Permit Zones - B, C, E, F & G

These briefing notes have been prepared specifically to inform researchers and other site visitors of the safety hazards associated with working in Permit Zone B, C, E, F & G at the Australian Canopy Crane Research Facility at Cape Tribulation. These Permit Zones are illustrated in Figure 1 below.

Permit zone B is the Crane Base Compound and Tower section of the Crane.

Permit zone C is the Gondola or Dog-Box.

Permit zone E is the circular area of forest beneath the arc of the crane jib.

Permit zone F is the remaining area of forest with the company lease area.

Permit zone G is the Mobile Scaffold.

Scope

In addition to identifying the safety hazards associated with working in these permit zones, these notes provide site users with recommendations regarding the avoidance of these hazards and suggested accident and emergency response procedures. It is must however be recognised that these notes cannot possibly cover every potential safety hazard associated with working in these areas. The most important recommendation made here (and in the General information Package) is that at least one individual (and preferably all members) in a research team should hold a current first aid certificate. The accident and emergency response procedures recommended here should not be regarded as a substitute for a knowledge of first aid.

EPIRB - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

An EPIRB is kept in the safety equipment box, which is normally carried in the gondola. When the crane is not operating, this box (and the EPIRB) is stored in the shed at the base of the crane. When the EPIRB is activated, it sends out a radio beacon that will bring an emergency rescue team (rescue helicopter) to your assistance. However, please note that the EPIRB should only be activated in immediate life threatening situations (ie. if someone has had a heart-attack or sustained a life threatening injury). Note also that there are severe penalties for misuse of an EPIRB.

First Aid Kits

First Aid kits are kept in the shed at the base of the crane tower and in the house rented by the ACCC at Coconut Beach Resort. These kits are available for use to all site visitors and all visitors are permitted to access these areas to use the First Aid kits. The kits will be checked regularly to ensure they are fully stocked and in good condition. However, if you use any of the materials in the First Aid kits you should inform the site safety officer or another company official so the materials can be restocked.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are kept in the driver's cabin on the crane, in the shed at the base of the crane tower and in the generator shed. These are available for the use of all site visitors in the event of a fire (note however that only the crane driver and the site safety officer can access the drivers cabin).

Responsible Personnel

Every person visiting the site is responsible for his or her own safety, and within reason, the safety of every other person on the site. If you see a person behaving in an unsafe manner, your minimum responsibilities are to advise them that they are doing so. If they persist in behaving in the same manner the incident should be reported to the site safety officer or another company official. If you observe that an unforseen safety hazard exists on the site (eg. a broken piece of equipment, a feral dog on the site, etc) you are also obliged to inform other workers on the site and the site safety officer or another company official. All accidents and safety incidents at the research facility should also be reported to the site safety officer or another company official.

Personnel responsible for the management of safety on the site are:

The Site Safety Officer

The Company Director

The Business Manager

Mr Denis Rodgers

CRC TREM Headquarters

James Cook University

Smithfield 4878. Qld.

Ph: (W) 4042 1243

(AH) 4057 5194

Email: Denis.Rodgers@jcu.edu.au

Professor Nigel Stork

CRC TREM Headquarters

James Cook University

Smithfield 4878. Qld.

Ph: (W) 4042 1246

(AH) 4039 2093

Email: Nigel.Stork@jcu.edu.au

Ms Carole Peacock

CRC TREM Headquarters

James Cook University

Smithfield 4878. Qld.

