July 2011
Newsletter Edition # 07, July 12th, 2011
Dear Colleagues,
This edition contains many interesting articles about important changes within the training industry, Work Cover announcements, important information for employers, as well as a link to all our training programs.
We hope you enjoy these regular updates .
Phil Stuart
General Manager
VETAB has ceased to operate
Australian Skills Quality Authority and National Training Information Service
On the 1st July 2011 New South Wales ceded its authority over the Vocational Education System to the Commonwealth. As a result the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) has ceased to operate and its functions are now carried out by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). This was intended to be a move to develop one national regulator for the industry but Victoria and Western Australia have decided to retain their respective powers and opt out of the system although some sectors of the industry in those states will be regulated by ASQA. Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania intend to adopt ASQA at a later date.
The ASQA website is here http://www.asqa.gov.au/
Sometime this month we hope to also have access to a new site to replace the National Training Information Service (NTIS). NTIS was once a very useful site for units of competency and training package information but in recent years it has been difficult although I know many of you persevere.
The new site will be at http://training.gov.au/ . There hasn't been any pre-release consultation or feedback so fingers crossed for an improvement.
SAFETY ALERTS
WorkCover have released a number of safety alerts this month.
The following link relates to a fatality following a ceiling collapse in a blast freezer due to excessive ice build up.
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/maintenance_blast_freezer_safety_alert_3093.pdf
This safety alert relates to a fatality that occurred as a result of storage tanks being alternately filled with liquids having different flash points.
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/switchloading_transferring_flammable_liquids_3350.pdf
This link will take you to a recent safety alert regarding the collapse of suspended concrete flooring when machinery was placed on it during demolition.
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/preventing_structural_collapse_demolition_safety_alert_3351.pdf
This alert refers to a fatality following the collapse of a scissor lift while hydraulic repairs were being carried out. It includes recommendations for redesign of table chocks.
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/scissor_lift_table_chocks_safety_alert_3095.pdf
Department of Industry and Investment Safety Alerts:
The DPI has issued the following safety alert relating to a failure of an explosion protected diesel engine following modifications made.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/397167/SA11-05-Failure-of-explosion-protected-diesel-engine-system.pdf
The following safety alert is a reminder to ensure all personnel are removed out of the exclusion zone during blasting.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/397294/SA11-06-People-put-at-risk-inside-blast-exclusion-zone.pdf
Update on Loadshifting Equipment
WorkCover have finally released further advice on the situation after January 1, 2011, regarding loadshifting equipment – excavator, front end loader, skid steer loader and backhoe loader. The following link will take you to their latest advice which appears to have been incorrectly posted on their website.
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/loadshifting_machines_3391.pdf