MCEC Occupational Health and Safety Manual - Melbourne ...
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MCEC Occupational Health and Safety Manual
Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 5
MCEC Safety overview........................................................................................................... 5
Mandatory OHS site requirements ....................................................................................... 5
MCEC Occupational health and Safety Policy ..................................................................... 6
Site Security and housekeeping ............................................................................ 7
Event security ........................................................................................................................ 7
Safety checks......................................................................................................................... 7
Emergencies only .................................................................................................................. 7
Reporting hazards and unsafe work practices .................................................................... 7
Mandatory Safety Rules.......................................................................................... 9
Housekeeping ........................................................................................................................ 9
Chemicals and hazardous substances ................................................................................ 9
Material safety data sheets .......................................................................................................... 9
Chemical spillage ........................................................................................................................... 9
Plant and equipment operations.......................................................................................... 9
Plant – equipment isolation (lockout and tag out) .......................................................... 10
Caution and out of service tags .................................................................................................. 10
Ladders ............................................................................................................................... 10
Working from heights ......................................................................................................... 10
Test and tag ........................................................................................................................ 11
Permits to work (PTW) ........................................................................................................ 12
Incidents ............................................................................................................................. 12
Children in bays, loading docks and build zones ............................................................. 12
Loading dock safety ........................................................................................................... 12
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Operations Procedure ................................................. 12
While operating inside MCEC ...................................................................................................... 13
While exhibiting UAV’s on a stand or an exhibition ................................................................... 13
While operating externally to the MCEC ..................................................................................... 13
Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia (CASA) ..................................................................... 13
Risk assessment.......................................................................................................................... 14
MEC pit lid operation .......................................................................................................... 14
Obtain pit lid key .......................................................................................................................... 14
Lifting pit lid.................................................................................................................................. 15
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 2
Using pit........................................................................................................................................ 16
Closing pit lid ................................................................................................................................ 16
Hand rails and stairs for temporary stages ...................................................................... 17
Stairs ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Stairs handrails ............................................................................................................................ 17
Accessibility access considerations............................................................................................ 19
Alcohol and drugs ............................................................................................................... 20
Personal protective equipment (PPE) ............................................................................... 20
Safety vests .................................................................................................................................. 20
Public safety ....................................................................................................................... 21
Smoking .............................................................................................................................. 20
Forklift Operating Procedure ............................................................................................. 21
Spotter Responsibilities .............................................................................................................. 22
Breach Penalty Point System ...................................................................................................... 23
Rigging companies and working at heights ...................................................................... 25
MCEC rigging process ........................................................................................................ 26
Exhibition Centre – Venue-specific safety ......................................................... 27
Loading dock ...................................................................................................................... 27
Contractors during move-out ...................................................................................................... 27
Exhibition Centre loading dock entrance ................................................................................... 27
Traffic safety................................................................................................................................. 27
Parking on the Exhibition Centre loading dock .......................................................................... 27
Exclusion zones – unloading areas ............................................................................................ 28
Access to Exhibition Bays .................................................................................................. 28
Traffic control within exhibition bays .......................................................................................... 28
Pedestrians .................................................................................................................................. 29
Exhibition Centre gas cages .............................................................................................. 29
Forklifts ............................................................................................................................... 29
MEC power isolation and energisation ............................................................................. 30
Licence checks and equipment registration .................................................................... 30
Equipment service history ................................................................................................. 30
Cutting, grinding, or sawing in exhibition bays ................................................................. 30
Working with engineered stone at the MCEC ................................................................... 31
Waste management systems ............................................................................................ 31
Drinking water .................................................................................................................... 31
Convention Centre – Venue-specific safety ...................................................... 32
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 3
Access ................................................................................................................................. 32
Trucks and forklifts............................................................................................................. 32
Use of vehicle lifts: ............................................................................................................. 32
MCC pit lid operation.......................................................................................................... 33
Opening pits ................................................................................................................................. 33
Using MCC floor pits with 3-phase cables .................................................................................. 34
Cable management ..................................................................................................................... 34
Closing pits ................................................................................................................................... 35
Closing pits after use ................................................................................................................... 35
Other.................................................................................................................................... 35
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 4
Introduction MCEC Safety overview Familiarisation with the contents of this Work Health and Safety (WHS) Manual and completion of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) site induction is a precondition for permission to work on MCEC premises. After reading this manual and going through the site induction, all persons working within MCEC buildings should understand the work environment of MCEC and surrounds, including pertinent WHS issues such as: ▪ Emergency procedures at MCEC ▪ Emergency contacts (identification and sequence) ▪ Where and when to report incidents and near misses ▪ Where to park and general housekeeping issues ▪ Personal safety around an event site. Access to MCEC site induction and a copy of this WHS manual are available from: http://mcec.com.au/working-with-mcec/site-induction/ To avoid delays we suggest the MCEC site induction is completed online in advance. The MCEC induction card does not provide automatic right of entry to the site. Events may have customised security arrangements that require a specific level of identification to gain access. Persons found working outside the parameters set by the site induction and the WHS manual will be removed from MCEC sites immediately. This will be followed by further corrective action for associated employers. Mandatory OHS site requirements Without an induction card and identification, no MCEC access will be permitted. Upon receipt of your induction information, the MCEC will issue an MCEC site induction card. All contractors and subcontractors are to provide, through the Contract Management System (CMS), the following information and documentation prior to the commencement of any works: ▪ Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for all work conducted within MCEC ▪ Safe Work Method Statement for all high-risk work conducted within MCEC ▪ Job Safety Analysis Worksheet (JSA) – WorkSafe Victoria ▪ Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) – WorkSafe Victoria ▪ A copy of your Occupational Health and Safety policy ▪ A certificate of currency of your WorkCover policy ▪ A certificate of currency of your Public Liability policy (at least $20 million) ▪ A copy of your ‘Safe Work Procedures’ for all work to be undertaken at MCEC ▪ A completed induction to the MCEC site. If there is anything you do not understand, contact your manager/supervisor or organiser. Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021 PAGE 5
MCEC Occupational health and Safety Policy
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) is committed to maintaining a proactive
healthy and safe working environment for all employees and external contractors, clients, and the
community, while ensuring regard to the environment throughout its business practices. As a
consequence of this, the MCEC encourages all internal employees and external customers to
regard incident prevention and working safely as a collective and individual responsibility and to
respect theirs and other’s safety through appropriate conduct whilst on site or working for the
MCEC. All visitors are required to comply with all MCEC given instructions in order to protect their
health and safety whilst on the MCEC's premises.
