TH1805

Laboratory Exercise
Housekeeping Safety and Security
Objectives:

At the end of the exercise, the students should be able to:

 Show knowledge in occupational health and safety procedures by accomplishing a given worksheet;
 Recommend workplace safety guidelines and practices; and
 Practice the implementation of emergency procedures.

Materials:
 08 Laboratory Worksheet 1
 Pen

Basic Principles:
Providing Information on Health and Safety Procedures
All employers are under a legal and moral obligation to make staff aware of the health and safety information
they are expected to comply with and the workplace hazards and risks that are likely to affect them.
Employer Responsibilities
Employer responsibilities across all business types should include the following:
• Providing safety training and clear safety rules
• Encouraging a Health and Safety Committee or similar body. This committee aims to identify areas in
the workplace where changes should be made to create a safer working environment.
• Maintaining an injury register to record accidents for insurance and monitoring purposes
• Adhering to all workplace agreements and contracts in relation to the work that employees are required
to undertake
• Providing information and written instructions in appropriate languages other than English where
significant workers are from a non-English speaking background
• Providing all necessary safety equipment to allow staff to perform required work safely. This may include
gloves, masks, ear protectors, goggles, protective clothing, and footwear.
• Maintaining a safe workplace for employees and monitoring health and safety issues. For instance,
equipment and machinery must be maintained according to standards.
• Providing well-lit and ventilated places to work
• First aid must be provided to all employees when and where necessary. This covers employees when
they are coming to and from work via the shortest practicable route, provided the accident is not self-
inflicted or of a willful nature.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees across all industries have the following responsibilities:
• Work in a way to ensure personal safety and the safety of others (e.g., colleagues and/or customers).
• Use safety equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the directions or training
of the employee.
• Follow all occupational safety and health procedures, practices, and protocols in line with establishment
requirements and the training received in relation to these.
• Report accidents, injuries, or illnesses to the appropriate person and record it on nominated forms.
• Report any equipment in need of repair, so appropriate service and maintenance can be provided.
• Adhere to all legally imposed occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.
• Do not interfere or get in the way of a person, such as a first aid provider, who is trying to assist another
in need.

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Duty of Care
Common law imposes a “duty of care” on all businesses towards all its employees and customers. Duty of care
means employers have a legal responsibility in addition to the responsibility and obligations imposed by
legislation to provide a reasonable standard of care in relation to actions (such as work practices) that could
cause harm to people.
Making Health and Safety Information Accessible to Staff
It is part of the duty of care requirements for any business to ensure it provides up-to-date OHS information to
its staff. Relevant health and safety information, procedures, and policies, should be:
• Placed on the workplace intranet
• Located in all staff rooms in the form of one (1) or more of the following:
o Wall posters detailing the basics of any changes to existing requirements and the key points of
new requirements
o Copies of new or revised information such as providing multiple copies of information for staff
to pick up and take with them
o Inclusion in staff room handbook or manuals, ensuring old versions are removed
• Embedded within all workplace training notes and materials
• Included in staff handbooks using version control protocols to ensure the current version is always
available
• Inserted into the workplace policies and procedures manual
• Included into the induction and orientation procedures for the business so that new staff members are
made aware of any safety information applicable to them and their roles and responsibilities.

Implementing and Monitoring Procedures for Controlling Hazards and Risks

Identifying Workplace Hazards and Risks
A vital element of an effective approach to workplace safety is the need to identify and report workplace hazards
and risks on a daily basis. Specific type of hazards and risks will depend on the individual nature of a workplace.
The threats posed in a kitchen will be distinctly different to those posed in an office environment. Possible
hazards and risks can relate to the following:
• Fire and other emergencies such as gas leaks
• Crowd-related risks such as threats from customers, intoxicated patrons, or unique problems caused
by large numbers of people
• Bomb threats which are usually made over the telephone
• Theft and armed robbery involving attempts to steal cash and/or products
• Equipment failure and related hazards where items malfunction, raising the potential for injury to staff
and/or the production of product (food) that may be contaminated in some way
• Pests gaining access to the property and compromising the safety of food
• Manual handling – the greatest cause of workplace injuries to staff in the industry
• Slips, trips, and falls which are another common cause of injury to staff
• Drugs and alcohol in the workplace where staff attend for work under the influence of these substances,
or indulge in them while at work
• Violence in the workplace such as initiation practices for new employees, bullying, and/or mental,
physical, or sexual harassment
• Handling, using, and/or storing chemicals and other hazardous substances.
Coordinating scheduled hazard identification activities
Hazard identification is the process used to identify all possible situations where people may be exposed to
injury, illness, or disease. The following are the ways to identify hazards:
• Consulting with employees
• Undertaking workplace inspections
• Examining workplace records of incidents and dangerous occurrences
• Keeping up-to-date with safety-related matters and issues.
The most effective methods of identifying hazards use a combination of these ways.

