Australia Post has developed a policy on the use of compressed air for cleaning of equipment.  The new policy stems from CEPUrepresentations to Australia Post on this matter following two serious accidents in which two Post technicians were struck on the head with a compressed air gun in separate incidents.

While action is definitely required to eliminate the risk of any further injuries Australia Post’s failure to consult those with expert or specialist advice including the injured employees on the development of the new policy has resulted in faulty policy with the air hose still able to whip around and hit an employee at 207kpa if it becomes disconnected!

The CEPU has written to Australia Post in relation to the development of the policy development and also making suggestions for alternative options such as use of suction rather than blowing when cleaning which would eliminate and/or isolate most of the hazards identified in the policy document.

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