The MCEC recognises its responsibility under Victorian Work Health and Safety legislation and in
conjunction with certification to AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational Health and Safety Management
Systems, HACCP-9000 Food Safety systems and Good Manufacturing Principles requirements, and
aims to incorporate practicable compliance to all aspects of related business activities.
The MCEC’s WHS Policy, objectives and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis and as required
by changes to processes or governing requirements. Copies of the Policy are available on all WH&S
Noticeboards, and the MCEC Website: www.mcec.com.au.
Further information may be obtained by emailing whs@mcec.com.au.
PETER KING
Chief Executive
April 2021
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 6
Site Security and housekeeping
Event security
Event security staff are contracted by the organisers and are responsible for the safety and security
of the licenced area only.
Security staff must be present on any open doorway into the licenced space in the Exhibition Centre;
this includes all open entry and exit doors. For licensed space in the Convention Centre and the
Exhibition Centre meeting rooms, this will be required on a case by case basis in consultation with
the Operations Managers.
All incidents within the event area, including medical and security incidents, are to be documented
by the event security staff with copies forwarded to the security control room within 24 hours.
The Event Security Manager/Supervisor on site should contact the Operations Manager assigned
to the event or nominated person on duty to advise of any incident or injury related to an event to
ensure smooth communication to the customer.
Event security staff are to be equipped with suitable first aid kits to attend to any medical incidents
within the licenced area, unless the licensor has provided specialised first aid personnel such as St
John Ambulance.
Safety checks
MCEC will conduct random safety checks of works to ensure compliance with MCEC WHS site
requirements:
▪ A safety meeting, toolbox meeting, is conducted each morning of the licence period to confirm
the day’s operations
▪ The MCEC representative will document this meeting.
Any reported unsafe work will require an immediate stop of the works and the relevant persons or
organisation may be removed from site until the required corrective action has been taken.
Emergencies only
Dial extension 6666 from any house phone or 9235 8333 in the event of an emergency.
Reporting hazards and unsafe work practices
A hazard is when there is a potential risk of harm or obstruction of persons on the MCEC site. Report
any hazards or unsafe work practices as soon as possible to ensure the issue is documented and
appropriate action taken immediately to minimise risk.
Report any hazard or unsafe work practices immediately to one of the following:
▪ Your direct supervisor
▪ The organisers office
▪ The safety manager
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 7
▪ MCEC loading dock offices
▪ A member of the MCEC management team.
Any reported unsafe work will require an immediate stop of the works and the relevant persons or
organisation may be removed from site until the required corrective action has been taken.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 8
Mandatory Safety Rules Housekeeping Each person is responsible for ensuring their workplace is kept in a clean and safe condition to minimise risks to the health and safety of all persons on the site. Contractors found causing damage to the building, technical equipment and infrastructure by leaning panels against columns or walls, drilling, painting, sawing without ground covers, not replacing carpets correctly or cutting carpet tiles will be charged for repairs or replacement. Chemicals and hazardous substances Contractors with chemicals must comply with the legislative requirements for storage, handling and transportation. Legislation includes the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, The Dangerous Goods Act 1985, Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000, Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017. Where possible, the need for hazardous substances should be eliminated. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when handling chemicals. Material safety data sheets A material safety data sheet (MSDS) must be produced upon request for any chemicals or hazardous materials brought, stored or handled at MCEC, as well as disclosure of the chemical usage on the appropriate Job Safety Analysis (JSA). All employees and contractors have access to MSDSs for chemicals kept on-site at MCEC. Chemical spillage Any spillage of chemicals or other materials shall be cleaned up immediately. Spill response kits are available at both Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre loading docks. ▪ Refer to the MSDS for clean-up instructions ▪ Any spillage shall be reported to the manager or supervisor immediately ▪ Temporary barriers and signage should be put in place to warn others of the hazard. Plant and equipment operations Relevant licences, permits and accreditations are required when operating machinery. All forklift and lifting equipment operators must carry their current licence and their driving licence. Plant and equipment must be appropriately tested and tagged and in good working order when operated onsite at MCEC. Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021 PAGE 9
Plant – equipment isolation (lockout and tag out)
MCEC requires the isolation and lockout of items of plant and equipment prior to any repair or
maintenance work being carried out, so that any potential hazards are eliminated or controlled.
