Fatal New Zealand accidents involving ignition of flammable vapours
Incidents
On 4 and 15 September 2009, there were two fatal workplace accidents involving the explosion of flammable vapours during the cutting of metal tanks. These tragic accidents highlight the dangers of working on tanks and containers that contain, or used to contain, flammable liquids.
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[more]Farmers reminded of the importance of all terrain vehicle safety on farms
The Department of Labour is urging farmers to ensure that employees required to use All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in their work are given proper safety equipment – including helmets.
'ATVs are one of the main causes of workplace fatalities in New Zealand,' says Department of Labour Chief Adviser for Health and Safety, Dr Geraint Emrys. 'And they are also one of most widely used vehicles on farms, so it is imperative those who use them have the right training and equipment.'
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[more]New guide helps workplaces provide first aid
A new first aid guide will help employers comply with their legal obligations and keep their workers safe.
The Department of Labour's First Aid for Workplaces – a Good Practice Guide was launched today at the combined NZ Occupational Health Nurses Association and NZ Institute of Safety Management conference in Wellington. The guide includes easy-to-use worksheets to help employers tailor their first aid preparations to suit the hazards in their individual workplace.
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[more]Ban placed on unsafe chain saws
An Unsafe Goods Notice, banning chain saws that do not include the standard safety feature of a chain brake, has been issued by the Minister of Consumer Affairs Hon Heather Roy.
'The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is aware of a number of chain saws, without a chain brake, being imported and sold. This ban has been put in place as a precautionary measure, because of the safety risks to consumers who may buy and use chain saws that do not have this feature,' said Martin Rushton, Principal Advisor, Measurement and Product Safety Service, Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
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[more]NEW PUBLICATIONS
AS/NZS 4994 Temporary roof edge protection for housing and residential buildings
AS/NZS 4994.1:2009 General requirements
Provides requirements and guidance for designers of equipment for roof edge protection, to prevent workers from falling from roofs or other edges of buildings under construction whilst performing any work or carrying out any inspections on roofs of all types of buildings.
Supersedes AS/NZS 4994.1(Int):2004
→ Buy this Standard
AS/NZS 4994.2:2009 Temporary edge protection – Roof edge protection – Installation and dismantling
Provides guidance in the selection and use of roof edge protection equipment designed in accordance withPart 1: General requirements and is intended to prevent workers from falling from roofs whilst performing any work or carrying out inspections on roofs of housing and residential buildings and commercial buildings.
Supersedes AS/NZS 4994.2(INT):2004
→ Buy this Standard
DRAFT STANDARD FOR COMMENT
Free to download from our website: www.standards.co.nz
DR 09062 High visibility safety garments – Part 1: Garments for general use (Revision of AS/NZS 4602:1999)
Specifies the visual requirements for high visibility safety garments for occupational wear by people who may be exposed to hazard from moving traffic or from moving plant or equipment.
Public comment on this draft closes on 20 November 2009
STANDARDS WITHDRAWN
AS/NZS 4994 Temporary roof edge protection for housing and residential buildings
AS/NZS 4994.1(INT):2004 General requirements
Superseded by AS/NZS 4994.1:2009
AS/NZS 4994.2(INT):2004 Installation and dismantling
Superseded by AS/NZS 4994.2:2009