Health and safety procedures

​Safety equipment and clothing can protect you from hazards. You must wear safety items if you're instructed to. Make sure items fit you properly such as ear muffs, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and appropriate footwear. You'll be asked to leave an area if you're not wearing the required safety items.

Do not operate any machinery unless you have been instructed, shown and authorised to. ​You should:

• ​​​​Never use machinery that's being cleaned or is under maintenance
• Stop using machinery that isn't working properly and immediately tell your lecturer or technician
• Remove loose clothing and jewellery and tie long hair back
• Make sure any machine safety guards and devices work properly before using the machinery – if they're missing or damaged, don't use the machine.

​Before using a ladder, make sure it's in good working condition. You should be trained to use a ladder safely and authorised by your lecturer or technician to use one.

Make sure you:​​​

• ​​Place it on level and firm ground
• Wear sensible soled footwear
• Do not block doorways
• Do not stand on the top rung of a stepladder – stay two steps down
• Move the ladder instead of over-reaching
• Use the safety catch or locking bar
• Have someone to help you keep the ladder steady at the base.

If you notice or cause any damage to electrical appliances, you should report it immediately to your lecturer or a technician. Don't use the appliance. Make sure power leads don't cause a tripping hazard.

​​​​You can take steps to prevent discomfort and pain caused by using a computer:

• ​​​​​Set up your workstation correctly by following these tips:
  • Worksafe website
  • Download workstation comfort tips
• Use good lighting
• Work at a comfortable temperature – optimum comfort for sedentary work is between 20 to 26 degrees
• Take a micro pause – a 10-15 second break every 10 minutes during concentrated work helps you relax. Relax your shoulders and drop your arms by your side and breathe in and out deeply. Stand up, sit less and move more
• Stretch and exercise frequently: Download recommended stret​ching exercises
• Look away from the screen frequently – apply the 20/20/20 rule. Look away more than 20 metres if possible, for 20 seconds or more, every 20 minutes. Stand up to do this
• Use laptops properly – when using a laptop, connect it to a normal keyboard, mouse and monitor where possible. Try putting it on an adjustable stand so you can see the screen at eye level. Using a laptop by itself for long periods can cause serious discomfort due to awkward posture you use
• Fitness or Swiss ball use – if you use a fitness or Swiss ball for sitting on while using a computer, use it for no more than 50% of the time
• Be wary of ergonomic products – 'ergonomically designed' equipment should be set up for the person using it. One size does not fit all
• Try using your mouse on the left – because of the number pad, keyboards are not made symmetrically and over-reaching your right hand can cause straining to the neck, shoulder and arm

How to change your mouse to the left

To change your computer settings:

1. Go to the Start menu
2. Click 'Settings'
3. Click 'Devices'
4. Click 'Mouse'
5. Select 'Right' from the drop-down menu under 'Select your primary button' so you can use your mouse on the left

​Now place the mouse on the left and centre your bellybutton at the "B" button on the keyboard.

• Be patient as you learn. Your speed and accuracy will improve with time and it's worth it to reduce your risk of injury.
• Some discomfort on the left is normal and will reduce as you get used to the movement. Try not to tense your arm, lift your shoulder or over-clutch the mouse.