.2.1 Is illumination, appropriate for the tasks performed?
4.2.2 Does glare or shadow hinder sight needed for safety?
4.2.3 Are VDU screens arranged so as to avoid veiling reflections or bright lights behind them?
4.2.4 Is best use made of natural light?
4.2.5 Are windows clean?
4.2.6 Are electric light fittings clean?
4.2.7 Is hazard of injury due to excessive noise controlled?
4.2.8 Is distracting noise causing safety hazards controlled?
4.2.9 Is the temperature of work areas controlled to prevent hazards?
4.2.10 Is there appropriate and adequate natural ventilation?
4.2.11 Can windows be opened easily?
4.2.12 Does the air conditioning provided adequate fresh air to the work area?
4.2.13 Have provisions been made for the safe disposal of broken glass?
4.2.14 Have gas operated appliances been serviced?
4.2.15 Is piping and supply safe?
4.2.16 Are isolation valves easily accessible?
4.2.17 Is there sufficient cross flow ventilation for un-flued gas heaters? (N.B.
There is a move to phase out un-flued gas heaters).
4.2.18 Are there sufficient guards around heaters? Are objects placed on top or too near heaters?
4.2.19 Statutory inspections of plant, for example plant under pressure, gas installations and asbestos registers exist?
4.2.20 If applicable, is the asbestos register available to maintenance staff and contractors?
4.2.21 Have all persons who have worked in an area where they may be in contact with installed asbestos signed the register?
4.2.22 Has the register been reviewed on a 12 month basis?
4.2.23 Are there warning signs where there is a hazard or where required by law?
YES NO
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4.2.25 Are containers regularly emptied?
4.2.26 Is debris from work regularly disposed?
4.4. Electrical
4.3.1 Is installed electrical equipment safe?
4.3.2 Is there a register of electrical appliances?
4.3.3 Have movable electrical appliances been inspected in accordance to level of assessed risk? (visual or tested and tagged)
4.3.4 Are all repairs on electrical installations and equipment carried out by a qualified electrician?
4.3.5 Are water hazards near electrical facilities controlled to minimise risk?
4.3.6 Are cords protected so that they cannot be run over, crushed or damaged by machines, chairs, feet etc?
4.3.7 Are there sufficient power outlets to ensure that circuits are not overloaded?
4.3.8 Do electrical appliances have safe operating procedures? E.g. urns.
4.3.9 Appliances/machines used to cut or grind or handle material:
4.3.9.1 Are machines properly operated?
4.3.9.2 Are safe operating procedures readily available to users?
4.3.9.3 Have operators received training?
4.3.9.4 Are machine guards in place?
4.3.9.5 Are machine guards in good order?
4.3.9.6 Are all moving parts which may be dangerous protected?
4.3.9.7 Are push buttons and switches correctly marked and/or coloured?
4.3.9.8 Are all flammable substances stored correctly?
4.3.10 Is the master switch in the switch board easily accessible to staff?
4.3.11 Have Residual Current Devices (RCDs), sometimes called safety switches, been installed? Have they been checked?
4.4.0 Other Powered (Petrol, wind driven etc.) Appliances / Machines
4.4.1 Are appliances in a safe condition?
\
4.4.2 Are Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs or safety instructions) for each machine available to the operator?
4.4.3 Do all wheeled tractors, having a mass of between 560 and 3860 kilograms, have an approved roll over protective structure (ROPs)?
4.4.4 Is high risk work identified and operators licenced to undertake high risk work? (e.g. forklift licence)
4.4.5 Are guards adequate to prevent body parts being injured?
4.4.7 Is protective equipment available and in good order?
YES NO
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4.4.8 Do operators wear appropriate protective gear?
4.4.9 Are machine maintenance records kept?
4.4.10 Are there easily visible warning signs and blind spot mirrors where necessary?
(4.5) Hazardous chemicals.
