This information applies to all COFA Conintuing Education Short Course students.
(Additional OH&S information will be provided for specific short course classes).
All Continuing Education participants must: SIGN A RELEASE FORM CONFIRMING YOU HAVE READ AND
UNDERSTOOD ALL SAFETY ISSUES relating to you short course. If you have queries on Occupational
Health & Safety issues related to your course, please ask your teacher.
There are hazards associated with some art materials, equipment and techniques utilised in
the classes however these hazards can be minimised by following safe work practices.
You MUST follow the guidelines below in order to work safely while you're studying at COFA.
GENERAL WORKSHOP AND STUDIO SAFETY
• Never eat, smoke or drink in workshops or studios. Dust settles on coffee
cups, sandwiches can absorb vapours and hands can transfer substances to food and cigarettes.
Cigarette smoking is especially hazardous because some substances can be converted to more
hazardous forms.
• Never clean equipment in food preparation areas such as kitchens
• Never store materials in food containers.
• Always using protective clothing (eye goggles, aprons etc.) where
specified. Protective clothing is used to reduce the risk of injury.
• Clean up after yourself. Keeping studio areas clean and organised
prevents unnecessary hazards to you and to others, and keeps equipment in working order.
• Chemical spillages should be cleaned up immediately, according to the
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - available from the technical officers in each area.
• Avoid accumulation of rubbish that provides a ready source of fuel for
fire.
• Never hold brushes or tools in your mouth
• Always follow instructions on how to use tools and equipment safely.
Taking shortcuts or misusing tools and equipment increases the risk of injury to you and others.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
PPE must be worn in designated areas at all times.
Staff and students with long hair must tie their hair back, or wear a hairnet. Also, when
working with machinery, make sure that no loose clothing or jewellery can be caught in moving
parts.
Footwear
Substantial footwear such as covered shoes must be worn in the studios and workshops at all
times. Sandals worn with woollen socks, thongs or bare feet are unacceptable.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses should be worn at all times where chemicals are being used, or when operating
machinery. Eyeglasses must have side protectors otherwise safety glasses must be worn over the top.
It is recommended that face-shields be used as appropriate (hot/corrosive liquids; welding
processes).
Gloves
Gloves should be worn when handling hazardous chemicals. Care must also be taken not to
contaminate other surfaces while wearing gloves; they should be removed before touching other
surfaces e.g. door handles, cupboards etc.
Other Protective equipment
Other protective equipment may be needed for some processes. Your teacher should inform you
of all of the protective equipment you need in order to work safely. In addition there are safety
posters that inform you of what protective equipment needs to be worn in certain areas. Other
protective equipment may include such things as aprons, hearing protection, respirators and dust
masks.
WORKING WITH TOOLS, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
• Your teacher should inform you of how to work safely with any tools,
machinery or equipment you are using. If you have not been instructed on how to use a piece of
equipment safely do not use it.
• Always wear your PPE
• Never misuse tools, equipment or machinery.
WORKING WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Many of the compounds used in the workshops, studios and other areas of work have hazardous
properties. They may be toxic, flammable and/or explosive, may be carcinogenic or have unknown
physiological effects, or may sensitise the skin. All chemicals should be assumed to be potentially
hazardous and care taken to prevent inhalation, skin contamination, fire and/or explosion.
• Your teacher or instructor should inform you of how to work safely with
any hazardous substances you are using.
• Always wear your personal protective equipment when working with
hazardous substances
• Always clean any spills immediately.
FIRST AID
If you are injured or hurt in any way inform your supervisor. All accidents and incidents
must be reported. All security staff are qualified first aid officers. In the evenings (after 4pm)
and Saturdays the procedure is to call Kensington 9385 6666 and follow the prompts: Kensington
contacts our security guard in seconds who will then attend to your crisis/need.
Daytime Monday-Friday First Aid Officers are on the
OHS website.