PROCEDURES

FIRST AID PROCEDURES

PURPOSE
CQUniversity has an obligation under the Queensland Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to provide a safe and healthy environment for all CQUniversity staff, students, sub-contractors (and their staff) as well as visitors to the University campuses and/or workplaces. While most business is conducted on University campuses, some activities are conducted off site. These procedures have been developed to provide a safe system of work to manage first aid facilities in the workplace.

PROCEDURES
These procedures apply to all CQUniversity staff, students, contractors, sub-contractors (and their staff) as well as visitors to the University campuses and workplaces. It also specifies the minimum requirements for the provision and ongoing maintenance of first aid services, personnel training and first aid equipment for the University. While all staff are encouraged to obtain first aid qualifications as part of their personal development, only nominated staff will be appointed as University approved First Aid Officers.

Risk Management

CQUniversity managers/supervisors will adopt a formal risk management approach (in consultation with staff) to determine the level of first aid facilities and services (including the numbers of appointed First Aid Officers and first aid kit contents) that are to be provided in each workplace. The five basic steps in the workplace health and safety risk management process set out in the How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks, Code of Practice 2011 must be followed to manage exposure to risks. Preparation Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Identify all hazards. Assess the risks these hazards create. Decide on measures to control the risk. Implement appropriate control measures. Monitor the control measures and review the process.

Emergency Contact

In the event of an emergency the following emergency contacts for CQUniversity are: Police, Ambulance, Fire 000; Police, Ambulance, Fire (Internal to CQUni) 0 000; Emergency Services via mobile (if in remote regions) 112; CQUniversity Security Emergency Contact (Internal to CQUni) 1331 or call mobile phone 0418 792 982.
Page 1 of 6

First Aid Procedures Version: 2 Once PRINTED, this is an UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT. Refer to Policy Portal for latest version.
CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D

Categories of First Aid Personnel

There are two categories of persons who provide first aid services at CQUniversity workplaces. 3.1 Appointed First Aid Officers hold a current nationally accredited certificate Apply First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or equivalent qualification and have been approved by the University to receive a specific first aid allowance to undertake first aid activities. Other staff within the University may hold first aid qualifications either as part of their personal development or have obtained their qualifications privately. These staff members do not have specific first aid duties and are not paid an allowance by the University.

3.2

Number and Placement of Appointed First Aid Officers

Consideration will be given to: the types of hazards present/identified including the nature of the work, size and location of the workplace, number and distribution of workers present, the frequency of exposure that may cause an injury or illness, duration of this exposure and the expected severity of the consequences. 4.1 The choice of first aid facilities and services should be based on the outcome of the risk assessment process. In making this decision, it is ideal if at least one First Aid Officer is appointed for each work unit. It is desirable that this person has an alternate who can assume their duty if the nominated person is unavailable. (This may be the appointed First Aid Officer from another work unit.) Remember all University Security staff are appointed First Aid Officers for the whole of University. It is the responsibility of area managers/supervisors to nominate appropriate staff members as appointed First Aid Officers and to encourage as many staff as possible to receive training in first aid regardless of whether (or not) these people are appointed as First Aid Officers. An initial audit of the workplace to determine the required first aid staffing levels is to be conducted by area managers/supervisors within one month of the date of approval of these Procedures. The Safety and Environment Unit can supply information to assist in this survey if requested. In high risk areas, or isolated areas, additional First Aid Officers may need to be appointed at the discretion of the area manager/supervisor. Supervisors will ensure that the Safety and Environment Unit is kept fully informed as to status of appointed First Aid Officers under their control.

4.2

4.3

4.4

Workers Entering a Confined Space

The first aid requirements for employees entering confined spaces are controlled by Australian and New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2865. This standard requires that First Aid Officers be appointed to every crew which enters a confined space, and that all other crew members shall be trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Supervisors shall take this requirement into consideration when determining the number of appointed First Aid Officers within their area of responsibility.

After Hours or if a First Aid Officer is Not Available

All CQUniversity Security Officers hold a current nationally accredited certificate Apply First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or equivalent qualifications. At times when an appointed First Aid Officer is not available, medical assistance should be sought immediately, either by contacting Security staff or Queensland Ambulance Services (QAS).