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Coordinating risk assessments

Risk assessment is the process used to determine the likelihood of people being exposed to injury, illness, or
disease in the workplace arising from any situation identified during the hazard identification process considering
the following:
• Whether any person (worker/public/guest) would be exposed to the identified risk situations
• The existing measures in place to protect the health and safety of people who may be exposed to the
identified risk or hazard
• How adequate the existing measures are for protecting the health and safety of people who may be
exposed.
The adequacy of existing control measures should be considered if there is a potential that someone may be
exposed to a particular situation. Existing control measures should not be regarded as adequate simply because
an incident has not occurred.
Reporting hazards
Where workplace hazards are identified, they must be immediately reported to the appropriate person such as
a supervisor or manager. A verbal report is usually the best option as it is quick and allows the other person to
ask questions to clarify and understand the issue better. A written form such as a hazard notification or hazard
report may also be required.
Implementing and Monitoring Risk Control Procedures
Risk control means taking action to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of exposure to a hazard that may result
in injury or disease.
Hierarchy of Control is a list of control measures in descending order of effectiveness that may be applied to
specific risks only after an assessment and analysis have been made of all possible risk controls. It comprises
the following controls:
• Level 1: Elimination – It is the best option for controlling hazards but is not always available or
practicable. It means changing the procedure so it does not have to take place at all. For instance,
getting rid of noisy equipment or facilities removes the need for hearing protection.
• Level 2: Isolation, substitution, and engineering controls – Isolation means separating the risky process
from people either by distance or by using barriers to prevent exposure (e.g., moving a hazard to some
distant location). Substitution means replacing a hazardous process or substance with a less hazardous
one (e.g., using a neutral detergent instead of caustic soda for cleaning). Engineering controls include
plant or processes which minimize the generation of risk, suppress or contain the risk, and limit the risk
should an event occur.
• Level 3: Administrative controls, personal protective equipment and clothing – Administrative controls
are work practices which help reduce employees’ exposure to risk. Some of the examples are the
following:
o Providing accurate work instructions and methods of work
o Shorter working periods for jobs performed under difficult situations
o Providing trolleys to move items to reduce the need for potentially harmful manual handling.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing includes things such as the following:
o Eye protection – goggles, face masks, and visors
o Respiratory protection
o Gloves and gauntlets
o Safety shoes and boots
o Protective clothing – aprons and thermal wear/suits
o Head protection – hard hats and caps

Evaluate and Adjust Risk Control Procedures

Following the introduction and application of risk control procedures to address an identified risk, there must be
an evaluation of the control and, where necessary, adjustment to ensure adequate control is applied as
intended.

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Actual Workplace Checks – Checks should be made of the control measures applied:
• Prior to their actual implementation to verify the control will achieve the outcome required as part of the
risk assessment/analysis process
• During use to evaluate the effectiveness of the control during the actual operation
• Immediately after use by talking with staff involved and, for example, testing or evaluating equipment
involved.
Checks should be scheduled to ensure they are carried out when required.

Evaluating OHS Workplace Performance

At least every year, the performance of workplace and workers in relation to OHS must be analyzed and
evaluated. This will enable businesses to gauge their OHS progress towards their workplace safety goals and
determine what requires change or further attention.
Responding to Emergency Situations
Identifying the Nature and Scope of Emergency
When responding to an emergency, it is important to determine its nature and extent. This is important so that
the correct information is passed on to others and the most appropriate course of action to take is determined.
Nature of the Emergency – The different types of emergencies could include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Fire in a public area (internally or externally), in a kitchen, in the linen room, or in a guest room
• Medical emergency such as the collapse of a guest or an injury to staff or guests caused by an attack
• Gas leak related to cooking or heating or other appliances giving rise to the possibility of explosion/fire
• Bomb threat creating a situation where most establishments will automatically initiate a full evacuation
of the premises and an involvement of emergency services
• Hostage situation necessitating the involvement of authorities and the removal of all those who have
not been taken hostage to a safe location
• Chemical spill which may pose a risk from toxic fumes and the danger of burns due to contact
• Robbery – includes robbery committed against the establishment, guests, and staff
• Unstable customers which can include patrons who are intoxicated, who may be affected by drugs, or
who are simply being extremely difficult to deal with
• Flood which can be caused by a burst of water or the result of a natural event such as cyclone, torrential
rain, or a hurricane or typhoon
• Power failure – a power failure provides the potential for many emergencies. Power failure produces
circumstances that lead to the rise of other emergencies such as people being trapped in elevators,
thieves taking the opportunity to commit a crime, and guests slipping or tripping.
Scope of the Emergency – Every emergency is different. It is vital to assess the extent of any emergency as
quickly as possible. Critical factors in deciding what the extent of an emergency can include considering the
following questions:
• How many people are likely to be affected or in danger?
• Who is available to help you? Are they available immediately?
• What is the possibility of being able to deal with the situation on the spot successfully?
• How are others behaving (calm, rushing)?
• What are other associated factors that could make the situation worse?
The key to determining the full extent of an emergency in a venue is to obtain as many relevant facts about the
situation as possible.