Ph: (W) 4042 1251

(AH) 4059 2348

Email: Carole.Peacock@jcu.edu.au

Overhead Hazards

Safety Hazard	Avoiding the Hazard	Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard
Falling objects from Gondola and crane counterweight jib There may be occasions when either maintenance work is being performed on the counterweight jib of the crane or people are working overhead in the gondola while others are working in permit Zones B & E. On such occasions there is a chance that those working on the ground may be injured by objects falling from either the gondola or the counterweight jib.	If you are working in Permit Zone B & E while either maintenance work is being performed on the counterweight jib of the crane or while people are working overhead in the gondola, make sure you inform those working above of your presence. Wear a hard hat. Avoid working directly below either the counterweight jib or the gondola.	Broken limbs, head injuries and a variety of other serious injuries or death may result from being struck by objects falling from the counterweight jib or gondola. No work crew should work in Permit Zone E under these conditions unless they are prepared to treat such injuries. A two-way radio or telephone should always be carried to call for assistance.
Falling objects from the scaffold. Falling objects from the scaffold represent a hazard to those working either on or near the mobile scaffold (Permit zone G) should People are working in permit Zone E. On such occasions there is a chance that those working on the ground may be injured by objects falling from either the gondola or the counterweight jib.	While others are working on the scaffold above you, you should wear a hard-hat. When working on the scaffold you should be aware of the hazards of falling objects to those below. If you are working in Permit Zone E while either maintenance work is being performed on the counterweight jib of the crane or while people are working overhead in the gondola, make sure you inform those working above of your presence. Wear a hard hat. Avoid working directly below either the counterweight jib or the gondola.	Broken limbs, head injuries and a variety of other serious injuries or death may result from being struck by objects falling from the counterweight jib or gondola. No work crew should work in Permit Zone E under these conditions unless they are prepared to treat such injuries. A two-way radio or telephone should always be carried to call for assistance.
Overhead Snags & Treefall Hazards Storm damage to trees in the forest often results in branches breaking from the trees. In many cases however, the broken branches will become entangled in vines etc, in the canopy and will not fall to the ground for several months or years. Dead and damaged trees may similarly stand for a long period of time before actually falling. Overhead snags and dead trees may fall at any time and cause serious injury.	Before working in or walking trough an area of the forest you should assess the area for potential overhead snag and treefall hazards. Working below overhead snag and treefall hazards should be avoided at all times. However, if your work dictates that you must work in such an area you should wear a hard hat. If high winds develop and increase the probability of branches or trees falling, work in the area should be suspended until the wind drops. Never work alone in such an area. Always appoint one team member as a lookout to warn of any movement in overhead snags and dangerous trees.	Broken limbs, head injuries and a variety of other serious injuries or death may result from being struck by a falling branch or tree. No work crew should work in overhead snag and treefall hazard areas unless they are prepared to treat such injuries. A two-way radio or telephone should always be carried to call for assistance.

Hazardous Flora

Safety Hazard

Avoiding the Hazard

Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard

Wait-a-while or rattan (Calamus australis)

This is a native palm species which grows abundantly at the research site. Characteristic features of the plant are long whip-like canes covered large hook-like spines. These spines will very often lacerate any body part brushed against them.

The spines will also hook firmly into clothing and boots etc, which will often cause a person to stumble or trip

The only means of avoiding contact with wait-a-while is to familiarise oneself with the appearance of the plant, and to visually avoid it. If your activities dictate that you need to walk through clumps of wait-a-while or work in the forest at night, do it 'very slowly'.

Severe cuts and lacerations can result from accidental contact with wait-a-while. In this area, particularly during summer, even minor cuts and abrasions can rapidly become infected and develop into tropical ulcers. Such injuries should therefore be cleaned and treated quickly with some form of antiseptic. First aid kits with appropriate supplies are located in the shed at the base of the crane tower and in the house rented by the Canopy Crane Company at Coconut Beach Resort.

Stinging trees (Dendrocnide moroides)

This is a native shrub species which is quite common on the site in more open sunlit areas.

The large heart shaped leaves have toothed margins and are covered in tiny needle-like hairs. Any contact with the leaves of this plant will result in an extremely painful sting wherever the needle-like leaf hairs penetrate the skin. The pain associated with such a sting may persist for months as the needle-like hairs slowly release the toxin they contain.

All visitors to the site should make sure they are familiar with the appearance of this plant before working on the ground in rainforest areas. Contact with this plant should be avoided at all times. Because a stinging tree sting may result in shock it is inadvisable to work alone in rainforest areas on the site

There is no treatment or antitoxin which will reduce the pain of a stinging tree sting. The only treatment is to remove the needle-like hairs which remain in the skin. This will at least reduce the time period for which the pain persists.

