WHS Risk Focus Toolbox Talks - Radiation and Extreme Temperature
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Electrotechnology workers face a range of hazards on the job, from electrical shock to burns, falls from height to slips and trips. However, two hazards that may be overlooked include radiation and extreme temperatures.
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Radio frequency (RF)
Radio frequency (RF) radiation is emitted from many different sources and can be particularly hazardous. This type of radiation emanates from sources such as mobile transmitters and antennas found on rooftops or towers. It can cause internal heat generation, leading to serious damage that may go unnoticed until it is too late.
It is crucial to be aware of the presence of RF and take necessary precautions to ensure safety but identifying risk and being aware of the hazards is not always the first thing on workers minds without the right training.
Extreme Temperatures – Hot and cold
Extreme temperatures pose a significant threat to electrotechnology workers across Australia, cold weather can cause frostbite, fatigue and drowsiness, where high temperatures may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be potentially deadly. UV rays from the sun can also lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and heat-related illnesses.
To mitigate these risks, electrotechnology workers should remain informed of local weather conditions and take appropriate measures, such as wearing protective clothing, taking regular breaks in cooler areas, and scheduling strenuous tasks for cooler times of the day.
It sounds simple but being diligent and taking proper precautions is not the priority of most electrotechnology workers. Ensuring workers minimise their risk of injury or illness from radiation and extreme temperatures needs constant reminders.
Radio frequency (RF) radiation is emitted from many different sources and can be particularly hazardous. This type of radiation emanates from sources such as mobile transmitters and antennas found on rooftops or towers. It can cause internal heat generation, leading to serious damage that may go unnoticed until it is too late.
It is crucial to be aware of the presence of RF and take necessary precautions to ensure safety but identifying risk and being aware of the hazards is not always the first thing on workers minds without the right training.
Extreme Temperatures – Hot and cold
Extreme temperatures pose a significant threat to electrotechnology workers across Australia, cold weather can cause frostbite, fatigue and drowsiness, where high temperatures may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be potentially deadly. UV rays from the sun can also lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and heat-related illnesses.
To mitigate these risks, electrotechnology workers should remain informed of local weather conditions and take appropriate measures, such as wearing protective clothing, taking regular breaks in cooler areas, and scheduling strenuous tasks for cooler times of the day.
It sounds simple but being diligent and taking proper precautions is not the priority of most electrotechnology workers. Ensuring workers minimise their risk of injury or illness from radiation and extreme temperatures needs constant reminders.
What’s in January's NECA Risk Program toolkit?
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Toolbox talk templates:
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Risk Register Update:
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Risk Register updated with Radiation and extreme temperature hazards
Safety inspection checklist:
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Radiation and extreme temperature checklist
Policies:
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Work Health and Safety Policy
Forms:
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Fire protection register
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Incident investigation Report
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Confined Spaces Entry Permit
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UV Radiation Control Worksheet
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Incident Accident Report Form
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Hot Works Permit
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Site Specific Induction Checklist
Safe Working Procedures:
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Working in ceiling spaces
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Heat shrink cable joints and lugs
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Working in Confined spaces
Operational Procedures:
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Incident Reporting
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Site Induction
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Company Induction
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Confined Spaces
SWMS (available through the online store or a NECA safety management subscription):
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PRIM-A-V9-HR-107 Confined Spaces
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PRIM-B-V9-HR-107 Confined Spaces
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PRIM-A-V9-HR-110 Extreme Temperature
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PRIM-B-V9-HR-110 Extreme Temperature
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PRIM-A-V9-HR-111 Flammable Atmosphere
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PRIM-B-V9-HR-111 Flammable Atmosphere
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SUPP-A-V9-GT-105 Restricted Spaces (roof spaces and subfloors)
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SUPP-B-V9-GT-105 Restricted Spaces (roof spaces and subfloors)
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SUPP-A-V9-GT-106 Hot Works
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SUPP-B-V9-GT-106 Hot Works
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SUPP-A-V9-E-Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitter SWMS
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SUPP-B-V9-E-Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitter SWMS
PowerPoint presentation (available through NECA safety management subscription):
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Radiation and Extreme temperature awareness training
Advice & Support
All NECA Member’s receive unlimited phone and email advice on all safety issues. Our NECASafe Team specialise in the electrical industry to assist our member with their questions and challenges. We provide a range of extra services, including Document development, NECA Confidential Site Safety Audits and inspections, root cause investigations and toolbox training.
NECA Member’s also get access to NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB) - a centralised hub of the best source of industry information, privileged only to NECA members. The NECA Members Knowledge Base includes industry Australian Standards, HSEQ documents and SWMS, Toolbox Talks, and 100s of other templates, including contracts, Legal and Workplace Relations.
All NECA Member’s receive unlimited phone and email advice on all safety issues. Our NECASafe Team specialise in the electrical industry to assist our member with their questions and challenges. We provide a range of extra services, including Document development, NECA Confidential Site Safety Audits and inspections, root cause investigations and toolbox training.
NECA Member’s also get access to NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB) - a centralised hub of the best source of industry information, privileged only to NECA members. The NECA Members Knowledge Base includes industry Australian Standards, HSEQ documents and SWMS, Toolbox Talks, and 100s of other templates, including contracts, Legal and Workplace Relations.