This is also to prevent the operation of faulty or dangerous plant or equipment, and the use of
potentially hazardous energy sources that could harm personnel working downstream.
Caution and out of service tags
A Caution or Out of service tag indicates that the plant is unserviceable and should not be used.
These can apply to non-powered plant such as ladders, jacks and trolleys as well as powered plant.
▪ Attach tags to the main controls if possible, or to a prominent part if there are no controls (such
as in the case of a damaged ladder).
▪ Prior to attaching a tag, clearly enter all required details in the spaces provided on the tag, with
emphasis given to the reason for placing the tag. Tags should be securely fixed, so as to be
clearly visible.
▪ Except in an emergency, out of service tags should be removed only by a person who is both
familiar with the plant and fully conversant with the reason the plant was placed.
Ladders
When using a ladder, abide by the following guidelines:
▪ Your ladder will indicate which rungs you may stand on. Do not stand on any rungs not
recommended by the ladder’s manufacturer
▪ To minimise slippage, clean boots of mud and debris before use
▪ Ensure the ladder is on a stable, even surface
▪ Keep both hands free to use when climbing and maintain three points of contact with the ladder
▪ Carry tools in pockets or hoist them up with a rope in a canvas bag
▪ Have an assistant hold the bottom of the ladder to prevent movement
▪ Barricade the work area when the public or vehicles are in the vicinity
▪ Keep your body within the ladder side rails
▪ Do not straddle the ladder or support planks with the ladder
▪ Do not perform hot work while working on a ladder
▪ Do not work backwards on the ladder
▪ Do not use any equipment requiring two-handed operation
▪ Do not use any PPE that impairs vision
▪ Do not use the ladder for anything but its intended purpose
▪ Do not work over other people and do not allow anybody else to be on the ladder at the same
time
▪ Do not use the ladder in wet or windy conditions
▪ Ladders should not be used in access areas or within the arc of swinging doors.
Working from heights
A large amount of work within the MCEC requires work to be conducted from heights – such as
rigging, shell scheme builds, hanging banners and building customised stands.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 10The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 defines a fall in Part 3.3 (Prevention of
Falls), as a person's involuntary fall of more than two meters.
For all tasks involving work from heights, preference should be given to the use of platform ladders,
scissor lifts, scaffolding or elevated work platforms.
All personnel working at height must use appropriate and approved harnesses or fall-restraint
devices capable of arresting a fall from a height. This applies to riggers, scaffolders, stand builders,
audio visual staff, lighting crews on trusses, and the like.
For any works above two meters, contractors are to supply a Safe Work Method Statement.
Custom-built stands require MCEC approval. Approval will only be granted for the construction of
two- story stands after the contractor provides a JSA, and agrees to abide by the JSA.
Test and tag
All temporary electrical installations must be carried out by a registered electrical contractor. All
electrical installations on displays must be in accordance with both AS/NZS 3000:2007 Wiring
Rules and the code of practice for temporary installation on building and construction sites. Only
unmodified appliances may be plugged into general-purpose electrical outlets.
All electrical leads need to be tagged and tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2010 prior to
use on- site.
A recording system with dates and results of testing must be in place. Items are to be tagged at
time of testing. Tags are to be made of a non-metallic and durable material and be non-reusable.
They should contain the date of testing and the name of the person or company that did the testing.
An MCEC Electrical Safety Certificate must be completed by contractors after any electrical
installation works. The certificate must be forwarded to the operations manager prior to exhibition
opening.
Guidelines for testing and tagging:
▪ All new electrical equipment must be tested and tagged prior to use
▪ All electrical leads, tools and equipment must be tested and tagged every twelve months
▪ Visually inspect electrical leads, tools and equipment for damage before each use
▪ Use safety switches (RCDs) when using electrical tools and equipment
▪ Use competent people to repair damaged electrical leads, tools and equipment.
Never:
▪ Use damaged electrical leads, tools and equipment
▪ Use electrical leads, tools and equipment in damp or wet conditions unless they are specially
designed for use in those conditions
▪ Place electrical leads in areas where they may be damaged (such as on the ground, through
doorways and over sharp edges)
▪ Overload electrical circuits
▪ Use modified electrical tools and equipment.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 11Permits to work (PTW)
For certain activities, contractors must obtain a Permit to Work (PTW) and/or an isolation request
approved by Brookfield Multiplex Services prior to starting work. Permits can be obtained through
the Operations Manager.
Permit to Work applications should be completed no less than 48hrs prior to the required works to
ensure adequate processing time.
The following activities require PTWs and/or isolation requests:
▪ Any electrical work undertaken outside of the licensed area of the exhibition bay that requires
access to distribution boards or service tunnels
▪ Any rigging to be undertaken within MCEC
▪ Use of oxy-acetylene equipment or any other work that emits sparks
▪ Interruption to power and light supply
▪ Interruption to fire-alarm or fire-detection systems
▪ All PTWs must be accompanied by a Safe Work Method Statement on the work to be undertaken.