Hair removal wax (kept in the first aid kits) should be applied to the affected area in an effort to remove the stinging tree hairs. Do not rub the affected area. In some cases a person stung by a stinging tree may require treatment for shock. If a person appears to be going into shock they should be given appropriate first aid treatment and moved to an area where medical assistance is available. If a person is clearly in shock they should be given appropriate First Aid treatment and assistance should be called for using either a two-way radio or telephone.

Hazardous Fauna

Safety Hazard	Avoiding the Hazard	Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard
Feral Animals - pigs and dogs Feral pigs and dogs are occasionally seen on the site and will generally retreat into the forest when they encounter a human being. However, both are known to occasionally attack and can inflict severe injuries.	If you encounter a pig or a dog on the site and it does not retreat, you should back away slowly and retreat to a safe place (ie a vehicle, building or fenced area). Do not continue to work on the site until you are certain that it is safe to do so. Do not work on the site alone. Inform the responsible personnel urgently of such incidents so that the animals can be removed.	Injuries resulting from a dog or pig attack may be severe and require urgent first aid and medical attention. A two-way radio or telephone should always be carried for this purpose.
Cassowaries Cassowaries are occasionally seen on the site and will generally retreat into the forest when they encounter a human being. However, they are known to occasionally attack and can inflict severe injuries	If you encounter a cassowary on the site and it does not retreat, you should back away slowly and retreat to a safe place (ie a vehicle, building or fenced area). It may help to raise your hands over your head to give yourself a taller appearance. (Cassowaries will reputedly avoid an attack on an animal taller than themselves) Do not continue to work on the site until you are certain that it is safe to do so. Do not work on the site alone.	Injuries resulting from a dog or pig attack may be severe and require urgent first aid and medical attention. A two-way radio or telephone should always be carried for this purpose.
Bites and Stings A number of animal species on the site (such as spiders, snakes and wasps) can inflict painful and dangerous stings and bites. Even a minor wasp sting could potentially cause a dangerous lapse of attention and possibly result in a fall. Snakes are occasionally seen in the canopy while working in the forest and should be avoided. Although the majority of species encountered are non-venomous tree snakes or pythons, some highly venomous species are known to occur in the area. All snakes on the site should be treated with caution and avoided wherever possible.	If you have any known allergies to bee and wasp stings etc, make sure you carry appropriate medication while working on the site. Do not work on the site alone and ensure that your companions are aware of your allergies and how to respond to an emergency situation. Even if you do not have such an allergy you should be aware of this hazard and the appropriate first aid response to bites and stings. If you see any wasp nests or spider webs being built within the gondola, make sure they are removed as soon as possible. Avoid all contact with snakes and exercise caution when working on the forest floor, especially in sunlit areas where snakes might sun themselves.	Administer First Aid and call for immediate assistance as appropriate.

Heat

Safety Hazard

Avoiding the Hazard

Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard

Heat Exhaustion and Stroke

Working conditions on the site in the summer can be extremely hot and humid and unless some care is taken, people working on the site can place themselves in real danger of heat exhaustion or a potentially fatal heat stroke.

Always wear a hat when working in the forest in summer. Always carry at least one litre of water per person for a half days work in the summer. Do not work on the site alone.

Sign and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: pale clammy skin, profuse and prolonged sweating, cramps in the limbs and/or abdomen, nausea and/or vomiting, headache and lethargy.

pale, clammy skin

Treatment should involve: complete rest in the shade, no further exertion, cool casualty by sponging with tepid water, when nausea passes give cool water to drink (cautiously), ensure casualty has assistance when recovered

Heat Stroke is potentially fatal! Signs and symptoms include: flushed, hot, dry skin the casualty has ceased sweating, rapid, strong pulse (sometimes irregular) , irrational or aggressive behaviour, staggering gait, visual disturbances,

vomiting, collapse and seizures, coma - death

Care and treatment include:

urgent ambulance transport, complete rest in shade, remove casualty's clothing, cool casualty, with any means possible, be prepared to resuscitate as required

nothing by mouth - rehydration is required by intravenous fluids administered by a doctor or ambulance crew

Slips & Trips

Safety Hazard

Avoiding the Hazard

Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard

Slipping or Falling while climbing in the crane tower section or mobile scaffold

The tower section of the crane and the mobile scaffold are designed as a safe climbing structures. The guardrails surrounding the ladders and section platforms should provide sufficient protection against falling either out of the tower or down through the tower. However, there is always a risk of falling and sustaining a serious injury, even if you only fall over a short distance.