First Aid Procedures Version: 2 Once PRINTED, this is an UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT. Refer to Policy Portal for latest version.
CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D

Page 2 of 6

Nomination for Appointment as a First Aid Officer

As from the date of approval of these Procedures, any increase in the number of Appointed First Aid Officers must be made with the prior approval of area managers/supervisors. Existing appointed First Aid Officers will retain their appointment whilst there is an identified need, as determined and approved by the manager/supervisor and their first aid qualifications remain current. CQUniversity Campus Management, Area Managers and Supervisors are responsible for the submission of the Confirmation of Appointment document to the Safety and Environment Unit, for the relevant award allowance to be paid to the staff member.

Appointment

The appointment of First Aid Officers will be for the term of the currency of their first aid qualifications, unless specified otherwise by Campus Management, Area Managers and Supervisors who will notify the Safety and Environment Unit of the nomination. An example of this situation may occur when the appointed First Aid Officer is on leave and another staff member temporarily takes on the role for a set period of time.

Supply of First Aid Equipment

CQUniversity Campus Management, Area Managers and Supervisors will provide first aid facilities as per First Aid Code of Practice 2004. These facilities will include first aid kits that will be located in conspicuous and easily accessible locations throughout the workplaces. Additional first aid kits may be provided for vehicles and plant in cases where employees are required to perform duties in areas where first aid treatment may not be readily available. 9.1 In a work environment where specific injuries and illness such as burns, lacerations and bites and stings may occur, additional suitable items shall be provided and would be highlighted in the associated risk assessment completed by the area staff. First aid kits will display the name of the person responsible for the kit plus the appointed First Aid Officer and contact information plus a list of first aid contents and first aid treatment forms. The purchase of specialised first aid equipment for the University such as defibrillator, oxy-vivas, and oxygen therapy equipment will be at the recommendation of the CQUniversity Health, Safety and Environment Committee. Application for the purchase and inclusion of specialised equipment as mentioned above will be determined by the risk assessment process and progressed from the area Health, Safety and Environment Advisory Committee (H,S&EAC) to the University Health, Safety & Environment Committee (H,S&EC) for consideration.

9.2

9.3

10

Location and Maintenance of First Aid Kits

10.1 First Aid Kits are provided in established locations on the various University Campuses and any relocation of these kits from this location is to be approved by the Manager, Safety and Environment. The physical location of kits can be found on the wall mounted University Evacuation Signage or electronically on the University Fire Evacuation Program (FEP). 10.2 The appointed First Aid Officer is to inspect and maintain the first aid equipment situated within their designated workplaces and ensure the kits are replenished with first aid items. The contents of the first aid kits are maintained to a level by virtue of the activities and the risk of injury. First aid kits should be stocked with disposable items when possible to minimise cross infection. Kits should be regularly checked (at least monthly) to ensure there is adequate stock. 10.3 In instances where the kit is located inside a wall mounted cupboard the cupboard door will be clearly marked with a white cross on a green background indicating the location of the first aid kit.
First Aid Procedures Version: 2 Once PRINTED, this is an UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT. Refer to Policy Portal for latest version.
CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D

Page 3 of 6

The contents of a standard kit, suitable for a low risk work environment such as an office environment will be as indicated in the CQUniversity First Aid contents list. 10.4 First aid supplies are available from suppliers such as St Johns Ambulance, a local pharmacy or a University supplier such as Corporate Express. Costs associated with maintaining the supplies of the first aid kits are the responsibility of each faculty, campus, and/or division/directorate where the kit is located.

11

Incident Recording

A record of the first aid treatment provided should be made on the University First Aid Record and Treatment Form and kept in a central location within the area/office. Any use of contents in the first aid kit should relate to an injury / incident / illness and an Incident Report completed either by the First Aid Officer or the injured person and forwarded to the Safety and Environment Unit (safety@cqu.edu.au or Building 41/G.10) within 24 hours of the occurrence, as per the University incident reporting procedure. All information related to first aid treatments shall be treated confidentially.

12

Managing Risk of Exposure to Biological Hazards

12.1 Appointed University First Aid Officers are strongly encouraged to undertake vaccinations against diseases such as Hepatitis B and Tetanus. CQUniversity will provide information and immunisation to appointed First Aid Officers upon request. 12.2 Good hygiene standards such as washing your hands and arms with soap and water prior to administering a first aid treatment along with wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as disposable gloves and face protection if required, will help to create a barrier against infection. Clean up any spills of contaminated waste immediately after the treatment and dispose of wastes appropriately. For further information on management of blood and body fluid spills refer to the CQUniversity Safety Health Environment Workcover Sustainability Needlestick and Other Blood and Body Fluid Exposures Procedures.