Incidents
Report all incidents or near misses to the event organiser, event security, logistics/operations
managers or safety manager. Event security will notify MCEC security control room.
MCC security office 03 9235 8333
MEC security office 03 9235 8332
Children in bays, loading docks and build zones
Persons under the age of 15 years are not permitted on the loading dock or in the bays during a
move-in or move-out, unless formally employed with adequate Workcover for the duties being
performed.
Loading dock safety
The Exhibition Centre and Convention Centre loading docks are very busy during the move-in and
move- out of events. They are designed for the movement of trucks, plant and motor vehicles and
can be dangerous for pedestrian traffic.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Operations Procedure
This document set out the requirements for approval and compliance while operating UAV’s
(drones) at the MCEC.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 12While operating inside MCEC
▪ Line of Sight must be maintained with the UAV at all times
▪ The UAV will at no time be operated over crowds of people
▪ The UAV will at no time come within 30 meters of any body of people
▪ The UAV operator will have a current & valid Operator License or Air Operator Certificate
▪ The UAV operator must retain Manual Control of the UAV at all times, UAV’s under Autonomous
▪ Operation will not be allowed to operate within the MCEC
▪ Operating frequencies for UAV Data Link control (and any other technical data) must be tendered
to the Technology Services Department prior to permission to operate being granted to assess
whether any standing or temporary communications infrastructure may constitute a sensitive
receiver able to interrupt the UAV’s telemetry or control link.
▪ UAV’s must not be allowed to operate once they reach the 25% threshold for power source
depletion.
While exhibiting UAV’s on a stand or an exhibition
▪ The drone needs to isolated from the public
▪ The drone needs to tethered to the stand or the ground to prevent it from reaching the public
▪ A risk assessment documenting these controls needs to be provided
While operating externally to the MCEC
▪ The UAV operator is responsible for incorporating a map of the Safe Flight Zone into the required
UAV Flight Plan and for briefing their own team Venue staff and other stakeholders on the Flight
Plan before flight operations commence
▪ The Safe Flight Zone must be such that the UAV at no time is operated over crowds of people
▪ The Safe Flight Zone must be such that the UAV at no time comes within 30 metres of any body
of people or venue buildings
▪ The UAV shall at no time exceed an AGL (Altitude above Ground Level) of 400 feet (121.92
Meters)
▪ Line of Sight must be maintained with the UAV at all times
▪ The UAV Operator is, at all times, responsible for monitoring the Safe Flight Zone for risk both on
the ground and in the airspace and is to abort flight operations immediately that a risk is
identified by themselves or the MCEC
▪ The UAV operator must retain Manual Control of the UAV at all times, UAV’s under Autonomous
Operation will not be allowed to operate within the MCEC
▪ Operating frequencies for UAV Data – Link control (and any other technical data) must be
tendered to the Technology Services Department prior to permission to operate being granted
– to assess whether any standing or temporary communications infrastructure may constitute
a sensitive receiver able to interrupt the UAV’s telemetry or control link
▪ UAV’s must not be allowed to operate once they reach the 25% threshold for power – source
depletion.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia (CASA)
CASA requires that, if a UAV is to be operated within an airspace shared with manned aircraft, the
flight notification must be made;
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 13A “Notice to Airmen” is a required notice to be filled with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
to alert aircraft pilots along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of a flight.
▪ CASA requires a notification to be issued and approvals given as MCEC is within 5.5 KM (3
Nautical Miles) of an aerodrome or helicopter landing site
▪ Prior to UAV flight operations, the operator must provide a Safe Flight zone for UAV operations
that conforms to CASA requirement
▪ In both cases we would ask the operator to provide the following:
Licensing
Under Part 101, Subpart F, Regulation 101.270 of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Regulations
1998, Operators of UAV’s used for Commercial Purposes are required to hold a current & valid;
▪ Operator License;
or
▪ Air Operator Certificate.
Insurance
The operation of UAV’s constitutes an “Aviation Risk”, and as such MCET requires that operators of
UAV’s submit a certificate of currency for public & products liability (on insurer letterhead)
evidencing insurance cover not less than $20 million.
Risk assessment
A detailed risk assessment is required detailing all safety measures in place to protect the people
and building, including:
▪ Action to be followed in the event of engine failure
▪ Action to be followed in the event of loss of data link
▪ Action to be followed in the event of loss of control
▪ Action to be followed in the event of failure of navigation
▪ Action to be followed in the event of airframe damage
▪ Action to be followed in the event of near miss and incident.
MEC pit lid operation
Obtain pit lid key
MCEC have pit lid keys at the MEC loading dock office. If required contact a logistics member and
sign out a pit lid key:
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 14Lifting pit lid ▪ Insert pit lid key into designated hole: ▪ Position feet either side of pit ▪ Turnkey 90 degrees ▪ Lift lid and slide forward Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021 PAGE 15
Using pit
▪ When pits are in use they must not be left open without the use of safety cone to highlight the
open lid, or tensa barriers to isolate the area
▪ All pit lids have flaps to accommodate cables. Ensure that when cables are in use, the flaps are
positioned as not to cause damage to the cables or a trip hazard
▪ During bump in times or whilst used for kitchens, high visibility flag should be used to alert traffic
to live cables.
