Introduction
Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is a major cause of skin cancer and eye damage in Queensland. QUT has a statutory obligation under the Workplace Health & Safety Act (1995) to ensure that the health of staff and students are not adversely affected by sun exposure whilst working or studying at QUT.
This policy is largely based on the recommendations detailed in the Worksafe Australia Guidance Note entitled Guidance Note for the Protection of Workers from the Ultraviolet Radiation in Sunlight [NOHSC:3012(1991)] (hereinafter referred to as The Guidance Note). It is the responsibility of managers to implement this policy as applicable to their work area.
Exposure Control
Wherever practical, work schedules shall be designed to minimise outdoor activities between 10:00am and 2:00pm and work practices shall take advantage of natural or artificial shade. Staff working outdoors during daylight hours shall wear a shirt or blouse. The minimum requirement being a short sleeved shirt with a collar, or equivalent.
Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The provision of PPE to QUT staff for the purpose of reducing exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is determined by the category of the worker and in some cases subject to an exposure assessment. Staff shall correctly use all PPE supplied to them and follow all instructions issued for reasons of health and safety.
Outdoor Workers
For the purposes of this policy, Outdoor Workers are defined as Grounds Persons/Attendants and Security Officers on patrol.
Managers are responsible for supplying Outdoor Workers with the items of PPE identified under the heading Personal Protective Equipment for Solar Ultraviolet Radiation.
Intermediate Workers
For the purposes of this policy, Intermediate Workers are defined as QUT staff who:
- are required as part of their duties to spend more than 30 minutes (continuously) outside in daylight hours during a typical working day; and
- are not defined as Outdoor Workers.
Managers are responsible for supplying Intermediate Workers with the items of PPE identified under the heading Personal Protective Equipment for Solar Ultraviolet Radiation unless an exposure assessment for the Intermediate Worker determines that the supply of some or all of those items of PPE is not justified.
Drivers
For the purposes of this policy, Drivers are defined as QUT staff who:
- are required as part of their duties to spend more than 60 minutes driving a QUT vehicle in daylight hours during a typical working day; and
- are not defined as Outdoor Workers.
Managers are responsible for supplying Drivers with sunglasses as detailed under the heading Personal Protective Equipment for Solar Ultraviolet Radiation.
Indoor Workers
For the purposes of this policy, Indoor Workers are QUT staff who are not defined as Outdoor Workers, Intermediate Workers or Drivers.
Managers are not responsible for supplying Indoor Workers with the items of PPE identified under the heading Personal Protective Equipment for Solar Ultraviolet Radiation unless an exposure assessment for the Indoor Worker determines that the supply of some or all of those items of PPE is justified.
Personal Protective Equipment for Solar Ultraviolet Radiation
- hat with a minimum 360 degree brim of eight centimetres or a "Foreign Legion" style cap which incorporates a flap to cover the ears and back of the neck with a minimum brim of eight centimetres
- sunglasses designated as specific purpose type (b) in Australian Standard 1067.1, Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles-Part 1:Safety Requirements
- sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15+ as determined by Australian Standard 2604, Sunscreen Products-Evaluation and Classification
- if requested by the QUT staff member; lip protection with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15+ as determined by Australian Standard 2604, Sunscreen Products-Evaluation and Classification
- long sleeve shirt and long trousers with a minimum SPF of 15+
Training
Sun safety training shall be in compliance with the recommendations of the Guidance Note and is mandatory for Outdoor Workers and recommended for Intermediate Workers. Managers are responsible for ensuring sun safe training is provided to staff where required.
Students
This policy applies equally to students with the following modifications.
- The academic in charge of a class is responsible for the implementation of the policy as applicable to students.
- The issue of PPE to students is not mandatory under any circumstances.
- Students taking part in field trips or outdoor practical exercises shall be advised in advance of the requirement to bring appropriate PPE.