WorkSafe decision on the Department of Justice and fire response

WorkSafe has finalised its decisions to resolve issues raised by WAPOU under section 82 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 regarding the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in correctional facilities. Click here to download the determination.

This determination includes 21 key directions that mainly outline basic safety practices, specifically regarding the proper use and maintenance of RPE to ensure staff protection from airborne contaminants.
 
These directions cover everything from correct fit-testing procedures to the required frequency of equipment replacement.
 
While these directives are critical for ensuring safety, the Department appealed the determination, seeking to overturn or modify some of the conditions set forth by WorkSafe.
 
WAPOU have not yet received official notice of the outcome of this appeal.
 
WAPOU has been highly critical of how RPE has been introduced into prisons, highlighting inconsistencies in training material and proposed usage scenarios that would put your safety at high risk if the equipment were to be used.
 
WAPOU does not support the use of RPE, and reminds workers of their rights under section 84 of the Work Health Safety Act to refuse unsafe work, including responding to fires within units.