Closing pit lid
▪ Remove all rubbish from pit and surrounding area
▪ Insert pit lid key
▪ Position feet either side of pit
▪ Slide pit lid into position, ready to close
▪ Ensure all flaps are in the closed upright position:
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 16▪ Ensure pit lid is in secured position
▪ Return pit lid key to loading dock
Handrails and stairs for temporary stages
The following requirements are applicable for all public stairway, ramps and platforms forming part
of a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE)
Stairs
▪ Minimum height of a step is 115mm
▪ The step must have a contrasting edge to distinguish it clearly from the surrounding floor and
must be non-slip or have a non-slip strip
Stairs and handrails
▪ If two or more steps are installed, there should be a handrail installed on at least one side
▪ Where the width of the stairs is 2m or more, there must be a handrail affixed on both sides
▪ Handrails must be at a height of not less than 865 mm measured above the nosing of stair treads
and the floor surface of the ramp, landing, or the like
▪ A balustrade must be provided where people could fall 1m or more (stages exempt)
▪ The height of a handrail or balustrade must be a minimum 1m
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 17▪ in certain circumstances if a clients would like a feature stair (e.g. Tivoli Stair) at the front of the
temporary stages without having a handrail, due to the visual impairments the handrail
provides, the following controls must be in place:
▪ A secondary stair fitted with a handrail is provided at the side of the stage providing optional
access for clients should they require it.
▪ Event staff are to be instructed to make the client aware of the front stair without the handrail
and the secondary option
▪ Event staff are to be available to assist people onto the stage as required
▪ Event organiser and event planner are to liaise the above information and management plan
to clients during pre-event discussions.
Feature stairs:
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 18Tivoli stairs:
Accessibility access considerations
▪ A continuous path of travel should be considered into and throughout the event area to all unique
areas
▪ Pathways are to have a minimum 2m unobstructed vertical clearance which may be reduced to
1980mm above any doorways
▪ For heights above 190mm and ramp lengths greater than 1520mm, the maximum gradient must
be 1:14
▪ For ramps with a gradient of 1:14, landings are required every 9m
▪ For ramps with the gradient of 1:20, landings are required every 15m
▪ A ramp must have a minimum width of 1m
▪ A ramp must have handrails installed on either side with a minimum height of 865mm and
maximum height of 1m
▪ A kerb must be provided down both sides of any ramp
▪ Temporary ramps are to be consistent and equal in incline
▪ Handrails must extend 300mm past the end of any ramp or stairway and return through 180
degrees or to an adjoining wall or post.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 19Alcohol and drugs
It is prohibited for any contractor to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while working
at MCEC or while performing site activities, including operating vehicles or equipment. The
manufacture, distribution, possession, use or sale of any illegal drug or alcohol at MCEC is strictly
prohibited and will be dealt with promptly.
Smoking
All buildings within MCEC are smoke-free environments. Please observe the no-smoking rules on
site. Smoking zones are marked accordingly. There is to be no smoking within 5m of the loading
dock roller doors.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
All persons working on the MCEC site must identify and use appropriate PPE for the works they are
undertaking, including eye, hearing and sun protection.
Safety vests
Safety vests are compulsory whilst on loading docks or in MCEC venues during the move-in and
move-out of events.
Safety vests may be purchased from vending machines located on the loading cocks and
concourse.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 20Public safety
All contractors and sub-contractors must submit notification to MCEC of an intention to carry out
work on- site that may affect the public. The movement of other people in the area must be
considered;
▪ Arrange barricades, signs or other appropriate measures to ensure the safe flow of pedestrians
and traffic
▪ Secure the site when unattended
▪ Barricade and/or cover excavations where there is a risk of injury.
Forklift Operating Procedure
While on-site at MCEC the operating company must ensure that:
▪ Work is conducted in accordance with the Victorian OH&S Act 2004, OH&S Regulation 2017,
WorkCover Forklift Truck Drivers Guide and MCEC requirements as stated below
▪ Forklift operators are fully licenced (no trainees) and carry their licence on them at all times. If a
forklift operator is unable to produce a current certification, they will not be permitted to operate
a forklift
▪ Drivers observe road rules and give way to pedestrians on the loading dock
▪ Any directions or instructions given by MCEC staff are adhered to at all times
▪ All forklifts have signage attached in a prominent location to identify who it belongs to
▪ All spare forklift gas cylinders have company identification attached and are stored in the gas
cage at the loading dock
▪ Competent and site-inducted spotters are used within the Exhibition Centre bays
▪ No forklifts are left in the Exhibition Centre bays overnight or during the event operational period
▪ All forklifts and gas cylinders are removed from the premises within 24 hours of the event
finishing
▪ All forklifts are maintained in good working order and condition
▪ Daily pre-operation inspections are carried out and recorded in the logbook
▪ Only approved attachments are used on the forklift
▪ Forklift tynes to be as low as possible when driving
▪ Forklift tyne extensions must be securely fitted
▪ The correct lifting equipment or attachments are used
▪ All forklifts drive at a speed no greater than 5 km per hour at all times
▪ Forklift operators wear seatbelts and a safety vest at all times.