Contact Emergency Services

Emergency services include the fire department, the police, an ambulance, and regional authorities (as
appropriate).
The fundamentals in relation to contacting emergency services relate to using options available within the venue
for emergency response. These may include the following:
• Make telephone contact.

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• Use direct lines to authorities or security companies.

• Contact management.
• The protocols which have been developed in a venue will then require a designated person to contact
emergency services automatically as required.
• Activate an alarm. Many of these will automatically contact a remote site such as a control room,
monitoring room, or private security company, or emergency services.
When reporting to emergency services, the individual should do the following:
• Identify oneself, including one’s position, and the venue location
• State the purpose of the call (reporting an emergency).
• Describe the nature of the emergency.
• Be guided by the operator on the other end of the phone as to what to do and what information to
provide.
• Give the location of the emergency within the venue (e.g., room number, ballroom).
• Identify the threat being posed (e.g., people trapped, building has collapsed).
• Define the numbers of people threatened.
• Describe any local factors relevant to the emergency (e.g., power out, escaping gas).
• Advise of best approach or entrance to use.
• Provide opinion regarding the action required.
• Never hang up until told to do so.

Implement the Emergency Management Plan (EMP) for the Premises

The EMP of an establishment must provide the basis on how to respond to emergencies. However, an individual
is expected to use common sense where the plan cannot be adhered to and/or when circumstances dictate.
Whenever there is a need to change the response to be taken, do the following:
• Seek approval for the action, if possible, before taking it.
• Always seek the greatest good for the greatest number.
• Notify the chain of command about what is intended to be done or have already done.

Activating Alarms and Notifying Emergency Services

When an emergency situation has been identified, speed in responding is critical. It is essential to respond
quickly by doing the following:
• Activating an alarm
• Contacting a nominated internal person
• Notifying external authorities.
Wearing Designated Clothing – The uniform is an indicator that an individual is an employee of a venue and
this gives some initial status as someone in charge and able to give directions to people when an evacuation is
required.
Providing Clear Instructions to Guests – When giving instructions to guests in an emergency situation, these
requirements should be followed:
• Ensure that you know what you are talking • Repeat yourself as often as necessary.
about. • Use appropriate sign language and signals.
• Do not panic. • Be prepared to show and not just to tell.
• Try not to yell. • Speak clearly and calmly but with authority. Speak
• Exude confidence. as if you expect people to comply with what you say.
Responding to and Communicating Changing Circumstances – An emergency is a dynamic situation. It is
important that everybody involved should be notified and that responses are altered to suit a changed
circumstance. Changed circumstances may be any of the following:
• A variation in the atmospheric conditions
• An increase in the number of people involved
• Failure or success of the first response to address the cause of the emergency.

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• Unexpected behavior of:

o People – such as panic and failure to obey directions
o Resources – such as lack of resources and failure of resources or inappropriate resources
o The emergency situation itself – unexpected spread of fire, gas, fumes, or explosion.
Placing Safety of Persons Above Security of Property
In every emergency situation, the safety of people must take priority over the safety of assets. This means, for
example:
• Fighting a fire must wait until all people have been rescued from rooms or evacuated from the area.
• Saving an animal must take second place to saving a person or evacuating people.
• Retrieving a vehicle must never take precedence over protecting people.
Assisting Emergency Services Workers
When an emergency service workers arrive on scene, they take over command of the situation. If an individual
is able to assist them, s/he must:
• Ignore the requirements of the EMP at their direction.
• Follow directions given by emergency service professionals.
• Alert them to any relevant special training or experience.
• Be prepared to leave if s/he cannot accommodate the stated needs of the emergency services workers.
An individual is better off out of the area under such condition.
• Be prepared to act as support rather than first-line provider.
Provide First Response Assistance
The following are the generic requirements and responses that apply for first responders:
• Follow the plan for responding to the situation if one exists. If time allows, access a copy of the plan to
use as guide.
• Respond immediately. Do not delay.
• Verify others have been notified, as already described, including emergency services, other staff, and/or
management.
• Stay calm and composed. Do not panic or cause panic. Do not shout and run around.
• Take action to address the situation if safe to do so.
• Continue monitoring the situation and provide updates to the command center or relevant warden or
manager.
Maximize Security of Premises and Property During the Emergency
An important part of responding to emergency situations is to maximize the security of premises and property
during the emergency. Actions to do this may require an individual to do the following:
• Contain the situation by taking whatever action is appropriate to limit the spread of the problem and/or
reduce its impact on the venue while maintaining personal safety.
• Restrict access to the affected area.
• Relocate items, stocks, property, and assets away from the threat and ensure they are not stolen.
• Control access and exit points to make sure only authorized persons gain entry.
• Lock elevators so they cannot be used.
• Direct people verbally about where they can and cannot go and what they can and cannot do.
• Use a megaphone system to assist with providing information and direction. Obtain additional staff to
assist with requirements.
• Check video surveillance coverage and take action to get the system online if they are not working.
• Verify alarms are functional or notify management and/or external security company.
Responding to Suspicious Packages
All suspicious packages must be responded to appropriately. Venues today are more aware of the possibility of
terrorist activity. This means that staff should be aware of any packages left lying around, unattended, and in a
place these should not be. When a suspicious package is identified, these are the appropriate responses:
• Do not touch it.