13

Training

13.1 CQUniversity appointed First Aid Officers are required to renew their Apply First Aid Certificate every three years and undertake the Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and/or Advanced Resuscitation component of their Apply First Aid Certificate annually. Staff are required to have prior approval from their manager/supervisor to attend this training. 13.2 Staff will use an Australian Nationally Recognised Training provider such as Queensland Ambulance Service, St Johns Ambulance, Surf Life Saving or the University nominated training provider to gain their accreditation. University divisions, directorates, faculties and schools will be responsible for all costs associated with the provision of first aid training as per the staff development process.

14

Training Records

14.1 Appointed First Aid Officers are required to keep the original copy of their first aid qualifications for their own personal records and forward a certified copy of their certificate or recertification to the Safety and Environment Unit. 14.2 The Safety and Environment Unit is responsible for establishing and maintaining a central record of all staff who have been appointed as First Aid Officers within the University.

15

Allowance Notification

15.1 A first aid allowance (in accordance with the current Enterprise Agreement) is paid to staff who have been appointed by the University as a First Aid Officer and hold a current nationally
First Aid Procedures Version: 2 Once PRINTED, this is an UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT. Refer to Policy Portal for latest version.
CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D

Page 4 of 6

accredited certificate in Apply First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or equivalent qualifications (or higher level). 15.2 The University will not recognise any personnel as the appointed First Aid Officer, and therefore no allowance will be paid, unless their Apply First Aid Certificate plus the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation component is current. 15.3 Staff will not be back paid to the expiry of their certificate or the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation component if there is a gap between the expiry date and recertification.

DEFINITIONS
All terminology used within this policy is consistent with definitions in the CQUniversity Glossary. In addition, the following terms and definitions are relevant to these specific Procedures. First aid means the immediate care given to an ill or injured person until more advanced care arrives or the person recovers. (First Aid - Code of Practice 2004) First aid equipment includes a first aid kit. (First Aid - Code of Practice 2004) First aid facilities include a first aid room. (First Aid - Code of Practice 2004) First aid personnel means a person with a first aid qualification. (First Aid - Code of Practice 2004) First aid qualification means: current Apply First Aid (formerly known as Senior First Aid) or Occupational First Aid qualification; Qualifications which provide for equivalent competencies. (First Aid - Code of Practice 2004).

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Manager, Safety and Environment Unit is responsible for ensuring these procedures are followed.

RECORDS
All records relevant to these procedures are to be maintained in a recognised University recordkeeping system.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
First Aid - Code of Practice 2004 How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice 2011 Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 AS/NZS 2865 - Safe working in a Confined Space CQUniversity Staff Study Support Policy and Procedures The following documents are available from the People and Culture document portal: First Aid Record Form; Incident/Hazard Report; First Aid Contents List; First Aid Risk Assessment; Confirmation of Appointment as a First Aid Officer.
Page 5 of 6

First Aid Procedures Version: 2 Once PRINTED, this is an UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT. Refer to Policy Portal for latest version.
CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D

REFERENCES
CQUniversity would like to thank the following people for their support and assistance during the development of this document: University of Wollongong First Aid Guidelines; Rockhampton Regional Council First Aid Procedure; Charles Sturt University First Aid Policy.

Queensland Parliamentary Counsel, Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Reprint 29 August 2012 [on line] http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/ACTS/2011/11AC018.pdf[Accessed March 2013] Queensland Parliamentary Counsel, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, Reprint 1 January 2013 [on line] http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkHSR11.pdf [Accessed March 2013] Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General, First Aid - Code of Practice 2004 http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/first-aid-cop-2004.pdf [Accessed March 2013] Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General, How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice 2011, http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/manage-whs-risks-cop2011.pdf [Accessed March 2013] Approval Authority Administrator Original Approval Date Amendment History Vice-Chancellor and President Director, People and Culture 31 January 1996 Vice-President and Registrar 30 July 2001; Vice-President and Registrar 14 July 2003; Registrar and Chief Compliance Officer 15 April 2004; Registrar and Chief Compliance Officer 19 August 2004; Vice-Chancellor and President 14 April 2011; Minor amendments 26 March 2013. 14 April 2014

Date of Next Review Related Documents

First Aid Procedures Version: 2 Once PRINTED, this is an UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT. Refer to Policy Portal for latest version.
CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D

Page 6 of 6