▪ Forklift operators do not smoke while on the forklift
▪ Forklift operators do not wear hooded jumpers (hoodies) while on the forklift
▪ Forklift operators do not use mobile phones or radios while operating the forklift
▪ Forklift operators do not lift or carry passengers
▪ Forklifts operating in the Exhibition Centre bays have their lights switched on
▪ Forklift operators to reverse when vision is slightly blocked by their load
▪ Forklift operators to sound horn at intersections and blind corners
▪ Forklift operators do not place items that impede access to emergency exits, fire safety equipment
or restrict access in clear aisles
▪ Forklift operators do not move a raised load above other workers and do not load or unload a
truck when the driver is standing nearby
▪ Forklift operators and spotters are not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while working
at MCEC and must carry out their duties and responsibilities in a safe manner.
▪ Forklift operators must not share their forklift with other exhibitors or companies.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 21MCEC representatives will also undertake regular compliance checks and you may be asked to
provide evidence in relation to the above requirements. If at any time forklift operation or operator
behaviour is considered non-compliant, unsafe or placing persons at risk, the operator will be
stopped and warned to immediately correct their behaviour. If the operator breaches requirements
on a second occasion, they may be removed from the site.
The above list of obligations reflects the minimum requirements for operating in the MCEC and is
not intended to be an exhaustive list of safety measures that may be relevant to this type of activity.
Spotter Responsibilities
While on-site at MCEC the operating company must ensure that a trained spotter is used at all-
times excluding on the loading docks. Spotters must:
▪ Remain a safe distance from the equipment and its load while in motion or if the load is raised
▪ Be in constant view of the operator at all times
▪ Walk either to the left or right-hand side and three metres in front of the equipment and NOT
directly in the pathway of the equipment
▪ Ensure they do NOT direct the forklift driver to enter a designated pedestrian walkway
▪ Warn pedestrians to stand clear of the equipment and load. If the pedestrian does not clear the
pathway, the spotter must direct the driver to stop the equipment until the pedestrian moves
or chooses an alternative route
▪ Direct pedestrians to the designated pedestrian walkways as indicated on exhibition floor plan
submitted under the Event Safety Plan
▪ Be fully alert to any obstacles in the way, both in front of them and overhead (see list below)
▪ If the forklift driver has to raise a load/overhead lift, the spotter must ensure pedestrians are not
located under or near the raised load or with in the footprint of the load. It is also the spotter's
responsibility to blow a whistle to alert others
▪ If the spotter is unable to maintain a clear area around the forklift, they will need to direct the
operator to stop, with the load on the ground, until they can find someone to assist
▪ Spotters are required to carry a copy of the Exhibition Centre floor plan and should direct drivers
to travel down the clearway aisles shown on the floor plan
▪ Report any incidents or issues to event security and MCEC loading dock representatives
immediately.
Obstacles on the exhibition floor can include, but are not limited to:
▪ Pedestrians
▪ Service pits uncovered, or covers not replaced correctly
▪ Rigging chains hanging from fixed points
▪ Electrical, phone and computer cabling
▪ Electrical circuit boards
▪ Signage
▪ Goods placed in aisle ways.
▪ Other plant operating in the same area
▪ Rubbish not cleared from stands and aisles
▪ Spillages and wet floors that may result in slipping.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 22The above list of obligations reflects the minimum requirements for operating in the MCEC and is
not intended to be an exhaustive list of safety measures that may be relevant to this type of activity.
Breach Penalty Point System
MCEC has implemented a penalty point system to ensure the safety of all while working at MCEC.
If any work is deemed unsafe, penalty points can be recorded against both a company and
individual employees.
Company:
Breach penalty No. of points
Endangering life or a systemic failure of a safety procedure Automatic suspension,
until a formal evaluation
of the breach
A Victorian WorkCover authority reportable incident* 6 Points
Breach of the OHS Act 2004, the OHS Regulation 2017 or relevant standards 4 points
Breach of any of the above procedures or responsibilities 3 points
Employee of a company allowing other exhibitors or companies to use their plant 3 points
Employee of a company working without proper certifications or licence (i.e., high risk work 2 points
licence, construction induction card, forklift licence)
Employee of a company working without a spotter in MCEC venue/s 2 points
Breach of MCEC LPG gas policy and procedure 2 points
Company employing an operator who has been suspended from MCEC 2 points
Employee of a company speeding while operating plant 2 points
Employee of a company causing damage to MCEC 1 point
Breach of the MCEC contractor management system (LinkSafe) requirements for the 1 point
company (OHS policy, WorkCover insurance, public liability insurance etc.)
Employees of a company working without completing MCEC’s online induction 1 point
Employee of a company working without uploading all relevant personal information to 1 point
LinkSafe (CI card, high risk work licence, drivers' licence)
Employee of a company working without carrying relevant documentation 1 point
* A Victorian WorkCover authority reportable incident as defined in the OHS Act Part 5, duties
relating to incidents, section 37.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 23Suspension - A company accumulating 12 breach penalty points during a period of 24 months will
be suspended from operating at MCEC for a period of 3 months. After the 3-month suspension
period, the company will have to satisfy MCEC that they have taken the necessary steps to
prevent any reoccurrences of the incident(s) that resulted in the suspension. In cases where
MCEC & stakeholders deem a company to be a systematic offender or continuously demonstrating
unsafe methods of work, the company may be removed from the accreditation list permanently.