4.5.1 Is there a Hazardous chemicals register/manifest?
4.5.2 Are Hazardous chemicals eliminated where possible?
4.5.3 Is only the minimum amount of hazardous chemicals kept?
4.5.4 Are hazardous chemicals kept in appropriate containers?
4.5.5 Are containers appropriately labelled?
4.5.6 Are substances stored in close proximity compatible?
4.5.7 Are substances stored away from hazards?
4.5.8 Are fumes generated by substances controlled during both storage and use?
YES NO
4.5.9 Have fume cupboards and ventilated cabinets been tested for compliance?
4.5.10 Have Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) been obtained?
4.5.11 Do staff understand and follow safety precautions in SDS’s?
4.5.12 Do staff wear appropriate protective gear when needed?
4.5.13 Is protective gear provided?
4.5.14 Is there provision to prevent spillage?
4.5.15 Are disposal procedures clear?
4.5.16 Are there appropriate warning signs?
4.5.17 Are emergency procedures clear?
4.5.18 Are hazardous chemicals (including bio-hazards) which result from processes in the workplace controlled?
4.5.19 Are there systems in place to control exposure of staff (as required by law) to hazardous chemicals that might be in the workplace? w:\AISSA OHSW\AUDITS\WHS audit V1 2013 8 of 21

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(4.6) Emergency and Evacuation
4.6.1 Are fire extinguishers in each building?
4.6.2 Are extinguishers in good order?
4.6.3 Is there a register listing the fire fighting equipment, location and record of service?
4.6.4 Are extinguishers easily visible for local hazards?
4.6.5 Are extinguishers appropriate for local hazards?
4.6.6 Do staff know how to use the extinguishers?
4.6.7 Are emergency exits clearly signed and unobstructed?
4.6.8 Do locks allow quick escape? (Check deadlocks)
4.6.9 Are alarm systems tested on a regular basis?
4.6.10 Has there been an evacuation drill in the last 12 months?
4.6.11 Is the telephone easily accessible with direct dial out?
4.6.12 Are there first aid kits, appropriate to each area and easily accessible to all staff?
4.6.13 Are the “Designated” First Aid officers known to all staff?
4.6.14 Are mushroom button type isolation switches provided in high risk areas?
(4.7) Common Equipment
4.7.1 Are chairs safe?
4.7.2 Do all chairs on castors have five support points?
4.7.3 Are desks, benches and tables stable?
4.7.4 Are they the correct height (approximately elbow height when seated or standing as applicable) for the person using them?
4.7.5 Are adequate storage areas and facilities provided?
4.7.6 Is there easy access for people and machinery?
4.7.7 Are shelves fixed if there is a risk they will topple?
4.7.8 Are storage areas properly labelled and steps provided to eliminate the need to climb on shelving?
4.7.9 Are documents, foodstuffs and chemicals stored separately?
4.7.10 Are keyboard (approximately elbow height when seated) and computer screen heights (top of screen around eye height) and locations arranged (e.g. over-reaching minimised) to minimise the risk of eye strain and overuse syndrome?
YES NO
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4.7.11 Are hand tools safe?
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(4.8) Manual Tasks and Ergonomics
4.8.2 Are risks controlled where heavy items must be lifted from low positions?
4.8.3 Are all heavy or loose materials stored below 1800mm?
4.8.4 Are risks controlled where heavy items are repeatedly moved? (e.g. lifting of students with disabilities).
4.8.5 Are risks controlled where rapid, highly repetitive movements are required for prolonged times?
4.8.6 Are manual tasks completed in safe areas?
4.8.7 Are safe ladders, steps or platforms available for reaching high objects?
4.8.8 Are risk controls implemented where tasks involve: Unnecessary stretching?
Prolonged stooping? Working in awkward postures?
4.8.9 Are keyboards approximately elbow height when seated?
YES NO
4.8.10 Are top of computer screens around eye height when seated / standing as applicable?
4.8.11 Are locations arranged to minimise the risk of eye strain and overuse syndrome? (e.g. lighting adequate and over-reaching minimised)
(5) Training
5.1
5.2
Have induction, general and specific training checklists been used to ensure that all workers including staff, contractors and volunteers (including people on work experience) are adequately trained to perform their specific tasks safely?
Is there an induction program for staff undertaking new roles or new work activities?
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
Is there a training register that is used to identify training gaps and needs?
Is the training register regularly reviewed and updated to records current training status of staff and contractors?
Has a training needs analysis been conducted to identify training needs for all roles?
