Looking out for no.1?

TCC GROUP 'ONSITE SAFE'

In a recent toolbox meeting focussing on ewps(elevated work platforms) we had a look at the issue of confirming training ,licencing and competency of both the operator and any spotters/standbys(as required on our BP refinery site in Kwinana).Often it was taken for granted that all operators were competent whether they produced evidence to fellow workers or staff or not .A lot of trust is placed in the word of workers,without actually confirming or citing licences.For the majority of workers this is usually not a problem...as copies of details of licences are kept with the company and issuing organisations and are of course qualified.For the small minority there will be attempts made to scam or bluff qualifications and...''besides they have driven them with some other company before and it was no problem.''!?....etc.Checking as a protocol always eliminates inappropriately qualified workers.Hence saving lives and drama.

A second part to this issue was the issue of using a standby for assisting the observation and driving and indeed possible emergency rescue assistance of ewp drivers.The 'standby' it was discussed needed to be competent in understanding how the ewp operated and especially safety procedures during an emergency.They did not need a licence it was believed.This issue is being further clarified.The point made though, was that the standby formed part of 'the team' and was in addition part of the safety management and safe operating system that allowed safe operation of ewp...but often they were only cursorily drilled in the understanding of there role.They formed part of the team.Our crew are investigating ways of increasing the understanding and profile of this important onsite/ewp safety measure.What qualifies a person to be competent?What is the role of the standby?At the moment the standby is used as a failsafe where he/her can double check operating surfaces,remotely spot on the ground level area and sight any potential hazards and obstacles(a lot of our work is around large fuel storage tanks in bunded entry areas for our workers).

http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au/pagebin/pg002812.htm