Right of appeal - A company receiving a suspension or penalty points, has the right to appeal the
decision. MCEC & stakeholders will convene a committee compromising of senior managers
from MCEC & stakeholders. The company will be given the opportunity to present their case to the
committee. The committee’s decisions are final.
Individual:
Breach penalty No. of points
Endangering life or a systemic failure of a safety procedure Automatic suspension,
until a formal evaluation
of the breach
A Victorian WorkCover authority reportable incident* 6 Points
Breach of the OHS Act 2004, the OHS regulation 2017 or relevant standards 4 points
Breach of any of the above procedures or responsibilities 3 points
Individual allowing other exhibitors or operators to use their plant 3 points
Individual of a company working without proper certifications or licence (i.e., high risk work 2 points
licence, construction induction card, forklift licence)
Individual of a company working without a spotter in MCEC venue/s 2 points
Breach of MCEC LPG gas policy and procedure 2 points
Individual speeding while operating plant 2 points
Individual of a company causing damage to MCEC 1 point
Individual of a company working without completing MCEC’s online induction 1 point
Individual of a company working without uploading all relevant personal information to 1 point
LinkSafe (CI card, high risk work licence, drivers' licence)
Individual of a company working without carrying relevant documentation 1 point
* A Victorian WorkCover authority reportable incident as defined in the OHS Act Part 5, duties
relating to incidents, section 37.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 24Suspension – An individual accumulating 6 breach penalty points during a period of 24 months will
be suspended from operating at MCEC for a period of 3 months. After the 3-month suspension
period, the individual will have to satisfy MCEC that they have taken the necessary steps to
prevent any reoccurrences of the incident(s) that resulted in the suspension. In cases where
MCEC & stakeholders deem an individual to be a systematic offender or continuously
demonstrating unsafe methods of work, the individual may be removed from the accreditation list
permanently.
Right of appeal – An individual receiving a suspension or penalty points, has the right to appeal the
decision. MCEC & stakeholders will convene a committee compromising of senior managers
from MCEC & stakeholders. The individual will be given the opportunity to present their case to the
committee. The committee’s decisions are final.
Rigging companies and working at heights
All personnel must abide by the following:
▪ Only rigging companies approved by MCEC are permitted to perform rigging in the venue
▪ All rigging contractors are to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and
associated regulations and codes
▪ All rigging companies are to comply with MCEC-specific requirements regarding roof loadings
▪ All riggers and crew employed by rigging companies working at MCEC must have appropriate
certification for the duties they are performing and equipment they are operating
▪ All personnel working at height must use appropriate and approved harnesses or fall-restraint
devices capable of arresting a fall from a height. This applies to riggers, scaffolders, stand
builders, audio visual staff, lighting crews on trusses, and the like
▪ Riggers are to wear a safety vest at all times. They are also responsible for ensuring spotters
working with them are wearing a safety vest
▪ Hands-free radios or phones may not be used whilst operating equipment
▪ Tools taken aloft must be secured to lanyards
▪ Total weight in basket must never exceed the SWL specified by the manufacturer
▪ Control measures must be implemented to prevent any equipment or items taken aloft from
falling and thereby creating a risk
▪ The spotter is to be in contact with boom lift operator at all times
▪ Appropriate signage must be displayed when overhead work is being conducted by boom lifts or
scissor lifts
▪ All crew engaged in groundwork for riggers or spotting for booms or scissor lifts must wear hard
hats
▪ Spotters are to ensure that aisles are cleared of personnel or equipment whilst the boom lift is
being moved around or between stands
▪ Spotters are to ensure that adequate supervision and warning is given to bystanders during
slewing, raising or lowering operations to prevent any crushing hazard to personnel or
equipment
▪ Chains are not to be left hanging from rigging such that aisles are obstructed or there is a risk of
a forklift or person connecting with the chain.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 25MCEC rigging process
The MCEC has a number of Accredited Rigging Companies who have gone through an accreditation
process in order to work at the MCEC. These companies have completed all the necessary
paperwork and induction processes which have been reviewed and their submission has been
accepted. For a list of the Accredited rigging companies contact your event planner or sales
production planner.
