Q: What are Hazards?
Identify hazards / risks
Hazards arise from:
Hazards can be classified into five broad areas:
Workplace security polices and procedures
Security polices and procedures apply to the following areas:
Physical Security
Physical security covers the physical devices that generally secure an area. These include locks and keys, alarms, visual inspections, barriers, lighting and closed circuit television, and safety deposit boxes.
Locks and keys
You will find locks and keys for guestrooms, floor cupboards, storerooms, the housekeeping office and so on. For guestrooms, many hotels now install electronic key cards. This means that each guestroom has an electronic box instead of a conventional lock.
This electronic box is linked to the front desk computer system, which issues a new key card each time a guest checks in. An electronically programmed combination will open the door. Once the guest checks out, the electronic key card become obsolete. This system eliminates concerns with losing conventional type keys and/or having to keep track of duplicate and lost keys.
Alarms
Alarms are installed on fire exits and other emergency exits. They are usually connected to the security office or the front desk and are activated if an exit is disturbed or opened. These are common in motels where visual security is difficult.
Visual Inspection
Regular inspections by supervisors, managers or security staff can be an effective physical security measure. This can involve making irregular walks around the establishment to make sure everything is at it should be. Looking for unlocked doors, suspicious characters or simply checking guestrooms for keys left in the doors by guests can prevent many security problems.
Barriers
Barriers that prohibit entry by unauthorized personnel are also physical security measures. An example of this could be the door to the linen room; hotel staff usually have all requests handled across a counter and do not have access to the linen room. Another example could be a boom-gate to the car park, possibly with a security guard.
Lighting
Lighting must be adequate, particularly in back of house areas or car parks. Well-lit areas are a deterrent to undesirables and thieves.
Closed-circuit Television
Closed-circuit television is used to monitor the movements of staff and the public. Cameras are often located at all entry and exit points, both service and guest elevators, and at the cashier’s desk or other security risk areas such as car parks or isolated storerooms. Closed-circuit television can be monitored by security staff or it can create a picture file that can be viewed and checked later if necessary.
Safety Deposit Boxes
Hotels must provide for the safekeeping of valuables. The limit of the innkeeper’s liability is only $100. Some hotels provide personal safety deposit boxes in all guestrooms and some hotels provide them at the front desk. The cashier usually administers this service.
Staff Lockers
Staff change rooms and personal lockers must also be secured. While on duty, staff wants to feel assured that their personal belongings are safe.
Activity Give an example of how we would handle one of these issues at Barrenjoey.
What to do in a Workplace emergency
Dial 000 and ask for Ambulance.
If it is a fatality, dial 000 and ask for Police.
If overhead power lines have fallen down notify the relevant electricity entity or Police.
Administer first aid if required.
Do not touch anyone who is receiving an electric shock. Turn off power or free the person with a non-metallic item.
Nothing should be touched or moved unless it is to administer first aid, or there is further risk of property damage.
Contact Workplace Health and Safety NSW on 13 10 50
Workplace Health and Safety NSW can provide approval to touch the scene.
An inspector or police officer will need to investigate the scene of a notifiable workplace incident.
You should be aware of the traumatic nature of incidents, and consider counselling or organise discussions for the people involved or affected by the incident
Hazards arise from:
- the work environment
- the use of machinery and substances
- poor work design
- inappropriate systems and procedures.
Hazards can be classified into five broad areas:
- physical eg. noise, radiation, light, vibration
- chemical eg. poisons, dusts
- biological eg. viruses, plants, parasites
- mechanical/electrical eg. slips, trips and falls, tools, electrical equipment
- psychological eg. fatigue, violence, bullying.
Workplace security polices and procedures
Security polices and procedures apply to the following areas:
- Monitoring of all people, including staff, customers, visitors, sales representatives, contractors and vendors.
- Monitoring of premises including, all general access and secure areas.
- Recording of stolen items.
- Security of all documents/records, cash and non-cash transactions, equipment, stock and supplies and the implementation of a key control system.
Physical Security
Physical security covers the physical devices that generally secure an area. These include locks and keys, alarms, visual inspections, barriers, lighting and closed circuit television, and safety deposit boxes.
Locks and keys
You will find locks and keys for guestrooms, floor cupboards, storerooms, the housekeeping office and so on. For guestrooms, many hotels now install electronic key cards. This means that each guestroom has an electronic box instead of a conventional lock.
This electronic box is linked to the front desk computer system, which issues a new key card each time a guest checks in. An electronically programmed combination will open the door. Once the guest checks out, the electronic key card become obsolete. This system eliminates concerns with losing conventional type keys and/or having to keep track of duplicate and lost keys.
Alarms
Alarms are installed on fire exits and other emergency exits. They are usually connected to the security office or the front desk and are activated if an exit is disturbed or opened. These are common in motels where visual security is difficult.
Visual Inspection
Regular inspections by supervisors, managers or security staff can be an effective physical security measure. This can involve making irregular walks around the establishment to make sure everything is at it should be. Looking for unlocked doors, suspicious characters or simply checking guestrooms for keys left in the doors by guests can prevent many security problems.
Barriers
Barriers that prohibit entry by unauthorized personnel are also physical security measures. An example of this could be the door to the linen room; hotel staff usually have all requests handled across a counter and do not have access to the linen room. Another example could be a boom-gate to the car park, possibly with a security guard.
Lighting
Lighting must be adequate, particularly in back of house areas or car parks. Well-lit areas are a deterrent to undesirables and thieves.
Closed-circuit Television
Closed-circuit television is used to monitor the movements of staff and the public. Cameras are often located at all entry and exit points, both service and guest elevators, and at the cashier’s desk or other security risk areas such as car parks or isolated storerooms. Closed-circuit television can be monitored by security staff or it can create a picture file that can be viewed and checked later if necessary.
Safety Deposit Boxes
Hotels must provide for the safekeeping of valuables. The limit of the innkeeper’s liability is only $100. Some hotels provide personal safety deposit boxes in all guestrooms and some hotels provide them at the front desk. The cashier usually administers this service.
Staff Lockers
Staff change rooms and personal lockers must also be secured. While on duty, staff wants to feel assured that their personal belongings are safe.
Activity Give an example of how we would handle one of these issues at Barrenjoey.
- bomb threats
- irrational customers
- accidents
- robberies or armed hold ups
- fires
- floods
- earthquakes
- power failure.
What to do in a Workplace emergency
Dial 000 and ask for Ambulance.
If it is a fatality, dial 000 and ask for Police.
If overhead power lines have fallen down notify the relevant electricity entity or Police.
Administer first aid if required.
Do not touch anyone who is receiving an electric shock. Turn off power or free the person with a non-metallic item.
Nothing should be touched or moved unless it is to administer first aid, or there is further risk of property damage.
Contact Workplace Health and Safety NSW on 13 10 50
Workplace Health and Safety NSW can provide approval to touch the scene.
An inspector or police officer will need to investigate the scene of a notifiable workplace incident.
You should be aware of the traumatic nature of incidents, and consider counselling or organise discussions for the people involved or affected by the incident
Activity:
Investigate and briefly describe TWO real life situations (in Australia) from the last 5 years where an emergency evacuation plan would have been required.