Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy

Shock Busters  |  Corporate Compliance Statement

1. Policy Statement & Safety Commitment

Shock Busters operates with a fundamental commitment to zero harm across all client sites. We maintain a practical health and safety framework to protect our field technicians, client staff, visitors, and members of the public during compliance operations.

We strictly comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), corresponding State regulations (NSW, ACT, QLD), AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment), and AS 1851 (Routine service and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, including smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and hose reels).

2. Operational Field Safety & Point-of-Work Hazard Controls

To manage day-to-day risks associated with portable appliance testing, RCD trip testing, smoke alarm inspections, and fire protection equipment maintenance, field technicians follow straightforward hazard management controls on every job site:

• Point-of-Work Risk Assessment (SLAM): Performing a quick Stop, Look, Assess, Manage check before inspecting equipment to identify water hazards, ceiling height access risks, damaged leads, or trip hazards in busy work areas.
• Safe Appliance & Fire Asset Handling: Visually inspecting power tools, extension leads, commercial appliances, fire extinguishers, and hose reels for physical damage or pressure leaks prior to testing.
• Smoke Alarm & Electrical Safety: Verifying power isolation where required when testing or replacing hardwired, interlinked, or 240V mains-powered smoke detectors.
• RCD & Switchboard Area Safety: Ensuring clear, dry access around distribution boards prior to carrying out push-button and trip-time injection tests.
• SWMS Protocols (As Required): Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are available and supplied as required for high-risk sites, construction projects, or specific client facility mandates.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing appropriate safety gear including steel-cap safety boots, high-visibility vests, and eye protection as dictated by site rules.

3. Working at Heights & Manual Handling Standards

Specific safety controls are enforced for physical tasks, ladder use, overhead smoke detector access, and heavy equipment management:

• Working at Heights & Ladder Safety: When inspecting ceiling-mounted smoke alarms, elevated electrical fittings, high-level fire extinguishers, or exit light fittings, technicians utilize industrial-rated, non-conductive (fiberglass) step ladders. Three points of contact must be maintained at all times, and working off makeshift platforms or top ladder steps is strictly prohibited.
• Manual Handling & Ergonomic Lifting: Field staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries when moving heavy PAT testers, portable fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, or bulk tagging inventory. Technicians utilize team lifting or mechanical aids (trolleys) for heavy loads exceeding safe single-person capacity.

4. Competency, Screening & Vulnerable Site Clearance

We ensure all testing is performed by trained, vetted, and competent personnel:

• Technician Qualifications: Field staff hold active General Construction Induction Cards (White Card) and formal AS/NZS 3760 / AS 1851 testing certifications for electrical safety and fire protection assets.
• Calibrated Test Instruments: All PAT testers, decibel sound meters, synthetic smoke dispensers, and RCD meters undergo regular maintenance and pre-use functional checks to maintain accuracy and operator safety.
• Child Protection & Vulnerable Site Clearances (WWCC / Blue Card): When servicing schools, early learning facilities, healthcare hubs, or aged care residences, technicians maintain valid State clearances (Working With Children Check / Blue Card) and strictly adhere to facility visitor policies.

5. Fit for Work, Lone Work & Site Etiquette

Shock Busters maintains professional workplace standards across all client facilities:

• Drug & Alcohol Policy: Strict zero-tolerance for alcohol or illicit substances while on duty or operating service vehicles.
• Lone Worker & After-Hours Protocol: When technicians perform solo inspections or after-hours testing in unoccupied commercial facilities, mandatory communication protocols (including scheduled check-ins and emergency escalation procedures) are maintained.
• Minimal Operational Disruption: Technicians coordinate testing with site managers to minimize interference with client workflow, office staff, or active machinery (including giving advance warning before triggering momentary decibel sound checks on smoke alarms or RCD circuit interruptions).
• Site Inductions (As Required): Technicians complete specific client site-entry inductions where required by the facility owner or head contractor.

6. Mobile Operations, Fatigue Management & Regional Travel

With mobile technicians servicing commercial sites across NSW, ACT, and QLD, travel safety and fatigue management are core operational priorities:

• Fatigue Controls & Working Hours: Daily driving and site work schedules are planned to mitigate fatigue. Technicians monitor total shift hours and take structured rest breaks during long-distance service runs.
• Overnight Accommodation Protocol: Where regional client sites require extensive travel (exceeding 2 hours of continuous driving one-way or total return transit exceeding 4 hours), Shock Busters organises approved overnight accommodation as necessary to eliminate late-night or long-distance return driving risks.
• Driving Rest Intervals: Drivers are encouraged to take a 15-minute rest break every 2 hours during continuous highway driving.
• Cargo Restraint & Equipment Security: All PAT testing units, hand tools, tags, ladders, replacement smoke alarms, batteries, fire blankets, and fire extinguishers must be securely stowed and restrained in company vehicles to prevent load shifts or cabin projectiles during transit.
• Fleet Roadworthiness & Mobile Policy: Vehicles undergo regular mechanical servicing, tire checks, and pre-trip inspections. Handheld mobile phone use while driving is strictly prohibited in compliance with Australian road laws.

7. Site Emergency Response & Environmental Responsibility

We integrate smoothly into client facility emergency protocols and responsible waste practices:

• Emergency Evacuation Compliance: If a client facility alarm sounds, technicians immediately cease work, isolate test gear where safe, and follow site warden instructions to the designated emergency assembly area.
• Responsible Waste & Environmental Recycling: Expired smoke alarms, depleted lithium/alkaline backup batteries, decommissioned fire extinguisher cylinders, damaged lead cut-offs, and old testing tags are collected by technicians for compliant recycling or disposal under EPA guidelines, keeping client premises clean.
• Hygiene & Environment Controls: Technicians maintain high personal hygiene standards and comply with specialized facility protocols when working in food prep, medical, or cleanroom environments.

8. Faulty Equipment Isolation & Hazard Protocol

When an electrical item, smoke alarm, or fire protection asset fails inspection or reaches statutory expiry, technicians act immediately to prevent accidental reliance on faulty safety equipment:

WHS & Safety Compliance Contact

Shock Busters Health & Safety Team