These companies fully understand the process involved in order to get their rigging plans approved
as outlined below:
▪ Accredited rigging company must send the following through to rigging@mcec.com.au
▪ MCEC Rigging Cover Sheet Form
▪ Rigging plan with point loads on MCEC templates
▪ Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 26Exhibition Centre – Venue-specific safety Loading dock Contractors during move-out Forklifts, boom lifts and scissor lifts are not to be operated on the loading dock or bays for the first two hours after the roller doors have been raised, or until it is deemed safe by the safety manager, logistics manager, organisers, and security. Contractor vehicles are not permitted onto the loading dock for two hours after the exhibition has closed. This is to minimise queuing at the loading dock and to ensure maximum space on the loading dock is available for exhibitors. Contractors are not permitted to block aisle ways, nor impede exhibitors’ departure. Exhibition Centre loading dock entrance The Exhibition Centre has a self-managing dock. At times the entrance gate will not be manned. Entrance to the loading dock is via the Normanby Road entrance. All access is through the entry gate at the western end of the building. Signage at the entrance shall be maintained to provide direction as to how the loading dock area operates. Traffic safety A 5km per hour speed limit operates at MCEC across all loading docks and Exhibition Bays. Exhibition Centre loading dock Vehicles are not permitted to park on, over or blocking the yellow or red painted KEEP CLEAR areas near the doors. Pedestrian walkways are to remain clear at all times. This includes remaining clear of ramps, tailgates and doors of vehicles, and exhibitor or contractor goods. Vehicles with contractor passes are permitted to park on the loading dock during move-in and move-out of exhibitions and events. There is to be a maximum of four vehicles on the loading dock per company at any one time. Contractor vehicles may not be permitted to park on the loading dock during large exhibitions or as otherwise instructed. Car spaces may be required for exhibitors or storage containers and hoeckers. Vehicles will be allowed access for 30 minutes (maximum) to unload tools, equipment and suchlike. MCEC management may decide about contractors parking on the dock at any time. Vehicles parking close to bollards must leave three meter’s clearance from pedestrian walkways to allow clear vision space for pedestrians and traffic. Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021 PAGE 27
Vehicles are not permitted to park on the yellow line that runs down the length of the dock defining
the roadway.
All persons are to wear approved high-visibility clothing or safety vests on the loading dock and in
the bays. Drivers are to observe road rules and give way to pedestrians at all times on the loading
dock.
Drivers to park as per loading-dock traffic controller directions and as close as possible to safety
rails, to ensure maximum roadway.
Vehicles are not to encroach on KEEP CLEAR areas with vehicle, tailgate or load.
When taking loads into bays, drivers must use defined vehicle entry points only at roller doors.
Exclusion zones – unloading areas
The roller doors on the loading dock have been painted with pedestrian walkways and forklift drive
areas.
Forklifts are only permitted to drive on the yellow forklift-designated areas. They may not drive on
the pedestrian defined access lanes.
Pedestrians may not access or exit the bays via forklift-designated areas; they must enter and exit
bays through fire-exit doors located beside the roller door.
All loading and unloading of vehicles by forklifts must be done in an exclusion area. Temporary
barriers must be assembled in areas where a forklift is operating.
Access to Exhibition Bays
Access to Exhibition Bays will not be allowed to contractors or organisers unless event security is
present and has control over the exhibition bay. Where early access has been granted to
contractors, event security must be present.
Traffic control within exhibition bays
Floor plans must show freight clear aisles. Signage must be placed to define these lanes.
A responsible and trained spotter will be required to guide all forklifts while they are operating in
the bays.
Announcements are to be made by organisers reminding exhibitors of safety requirements.
Place all goods onto the stand in such a position that the goods do not encroach into the aisles.
All unnecessary stand-building equipment must be removed from bays before exhibitors commence
moving in.
Access to fire doors or fire equipment is not to be blocked at any time.
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
PAGE 28Pedestrians
Safety zones have been established on the Exhibition Centre’s loading area. All pedestrians must
use the pedestrian walkway behind the bollards when walking along the dock and cross the dock
at the appropriate pedestrian crossing.
Pedestrians are to enter and exit bays via areas marked in RED at roller doors and through the fire-
exit doors located in each bay.
Exhibition Centre gas cages
MCEC has a number of gas cages located on the loading dock that allow for the storage of these
items safely outside the building. The loading dock staff or MCEC security control room can provide
access.
No gas bottles are to be stored or left in the building or with storage on dock area. All bottles must
be returned to the gas cage located near the wash bay when not in use. All bottles must be stored
upright in a manner to ensure they cannot fall. All gas bottles must be labelled with the company
details.
Forklifts
Forklifts must be parked in the designated area on the loading dock.
Gas bottles are to be removed and stored in the gas cage area. Keys must not be left in the forklift.
Forklifts must be removed by hire companies the day after move-out of the exhibition has
completed.
Forklift operators must comply with the following procedures:
▪ Any forklifts brought on-site must be approved by the logistics manager
▪ All plant equipment is to be tagged with the name and phone number of the hiring company
▪ Drivers must abide by traffic management procedures when operating on the loading dock
▪ Any directions or instructions given by MCEC staff must be adhered to at all times
▪ Drivers must observe road rules and give way to pedestrians at all times on the loading dock
▪ Drivers are to operate forklifts at a walking pace (5KPH) at all times within the exhibition bays
▪ A site-inducted plant spotter must accompany any plant entering the exhibition bays
▪ The spotter is responsible for ensuring the path of the plant remains clear of pedestrians and
hazards
▪ Forklifts are to use designated forklift aisle ways that are established for each event
▪ Forklifts may not be left unattended with a key in the ignition at any time
▪ All forklift drivers must hold an appropriate forklift licence
▪ Forklifts operating in the bays are to have lights switched on
▪ Forklift drivers are to wear their seat belt and a safety vest at all times
▪ They are also responsible for ensuring that spotters working with them are wearing a safety vest
▪ If a spotter needs to leave the forklift, the driver must place the load or tynes on the floor if
practicable and keep the forklift stationery until the spotter returns
Occupational Health and Safety Manual | March 2021
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