Is training provided to control identified high risk hazards and tasks, e.g. contractor management?
(6) Administration
6.1 Is there a system in place to ensure the availability of all pertinent WHS information to all workers including staff, volunteers and contractors?
YES NO
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6.2 Are the results of audits, incident reports, hazards and other relevant information including effectiveness of systems for the dissemination of information reported to management and used to facilitate needs analysis and setting / review of KPIs? w:\AISSA OHSW\AUDITS\WHS audit V1 2013 12 of 21

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SAFETY REPORT
It is suggested that a report be prepared listing the actions which need to be taken to improve safety — e.g. covering key areas such as equipment safety, manual handling, hazardous chemicals (use, storage and disposal), workstation ergonomics, lighting and ventilation etc.
It may be possible that some actions having a low priority will be scheduled for a later date when it is more reasonably practicable to allocate funds and time. w:\AISSA OHSW\AUDITS\WHS audit V1 2013 13 of 21

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SAFETY CHECKLIST GUIDELINES
The following list of questions should assist in the preparation of an individual, local checklist covering all relevant areas and activities. It is based on the WHS Regulations.
This list should be viewed only as a guide to developing a workplace-based safety checklist and may be altered to accommodate changing circumstances. The checklist can be used by schools and staff on an ongoing basis.
Any item that is given a “no” highlights a need for attention to a potential health or safety issue. w:\AISSA OHSW\AUDITS\WHS audit V1 2013 15 of 21

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WORKPLACE HAZARDS – some prompts for completing a physical audit
WHS Regulation Chapter 3, Part 2, Division 2- Access, Amenities & General workplace
Facilities
Is clear access and egress maintained in all work areas?
YES
Are storage areas kept clean and tidy?
NO
Are access aisles, work areas and storage areas marked?
Are adequate toilets, washing facilities and storage lockers for private belongings provided?
Are appropriate housekeeping standards maintained in all areas?
Are adequate rubbish receptacles provided and emptied regularly?
Is rubbish disposed of safely?
Is a lunchroom provided?
Are amenities kept clean?
Are buildings maintained in a safe condition?
Are yard areas, car parks etc safe?
Are rubbish bins adequate and rubbish disposed of correctly?
Are offices safe including: - workstations ergonomically designed
- RCD’s on moveable equipment and cords put away
- air conditioner serviced
- ventilation adequate including for Photocopiers
Walkways platforms and stairs safe with secure handrails
Is there adequate lighting everywhere at all times, including emergency lighting?
Is there adequate lighting in all work areas?
Have lighting surveys been conducted?
WHS Regulation Chapter 3, Part 2, Division 3, Occupational Health & First Aid
Do you have an action plan for first-aid emergencies?
Do you have enough first-aiders with current certificates?
Do you have adequate first aid kits and equipment? Are first aid kits maintained?
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WHS Regulation Chapter 3, Part 2, Division 4, Emergency Plans
Does your site have an emergency procedures plan?
Has it been reviewed recently?
Have you had practice drills?
Are all people on site trained/advised what to do in an emergency?
Do you have adequate fire extinguishers?
Are the extinguishers properly mounted with appropriate signs displayed?
Are they tested and tagged every six months?
Are employees trained to use them?
Do you have trained fire wardens?
Are appropriate steps taken to prevent fires?
Is your site designated a No Smoking area?
WHS Regulation Chapter 3, Part 2, Div 5, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Is appropriate PPE provided / available where necessary?
Is PPE used and enforced where required?
Is the PPE well maintained and stored safely.
WHS Regulation Chapter 3, Part 2, Division 6, Remote or Isolated Work
Is isolated or remote work carried out?
Are appropriate procedures in place?
Is communication with these people maintained (e.g. mobile phone or 2-way)?
YES NO
YES NO
Regulation Chapter 4, Part 1, Noise
Have noise assessments been carried out?
Where potentially hazardous noise is identified, are appropriate controlling actions taken?
(i.e. noise reduction)
YES NO
Where potentially damaging noise has been identified is appropriate hearing protection provided?
Is hearing protection used and maintained?
For staff in noisy areas, are pre-employment medicals that include noise induced hearing loss conducted?
