Does your venue feature a cellar trapdoor? It's crucial to implement effective safety controls to prevent serious injuries caused by slips, trips, or falls. Stay informed and keep your team safe with these essential guidelines.
Common Mistakes:
- Leaving the cellar door open and unattended.
- Lack of warning systems for an open cellar door.
- Absence of physical barriers or guarding to prevent falls into the cellar.
Consider these Safety Measures:
- Opt for Above-Ground Storage: Whenever possible, use an above-ground room for storage to minimise risk.
- Stair installation: Install stairs to ensure safe and easy access.
- Implement Self-Closing and Permanent Barrier: Around the cellar trapdoor, install barriers that either close automatically or are permanently in place.
- Built-In Guards: Consider installing built-in guards for additional safety.
- Lighting: Ensure the area around the cellar trapdoor is well-lit to increase visibility and reduce the risks of accidents.
- Signage: Place clear, visible signs warning of the open cellar door when in use.
- Training: Regularly train staff on the proper procedures for opening, closing, and working around the cellar trapdoor.
- Emergency Plan: Develop and communicate a clear emergency plan in case of an accident involving the cellar trapdoor.
- Regularly Safety Assessments: Continuously evaluate your workplace environment to ensure safety standards are maintained.
Further information:
For more information view the SafeWork NSW/AHA fact sheet here
We're here to help
As always, our WHS team are here to help. For any concerns you may have regarding cellar trapdoor safety, you are welcome to contact us via:
E: info@hii.au
T: 02 8251 9069
