The safety and health of our staff and students is the number one priority at Central TAFE. We promote best practice in safety and health in all our activities so that staff and students can carry out their work and studies in a safe and healthy environment.
In addition to the polices and procedures that Central TAFE staff follow to keep themselves and students safe, students also share a responsibility for the safety and health of themselves and others. Your legal ‘duty of care’ will also carry through to workplaces and become part of your everyday work practices.
This ‘duty of care’ requires that you;
- make yourself aware of the relevant College policies, procedures and instructions;
- comply with these College policies, procedures and instructions;
take reasonable care of yourself and others in the workplace by being aware of the effects of your actions;
- cooperate with Central TAFE staff so they are able to carry out their duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act; and
- report all known or observed hazards, incidents and injuries.
The following information is an introduction to how you can contribute to the safety and health of yourself and others while at Central TAFE. For further information, or if in doubt, please speak to your Lecturer.
– If you see something that you think could harm yourself or others tell somebody about it. This could be your Lecturer, another staff member or Security, but please do not ignore it.
Students should always be mindful of their personal safety and security while on campus. If you are feeling unsafe, speak to your Lecturer, a staff member or call Security (internal phone extension number 6000 on most campuses). If you are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call the Police on (0) 000.
Remember to never leave your wallet, bag or purse or other items of property unsecured and unattended. Clearly marking your property leaves no doubt to ownership (especially expensive text books you need for study).
Speak to your Lecturer if you would like to learn more about practical tips to ensure your own personal safety and security.
You should report suspicious behaviour and all incidents, including minor thefts, vandalism or graffiti to Security (internal phone extension number 6000 on most campuses), your Lecturer or any staff member.
All campuses have procedures for responding to emergencies, including evacuation alarm systems. You should learn the evacuation procedure for your campus, including the roles of fire wardens, evacuation plans, assembly areas and instructions on floor plans located near each class. If in doubt ask your Lecturer.
Upon hearing the evacuation alarm, all students must stop what they are doing and follow the instructions given by the Wardens who will be easily recognisable by their coloured hard hats.
If the alert siren sounds:
- If safe to do so, switch off all computers, printers, or electrical appliances and any ignition sources.;
- Close all windows and doors;
Gather your personal belongings in preparation to evacuate the building on instruction from the fire warden; and
- organise/ help others in the room.
- When the evacuation siren sounds:
- Go to the nearest fire exit as directed by the Fire Warden. DO NOT RUN;
- Only take your personal belongings;
- Do not use lifts or telephones;
- Advise a Warden or Lecturer of any injured persons as soon as possible;
- Any mobility impaired person (e.g. confined to a wheelchair) should remain in a designated stair well with a volunteer helper until emergency services personnel arrive to transport them from the building. Students and staff should not attempt to bring wheelchairs downstairs;
- When you get outside, go to the nominated assembly area and remain in class groups so the Lecturer can check the roll and account for all students; and
- Do not remove vehicles from campus grounds during evacuations.
Any suspicious item(s) must be reported to Security (internal phone extension number 6000 on most campuses), your Lecturer or to a staff member as soon as possible.
Items of a suspicious nature may include unclaimed bags or packages or items emitting a peculiar odour or noise.
If you discover a fire or other emergency after 5:00pm:
- Raise the alarm by contacting Security (internal phone extension number 6000 on most campuses), your Lecturer or any staff member. If all else fails call Fire and Emergency Services (0) 000.
- Break a fire ‘break glass’ alarm if one is nearby.
- Alert other staff and students in the area.
- Evacuate through the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly area and remain with class group until given directions by the security guard or your Lecturer.
- Advise Security, or a Lecturer where any impaired person may be waiting for assistance.
Central TAFE maintains a network of staff who are nominated to be Registered First Aiders (all Security guards have been trained in First Aid). If you are in need of first aid, please speak to your Lecturer, a staff member, or Security (internal phone extension number 6000 at most campuses) and a First Aider will be contacted. Some campuses have First Aid rooms which may be used with staff supervision.
Make sure the immediate area is safe – do not put yourself or anyone else in danger.
Advise your Lecturer or a staff member so that a First Aider can be contacted. The Security Officer will seek the assistance of the nearest First Aid Officer and if necessary call an ambulance on 000 and ensure access for the ambulance. If the injury appears serious, the person should not be moved, the First Aid Officer should attend to the person at the site of the accident. Stay with the sick or injured person if possible.
If you have an accident that requires medical attention on the campus, please report it to your Lecturer or Supervisor as soon as possible, so that appropriate medical attention is called. All accidents and incidents must be reported using the College Report Form, which is available from you Lecturer or any staff member.
In the event of a student requiring emergency medical treatment, the College has a duty of care to call an ambulance. As the cost of the ambulance or medical expenses are not covered by the College, it is strongly recommended that all students obtain personal insurance and ambulance cover.
When on College-organised Work Experience, the employer holds the duty of care for your safety and health. Please be aware of the following.
Central TAFE holds an insurance policy with the Insurance Commission of WA (RiskCover) that includes Personal Accident cover for eligible students and General and Professional Liability for Central TAFE.
To be eligible the activities must be off site and away from the College campus and be part of a curriculum or unpaid work experience. These activities must be authorised by the College and the students must be under a reasonable degree of control and supervision.
If you have any insurance concerns regarding coverage whilst on work experience please contact the Senior Occupational Safety & Health Consultant on 9202 4830.
Students are responsible for working and/ or studying in a fit, alert and safe manner to reduce the harm associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs (including medications) in the workplace.
Students should inform themselves about the effect of alcohol and other drugs on their ability to work and study safely.
Staff and students must not attend classes or other activities while intoxicated by alcohol or other drugs. Consumption of alcohol on College premises, other than at an authorised function, is prohibited. No person under the age of 18 may consume alcohol on College premises under any circumstances.
Staff and students must also ensure that their ability to work safely or carry out College related activities are not affected, as a result of any medication they may be taking (including non prescription).
Staff or students should inform either their Manager or Lecturer of the effects of the medication before commencing work or classes. It may be appropriate for the person to provide some means of verification as to the side-effects of the medication, such as a medical certificate, if medication is to be taken over an extended period of time.
All campuses have a ‘No Smoking Policy’ which precludes anyone smoking while on Central TAFE grounds or in College vehicles. (This includes the areas immediately outside entrances to the College buildings). “No Smoking” signs have been installed around the College buildings and grounds and must be obeyed at all times. Offenders may face disciplinary action.
Students must wear personal protective equipment and clothing, when required to do so in designated work areas. As a minimum, students must, at all times, wear footwear appropriate and suitable to the area of study or work or industry standard while on Campus, or whilst engaged in College activity off Campus.
Please remember – if you see something that you think could harm yourself or others, tell somebody about it. This could be your Lecturer, another staff member or Security, but please do not ignore it.