Always be extremely careful while climbing on these structures.

Keep in mind that painted sections can become very slippery when wet or muddy

Do not lean out beyond the guardrails on the tower unless you are wearing a fall protection harness with a lanyard attached to the crane structure

Avoid climbing these structures alone. Carry a two-way radio or telephone to call for help, and inform someone of your intended activities. Ask someone to ensure that you have returned safely after work.

First aid for broken limbs, head injuries etc may be required.

Slipping or Falling while working around the crane base compound or on the crane ballast.

The ground surface around the crane base is uneven in many places and may represent a trip hazard. A higher risk of tripping and falling is associated with walking around on top of the crane ballast blocks. This is especially true while stepping over the crane legs which cross the ballast blocks, or while climbing through from the ballast blocks to the base of the crane tower.

Always be extremely careful while working around the base of the crane.

Keep in mind that concrete and painted sections can become very slippery when wet or muddy

Avoid working in this area alone unless you have a two-way radio or telephone to call for help. Inform someone of your intended activities and ask them to ensure that you have returned safely after work.

First aid for broken limbs, head injuries etc may be required.

Working in the Gondola

Safety Hazard

Avoiding the Hazard

Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard

Objects falling from the gondola

Any object falling from the gondola poses a serious safety hazard to those working below.

If you are working in Permit Zone C make sure you inform those working below of your presence and ask them not to work directly below you if possible.

· If you drop anything or see anything falling while working in the gondola, shout 'BELOW!' in a loud voice to warn those beneath you. (Keep in mind that there may be people below you whose presence you are unaware of - ALWAYS shout 'BELOW!' if you drop anything or see anything falling from the gondola).

Broken limbs, head injuries and a variety of other serious injuries or death may result from being struck by objects falling from Permit Zone C. No work crew should work in Permit Zone C under these conditions unless they are prepared to treat such injuries. A two-way radio or telephone should always be carried to communicate between work crews and or call for assistance.

Objects entering the gondola

While the gondola is moving through the rainforest canopy there is a chance that objects may enter the gondola and cause a variety of injuries (ie. sticks, branches, wait-a-while canes etc.).

The avoidance of these kinds of hazards is the responsibility of the crane driver. However, you should remain aware of the existence of these hazards and assist the driver by warning him/ her if you think you are approaching a hazard the driver is unaware of.

Administer First Aid and call for assistance as appropriate

Slipping while working in the gondola

While there is always a minor risk that your footing may slip while working in the gondola, there are some conditions in which the risk of slipping is increased to unacceptable levels. These include the presence of oil or water on any of the jib surfaces and working in strong winds. Most importantly, if the crane driver trips he/ she may lose control of the crane.

· Always be careful with your footing in this area.

· If there is either oil or water on the floor of the gondola, clean it up immediately with rags (found in the shed at the base of the crane).

Administer First Aid and call for assistance as appropriate.

Tripping while working in the gondola

While there is always a risk that you may trip while working in the gondola, there are some conditions in which the risk of tripping is increased to unacceptable levels. These include the presence of tools, rags, research equipment etc., on the floor of the gondola.

Tripping in this area may lead to a variety of injuries. Most importantly, if the crane driver trips he/ she may lose control of the crane.

· Always be careful with your footing in this area.

· The floor of the gondola must always be kept tidy, and free from trip hazards.

Administer First Aid and call for immediate assistance as appropriate.

Falling from the gondola

There is virtually no chance of falling from the gondola. However, the point must be made that the result of such a fall would be almost certain death.

· Do not ever work in the gondola without wearing a fall arrest harness with a lanyard attached to one of the attachment points in the gondola.