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• Make immediate local inquiries to see if the owner can be identified. The owner may have just wandered
away speaking to a staff or may be at the bar.
• Call the police and report the finding, although internal requirements may require that the management
be notified first. Adhere to policy in this regard.
• Evacuate people from the area.
• Turn off anything that will likely trigger an explosion such as mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Additional Points to Consider
The following should be remembered when dealing with suspicious packages:
• There is no description of what a suspicious package can look. Many packages which do not look
suspicious have concealed a device that has exploded.
• There are indications that a package may conceal a device and experts know what to look for. Leave it
to them.
• Treat every suspicious package with utmost care.
• When the police are notified, they will assist with the evacuation and determine which other services
should be called in.
• It is important to make the decision relatively quick about whether a situation exists. To get the optimum
results from a bomb, terrorists rely on lack of observation to detect the package and reluctance to act.
Responding to Bomb Threats
When a bomb threat is received over the telephone, handle the call calmly. Listen attentively for issues which
may help identify the caller and/or his/her location. Properties may provide a bomb threat checklist near
telephones to assist in this regard. During a bomb threat, the following details should be paid attention to:
• Background noises, which may relate to street and/house noises, aircraft noises, music, or machinery
• Details about the caller such as his/her accent or diction, gender, age, and speech impediments
• Call details such as whether is it real-time or taped, read from a script or made up on the spot,
threatening, abusive, rational, or incoherent.
Bomb details
Ask questions to try to get as much information from the caller, such as:
• What does the bomb look like? • Why did you plant the bomb?
• What type of bomb is it? • How can we defuse it?
• What is in the bomb? • What will make the bomb explode?
• When is the bomb due to explode?
After taking the call
Immediately speak with the appropriate person about the threat. Talk in a quiet place away from others.
Communicate the details calmly and clearly. Start the evacuation procedures immediately.
Genuine emergency or hoax?
There may be a time when a question of whether a situation is genuine or hoax. The golden rule is that it is
always a genuine emergency. Time wasted wondering whether something is genuine or not can result to the
deaths of people.

References:
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). (2012). Toolbox Development for Priority Tourism Labor Division: Implement occupational
safety and health procedures. Melbourne, Australia: William Angliss Institute of TAFE.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). (2013). Toolbox Development for Front Office, Food and Beverage Services and Food
Production Divisions: Maintain the security of premises and property. Melbourne, Australia: William Angliss Institute of TAFE.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). (2013). Toolbox Development for Front Office, Food and Beverage Services and Food
Production Divisions: Maintain the safety of premises and personnel. Melbourne, Australia: William Angliss Institute of TAFE.

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Procedures:
Self-Check Activity: Worksheet
1. Access and accomplish 08 Laboratory Worksheet 1.
2. Submit your output accordingly.

Group Activity: Creating Safety Guidelines

1. You will be assigned to groups by your instructor.
2. As a group, access and accomplish 08 Laboratory Worksheet 2.
3. Submit your output accordingly.
4. Your output will be graded based on the following rubric:

CRITERIA PERFORMANCE INDICATORS POINTS

Content Presented complete and applicable safety guidelines for all identified areas 40
Organization The output is organized and easy to understand 10
Total 50

Role-Playing
1. Your task is to demonstrate the proper procedures on how you will respond to an emergency in the
house/school. You can decide on what specific emergency you will be responding to. Be creative.
2. Take a video of your performance.
3. Submit your output in .mp4 format. Upload your output in the Laboratory Requirement: Role-Playing
section in the Marketing and Associated Activities module.
(Note: The system allows only a maximum of 25MB file size when uploading.)
4. Your performance will be graded based on the following rubric:
CRITERIA PERFORMANCE INDICATORS POINTS
Achievement of The requirement of the role-play was clearly and correctly demonstrated. 20
Purpose
Presentation of The character displayed a convincing communication of his/her feelings 15
Character and motives.
Imagination and 15
Thoughtfulness and creativity were demonstrated in the presentation.
Creativity
TOTAL 50

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