Published Friday, 25 January, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
ADVICE FOR STAYING SAFE DURING FLOOD CLEAN UP
The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel today urged residents of flood affected areas of Queensland to put safety first as they begin to clean up their homes and workplaces.
He said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland wanted to remind residents to take great care when using chainsaws, getting up on ladders, or using tractors, trucks and trailers to clear away debris.
“Naturally, people just want to get in and get it done so they can get back to normal as quickly as possible, but it is important for them to protect themselves and others when using dangerous machinery,” Mr Mickel said.
“The flood and resulting damage is more than enough for communities to deal with, the last thing they need is for someone to get injured helping out a neighbour or their local community during the clean up.
“Chainsaws are particularly dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. All chainsaw operators should be properly trained and less experienced operators should be closely supervised.”
Mr Mickel reminded people to be aware of the potential dangers of asbestos during the clean up.
“Any old sheds or buildings built before 1990 are likely to have some asbestos-containing materials in them, so if they’ve been damaged then be very cautious when cleaning them up.
"You can't tell if materials contain asbestos just by looking at them. It’s best to assume it is asbestos and treat it as such by wearing protective gear, keeping the material damp and handling it with care as fibres can be released into the air through sawing, drilling or breaking it up.”
Mr Mickel also warned residents to have electrical equipment, wiring and appliances which contacted water inspected by a licensed electrician before use.
“Water damaged equipment, wiring and appliances can give you a serious shock or cause a fire.”
Tips from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for the safe operation of chainsaws
• Never use a chainsaw if the weather conditions are not suitable, if you are tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Chainsaw operators need to be alert to avoid accidents.
• Use a chainsaw with the type of work it is to be used for distinctly in mind – bigger is not always best.
• Wear protective equipment such as cut-resistant pants or chaps, ear muffs, safety glasses or face shield, helmet, boots and close fitting clothing.
• Check the chainsaw thoroughly before use to ensure it is in good condition, the chain is sharpened correctly, and that all safety devices such as a chainbrake, anti-vibration dampers and a chain catcher are fitted and in working condition.
• Obey the safety and operating instructions.
• Always start the chainsaw according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ‘Drop starting’ is a dangerous practice.
• Maintain a firm grip, get a good foothold and keep the saw close to your body.
• Always cut at peak revs to have a better chance of cutting through any obstruction.
• Use the correct methods for felling a tree. Do not cut above shoulder height. Do not stand on the felled tree trunk when climbing.
• Always carry the saw with the cutter bar facing backwards and the guard in position and fit the bar cover when not in use.
• Some operations such as removing branches from standing trees, the removal of trees on wires and cutting trees thicker than the bar guide length, should only be undertaken by a professional.
For more advice on staying safe during the flood clean up call Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, a division of the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, on 1300 369 915.
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Shannon Mackay 3237 1125
January 25, 2008
He said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland wanted to remind residents to take great care when using chainsaws, getting up on ladders, or using tractors, trucks and trailers to clear away debris.
“Naturally, people just want to get in and get it done so they can get back to normal as quickly as possible, but it is important for them to protect themselves and others when using dangerous machinery,” Mr Mickel said.
“The flood and resulting damage is more than enough for communities to deal with, the last thing they need is for someone to get injured helping out a neighbour or their local community during the clean up.
“Chainsaws are particularly dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. All chainsaw operators should be properly trained and less experienced operators should be closely supervised.”
Mr Mickel reminded people to be aware of the potential dangers of asbestos during the clean up.
“Any old sheds or buildings built before 1990 are likely to have some asbestos-containing materials in them, so if they’ve been damaged then be very cautious when cleaning them up.
"You can't tell if materials contain asbestos just by looking at them. It’s best to assume it is asbestos and treat it as such by wearing protective gear, keeping the material damp and handling it with care as fibres can be released into the air through sawing, drilling or breaking it up.”
Mr Mickel also warned residents to have electrical equipment, wiring and appliances which contacted water inspected by a licensed electrician before use.
“Water damaged equipment, wiring and appliances can give you a serious shock or cause a fire.”
Tips from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for the safe operation of chainsaws
• Never use a chainsaw if the weather conditions are not suitable, if you are tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Chainsaw operators need to be alert to avoid accidents.
• Use a chainsaw with the type of work it is to be used for distinctly in mind – bigger is not always best.
• Wear protective equipment such as cut-resistant pants or chaps, ear muffs, safety glasses or face shield, helmet, boots and close fitting clothing.
• Check the chainsaw thoroughly before use to ensure it is in good condition, the chain is sharpened correctly, and that all safety devices such as a chainbrake, anti-vibration dampers and a chain catcher are fitted and in working condition.
• Obey the safety and operating instructions.
• Always start the chainsaw according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ‘Drop starting’ is a dangerous practice.
• Maintain a firm grip, get a good foothold and keep the saw close to your body.
• Always cut at peak revs to have a better chance of cutting through any obstruction.
• Use the correct methods for felling a tree. Do not cut above shoulder height. Do not stand on the felled tree trunk when climbing.
• Always carry the saw with the cutter bar facing backwards and the guard in position and fit the bar cover when not in use.
• Some operations such as removing branches from standing trees, the removal of trees on wires and cutting trees thicker than the bar guide length, should only be undertaken by a professional.
For more advice on staying safe during the flood clean up call Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, a division of the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, on 1300 369 915.
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Shannon Mackay 3237 1125
January 25, 2008