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Are on-going noise induced hearing loss assessments carried out?
Regulation Chapter 4, Part 2, Hazardous Manual Tasks
Are manual handling hazards identified?
Are risk assessments carried out?
Are manual handling incidents and accidents reported?
Is appropriate corrective action taken where necessary?
Are employees trained in correct manual handling techniques?
Are mechanical handling devices supplied and used where necessary?
WHS Regulation Chapter 4, Part 3 Confined Spaces
Does your site have confined spaces?
If yes, are they identified?
Do you have confined space entry procedures?
Are people who work with confined spaces trained?
WHS Regulation Chapter 4, Part 4, Management of risk of Falls
Are there any areas where there is a potential for falls?
Are appropriate safe work practices in place?
Is fall protection provided and used?
WHS Regulation Chapter 4, Part 7, Electrical
Are RCDs fitted to your main power boards?
Are portable RCDs used on site?
Are all RCDs tested?
Is power supplied to ALL moveable equipment and appliances through an RCD?
Are appliances with flexible power cords inspected or tested?
Are all electrical installations safe?
WHS Regulation Chapter 4, Part 8, Diving
Is diving carried out by employees? (i.e. inspection of pumps and dams)
YES NO
YES NO
YES NO
YES NO
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Is diving carried out by contractors?
WHS Regulation Chapter 5, Plant and Structures
Have you conducted formal risk assessments for each item of potentially hazardous plant?
YES NO
Is all fixed plant adequately guarded?
Is all mobile plant fitted with roll over protection?
Are all plant operators trained and hold high risk licences where applicable?
Are safe work practices in place for roads and traffic?
Are helmets used with motorcycles, 4-wheel bikes, and other open vehicles?
Are seat belts worn in all vehicles where they are fitted?
Is welding carried out by employees?
Is welding carried out by contractors?
Are screens provided and used?
Is extraction for fumes provided?
Are gas bottles secured, have back flash protection and LPG has a 10 yr stamp? w:\AISSA OHSW\AUDITS\WHS audit V1 2013 19 of 21

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WHS Regulation Chapter 6, Construction Work
Is construction work carried out by employees?
Is construction work carried out by contractors?
Are risks controlled including Ladders, scaffolding safe and fall arrest systems used with training?
Is any demolition work carried out by employees?
Is any demolition work carried out by contractors?
YES NO
WHS Regulation Chapter 6, Part 3, Division 3, Excavation Work
Is excavation work carried out by employees?
Is excavation work carried out by contractors?
YES NO
Are risks controlled including signs, shoring, safe access, spoil removed away from edge practices used?
WHS Regulation Chapter 7, Hazardous Chemicals
Have you carried out risk assessments on hazardous chemicals (and lead e.g. lead based solders) used and stored on your site?
YES NO
Are chemicals kept in their original containers with appropriate labels in good condition?
Where chemicals are decanted into smaller containers, are these containers appropriate and clearly labelled?
Are Safety Data Sheets provided and accessible to people who will handle or use the substances?
Where chemicals are passed on to other people, are SDSs provided?
Are appropriate storage facilities provided? Consider: ventilation; segregation of different substances; fire safety, placarding and security?
Are substances transported safely and in accordance with regulations?
Is spray painting carried out by employees and are risks controlled?
Is spray painting carried out by contractors and are risks controlled?
Is appropriate PPE provided, used and maintained?
Are people that are required to use or handle hazardous chemicals given the appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision required to ensure their health and safety?
Is an adequate supply of clean up materials maintained, and procedures in place for the event of a spill or other emergency?
Is a register maintained for all chemicals including types, volumes, location and emergency contact information? w:\AISSA OHSW\AUDITS\WHS audit V1 2013 20 of 21

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WHS Regulation Chapter 8, Asbestos
Has there been an asbestos audit carried out at your site?
Is there asbestos at your site?
If yes, is asbestos in a safe condition?
Do you have an asbestos register?
Is known asbestos identified with appropriate signs?
WHS Regulation Definitions (and integrated in Regs) - Abrasive Blasting
Is abrasive blasting carried out by employees and risks controlled?
Is abrasive blasting carried out by contractors and risks controlled?
YES NO
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