La participación de los niños/as en el funcionamiento del servicio

Regular checks, inspection, maintenance and cleaning programs are essential for maintaining control measures and keeping risks low. All plant must be subject to appropriate checks, tests and inspections necessary to minimise risks to health and safety (OHS Regulation clause 136(3)(m)). A safety check should be carried out on all containers regularly, or at the beginning or each season or work period, if the container is not in continuous use. Check that maintenance schedules recommended by the manufacturer of plant are kept.

Arrange for a comprehensive and detailed examination of storage containers and associated plant by a competent person at intervals recommended by the manufacturer, or more frequently in harsh environments such as near seawater or where factors such as the nature of the stored material could cause corrosion.

If a container or any other item of plant presents an immediate risk, it must not be used (OHS Regulation clause 136(3)(n)) until the risk is eliminated, or if this is not practicable, controlled.

Maintenance or repair of plant may involve “hot work” processes that generate heat or introduce ignition sources, such as welding or grinding. The risk of fire and explosion must be controlled. A formal “hot work permit” system should be implemented (for examples of a written authority, see appendix H of AS/NzS 2865 Safe working in a confined space, and AS 1674.1 Safety in

welding and allied processes – Fire precautions in relation to welding).

9.10.2 Key areas for inspection and maintenance

Examine containers and associated plant in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (operator’s manual) to ensure they are in a safe operating condition, prior to use and on a regular basis. Where use of a container or plant is seasonal or periodic, an inspection should take place at the beginning of each season or work period. Intervals for comprehensive inspection will be determined by the type of product stored and any external environmental factors.

The following items should be included in a regular inspection and maintenance program, where relevant:

• filling devices, valves and control mechanisms used for transfer • any safety devices fitted to plant

• air or dust filters, and dust control system for operation, cleanliness and integrity

• pressure relief valves for correct operation • electrical equipment, including leads and cables • warning signs and labels for wear and fading

• operation of any warning devices and high level detection systems. The structural integrity of bulk containers and associated plant should be checked for fatigue and failure. Evidence of structural problems includes visual checks for the following:

• damage to metalwork, bolts or welds such as surface corrosion • damage to supports of containers or tanks

• settlement, cracking, or damage to concrete; footings, foundations, slabs or exposed plinths

• corrosion of access points such as ladders, stairs, walkways and platforms, including fixing at attachment points

• damage to dust or fluid seals, and the integrity of dust control systems • any visible bulging or distortion of containers.

Pressure equipment must be inspected in accordance with AS 3788

Pressure equipment – In service inspection (OHS Regulation sub-clause

140(1)(a)). AS 3873 Pressure equipment – operation and maintenance provides further advice and should be observed (it is an approved industry code of practice – see section 1.8).

Faults that could cause heat or sparks, such as over-heated bearings or slipping drive belts need immediate attention if the stored goods is flammable or combustible.

Arrange for remedial work to be carried out by a competent person if any fault is observed (see below).

9.10.3 Remedial work

All maintenance and repair work should be carried out by a competent person, and in accordance with the designer’s or manufacturer’s

instructions, including the time periods for inspection and maintenance (OHS Regulation clause 137).

Ensure that all electrical work is carried out only by qualified and licensed persons and to appropriate standards. The appropriate protection is especially critical if electrical equipment is used in a hazardous zone.

9.10.4 Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential to reduce hazards resulting from dusts and combustible materials, especially before starting plant. Some dusts are combustible or can form an explosive atmosphere and these risks should be identified.

A regular cleaning program should include removing dust deposits from any exposed surfaces or accumulated material inside a container (eg by internal cleaning).

dust hazards, fire risks and explosion risks may arise during cleaning, and any equipment used (eg vacuum systems for dust removal) should be suitable for use in such an atmosphere.

Safe work procedures should be established for cleaning or clearing any plant. When plant and equipment is being cleaned, it should be isolated to prevent operation. A lockout and tagging system should be considered.

9.10.5 Records

keeping records of maintenance, inspections and repairs will help to confirm that the maintenance program is carried out regularly.

Records must be kept for some types of pressure vessels and boilers (OHS Regulation, clauses 131 and 143).

9.10.6 Modifications to plant

Consult the manufacturer or supplier, or an appropriately qualified engineer, before carrying out structural modifications to plant (including a container). If contracted out by an employer (or self-employed person), they must ensure that the person engaged to design the plant modification is provided with all the relevant information about the matters relating to the plant that may affect health and safety (OHS Regulation, clause 144(3)).

A person modifying a design takes on the legal obligations of a designer and manufacturer. A number of Australian Standards provide advice in relation to plant or containers used with dangerous goods.

9.10.7 Cleaning of decommissioned containers

Any container that has contained dangerous goods must be cleaned when decommissioned and before it is disposed of.

Specific advice is provided in AS 1940, in other Australian Standards and industry codes for underground tanks – see section 10.8.3 of this code of practice. See also section 10.21 for decommissioning, abandonment and disposal.

When decommissioning containers, consider including the following procedures: • control risks arising from any mechanical cutting, oxy-acetylene cutting,

grinding or any other activities involving heat or friction • safe storage or disposal of any waste generated

• if persons are required to work inside the container, follow confined space entry procedures (see section 9.9.6).

9.11 WORKING INSIDE BUILDINGS ON PLANT (INCLUDING TANKS AND TANKERS