The Diploma of OHS – Class of 2011
Honeywell Safety (previously Sperian Protection) and Victoria University (VU) joined forces to provide an opportunity for a group of Diploma of OHS students to have a hands-on approach in the investigation of a mock (confined space) incident.
The students from VU Werribee campus were completing the Diploma of OHS unit (BSBOHS508B – Participate in the Investigation of Incidents) which provides learning’s for performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in the planning, conduct and reporting of investigations of incidents that have resulted in, or have a potential to result in injury or damage with the aim of prevention of a recurrence of the incident.
VU sessional teacher Les Cameron found that the students were keen to gain some real hands-on experience to help them in the real world as they work towards being OHS Practitioners or OHS Managers and a range of other careers that will require a working knowledge of OHS. Some the students are already working in areas of OHS.
As per previous courses (Participate in the Investigation of Incident) conducted at Vic Uni the use of a mock incident encompasses a range of issues that fulfil the competency requirements and adds realism for the students.
The mock incident was very important for the students as it was a major part of overall competency for this unit and involved students during all phases of the incident.
The mock incident scenario
The scenario was based on a real incident that Mr Cameron attended many years ago involving the local Fire Brigade, Victoria Police, the ambulance service and members of Melbourne Water’s Rescue & Special Operations Group to rescue a spray painter who was overcome by solvents during a spray painting operation inside an gantry crane that was being manufactured on a factory floor.
The mock incident was set in a Confined Space (CS) entry opening that was accessed by a spray painter. Two other employees were outside the CS.
The incident was played out in Victoria University’s food manufacturing hall to simulate an industrial environment and the confined space entry point.
During the mock incident the students were given the task of undertaking the investigation into the incident and provide a debrief at the end of session.
The students were divided into two groups to ensure everyone got their hands on.
The mock incident – how it happened
One employee was spray painting the interior of the CS with a solvent-based paint.
Two other employees were supervising and carrying out various other duties including manning the rescue winch and air compressor.
The employees were allegedly trained to enter CS, hazard identification; risk assessment and atmospheric testing were undertaken before the CS entry. A permit was obtained and an exhaust fan used.
The spray painter was wearing a slightly damaged air wash hood and the air supply was taken from an air compressor that supplied air to the spray gun.
After a period of time the spray painter did not respond to calls from the supervising employees and was deemed to be unconscious with a very strong smell of solvent coming from the entry point of the CS. Emergency services arrived and the employee was rescued from the CS – the injured employee was treated by ambos and taken to hospital in a very serious condition.
The mock incident outcome
The students were required to undertake an incident investigation to identify the contributing factors, preventative measures and discuss these findings at the end of the night.
The investigation included many important practical skills including:
- Make it safe & secure and notify all relevant parties
- Legislative requirements
- Organising the team and seeking expert advice
- Overcome investigative barriers and obtaining statements
- Collecting vital information including procedures, risk assessments, service records, training records and so on
- Photos and timeline of events, management response
- Provide advice on preventative measures
The students did participate in the investigation of an incident and found many faults with the work practices and management systems that contributed to this mock incident.
It was also inspiring to see a number of industries getting behind this type of competency training which included the ongoing support of Blundstone Footwear, Proskill/Mascot work wear who sponsored the award for most improved student and Delta V Experts (forensic investigative engineers) of which we thank you again for your knowledge and skills that were passed onto the class of 2011.
The findings of the students
The exhaust fan extracted solvent fumes into the air supply (compressor) and the spray painter was overcome by solvent fumes and reduced oxygen levels from the air supplied by the compressor to his damaged air supply hood.
Also it would appear the injured person removed his air supply hood which increased his breathing problems and eventual collapse.
Procedures, risk assessments and training were inadequate which increased the risk and likelihood of the incident occurring.
Copies of Confined Space Compliance Code & regulations were produced to good effect to show how it should be done and what went wrong.
The students also provided their own incident investigation equipment ranging from gas detection equipment, fall prevention equipment, electrical circuit testers, cameras, lighting, lock out tag out (LOTO) and assorted personal protective equipment (PPE).
Honeywell Safety assisted in the mock incident by providing a range of safety equipment including:
- Rescue Tripod
- Winching system
- Harness
- Breathing Apparatus & Spray Painters kit, etc.
This added to the realism of the mock incident with Mark Grundy from Honeywell Safety providing valuable information and instruction on PPE and safety equipment in general.
CS incident with students investigating the scene
The adult students are from a diverse background and range from being Managers in the petrochemical industry, food manufacturing personnel, OHS Officer in the metals fabrication, Domestic Engineers (house Wife), OHS Supervisors/Maintenance/Health and Safety Representative in the automotive manufacturing industry, semi retired Trainer/Assessor, Civic Construction staff, Security/Safety Manager in the sports & entertainment precinct and a Diesel mechanic.
The group are all aspiring towards bigger & better things not only in their own industry but some are moving into other fields including mining, OHS Practitioners, OHS Inspectors, Environment, Training and Consultancy.
Gathering from the quality of assignments handed in it will not surprise this sessional teacher where this group’s career direction heads.
This years mock incident was held in the food manufacturing hall of VU which was a suggestion from the staff of VU to improve on the realism and hands on experience gained from this course.
Plans are already in place to hopefully have access to a mobile confined space simulator that is manufactured by WestCoast Trailers in Geelong.
VU Class of 2011 with Mark Grundy right side of picture
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