Administer First Aid and call for assistance as appropriate.

Moving from the gondola across to the crane tower (or vice versa)

There is a high risk of crush injuries or falling while moving from the gondola across to the crane tower (or vice versa). The result of such a fall would be almost certain death.

· This practice is strongly discouraged and shall only be undertaken when absolutely necessary

· Do not ever move from the gondola across to the crane tower (or vice versa) without first attaching your lanyard to a fixed point on the structure onto which you are climbing.

Administer First Aid and call for assistance as appropriate.

Fire

There may be a number of potential fire hazards in the gondola. Especially if research methods involve the use of flammable materials such as ethanol or aerosol cans

· Quantities of flammable materials used in the gondola should be extremely limited. For example do not carry more than one litre in the gondola at any time.

· While flammable materials are carried in the gondola, smoking is totally prohibited.

· While flammable materials are carried in the gondola, a small fire extinguisher must also be carried.

There is a dry chemical type fire extinguisher in the driver's cabin which should be used in an effort to extinguish any fire.

Evacuate all personnel from the area and call for immediate assistance.

Crane breakdown

Although the maintenance of the crane and generator are rigorous, there is always a small chance that either may breakdown.

Preventing breakdowns of the crane and generator is almost entirely out of the hands of personnel other than the crane driver, company officials and maintenance personnel. However, all personnel are obliged to report anything they observe which they think might indicate a potential malfunction of the generator or crane.

· The standard response to a crane breakdown while people are in the gondola is to initiate the emergency evacuation procedure. This involves the evacuation of all personnel from the gondola using a standard rope rescue procedure. The equipment used in this procedure must be carried in the gondola at all times while personnel are carried in the gondola.

· DO NOT EVER allow yourself to be lifted in the gondola unless the rope rescue equipment is present in the gondola.

· DO NOT EVER allow yourself to be lifted in the gondola unless you have a reliable means of emergency communication. Ensure that a fully charged two-way radio handset is left in an area of the resort frequented by staff. The radio should be tuned to an agreed channel and turned on for the entire time you are working in the gondola. Make certain that the staff in the area are aware of their role in an emergency situation and that they are aware of your intended activities and your expected time of return.

If you are in the gondola and the crane ceases to function, do not panic. In the first instance, the emergency evacuation procedure is the responsibility of the crane driver. The driver will carry out this procedure and safely evacuate all personnel to the ground.

There are also contingency plans in place to deal with situations in which the driver is unable to carry out this procedure (ie, if the driver has been injured, or if the driver is being employed casually and does not have the necessary skills. If this situation arises you should attempt to telephone the Australian Canopy Crane Company office at James Cook University Cairns. There are a number of personnel here who can also carry out the emergency evacuation procedure. If the telephone is not operational, use the two-way radio to contact staff at Coconut Beach Resort and ask them to call the Canopy Crane Company Office.

If Canopy Crane Company Office cannot be contacted, call 000 and ask the Police to initiate a rescue by the State Emergency Service.

Working on the Mobile Scaffold

Safety Hazard

Avoiding the Hazard

Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard

While working on the mobile scaffold:

1. Check that the base is level before starting work (there is a spirit level supplied for this purpose)

2. Check that the legs of the scaffold are resting squarely on their base plates

3. Note that the safe working load of the scaffold is 450kg (use the scales in the shed at the base of the crane to check the weight of your personnel and equipment)

4. No more than four people in total may work on the scaffold

5. No more than two people may work on any single platform on the scaffold

Warning on unauthorised access

Safety Hazard

Avoiding the Hazard

Responding to an accident or emergency involving this hazard

Unauthorised access to the crane jib and drivers cabin

While working on the tower section of the crane there may be some temptation to climb up to the crane jib or drivers cabin. These areas are extremely dangerous and you endanger your own life and those of other people if you enter these areas without authorisation.

Do not attempt to climb up to the crane counterweight jib or drivers cabin unless you have an appropriate Permit Zone Endorsement. Do not enter these areas. It is against the law to do so!

First aid for broken limbs, head injuries etc may be required.