Identifying and assessing the risks of bushfires at work: using fire danger ratings and warnings
Safe Work Australia
If you are a PCBU, you must eliminate risks in the workplace, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes the risks of bushfires. Bushfires can occur at any time of the year but are more likely during warmer weather and the local bushfire season.
Conducting a risk assessment will assist you in:
• identifying any hazards that could have an impact on your workers and others in the workplace
• assessing the risks, and
• determining the most effective control measures to manage the risks.
All states and territories have now implemented the:
• Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), which provides information about the risks of bushfires in the local area, and
• Australian Warning System (AWS), which provides warnings during emergencies such as bushfires.
The AFDRS and AWS can be useful resources when conducting your risk assessment for bushfires.
Contents:
Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS)
Where Do I Find The Fire Danger Rating For My Workplace?
When Should I Check The Fire Danger Rating?
What Should I Do At Each Fire Danger Rating?
What Is The Australian Warning System (AWS)?
Where Do I Find Current Warnings?
When Should I Check For Warnings For The Area I Work In?
How Can I Use The Warnings In My Risk Assessment?
What Should I Do At Each Warning Level?
