21/11/2008

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Office Telephones

Issue Hazard Possible solutions Check it Equipment type and maintenance User is required to conduct telephone calls and use keyboard to record / access information. Sharing personal items of telephone equipment (eg. headsets) with other employees who may be suffering from colds, flu virus. Provide headset to permit 'hands free' operation. Provide each user with personal headset. Arrange for regular cleaning and sterilising of all telephone handsets. Handset location Handset location involves continuous reaching or stretching. Relocate phone socket, or fit telephone with additional cable to allow it to be placed within the 'maximum reach sector' * for use either left handed or right handed. Background noise Conducting telephone conversations in an unacceptably noisy environment. Provide an appropriate form of sound-proofing to shield employee from source of noise. Provide headset with earpieces designed to minimise intrusion of external sounds. Acoustic shock Exposure to the risk of acoustic shock generated by telephone equipment (eg. a fax machine). Investigate cost/benefits of installing equipment to minimise or eliminate the risk of the employee(s) of being exposed to acoustic shock.   Further Information Regulations Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 - Part 3: Occupational Noise Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 - Part 4: Plant Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 - Part 5: Manual Handling Comcare Guidance Material OHS Book 1 - Officewise OHS Book 31 - Manual Handling, Reducing Injuries   Other Guidance Material ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes Australian Communications and Media Authority

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Page last updated:August 29, 2008