Refurbishment and Relocation Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure adequate, coordinated planning and consultation before, during and after refurbishment and relocation activities in order to minimise work health and safety risks and disruption of work. The policy amplifies the principles set out in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Public Sector Management Act 1994, ACT Public Sector Work Health and Safety Policies, ACT Public Service CIT Enterprise Agreement and is a guide to managers and staff on preparations for and management of workplace refurbishment and relocation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all managers and staff employed in CIT, involved in or affected by relocation or refurbishment activities.

3. Principles

3.1 CIT managers are required to provide a safe work/study environment and safe systems of work, particularly before, during and after refurbishment and relocation activities.

3.2 The health and safety of all employees and business continuity during relocation and refurbishment is of paramount importance. Therefore, it is essential that early and regular communication take place between all affected staff, health and safety representatives, managers and relevant unions. This may also reduce the levels of frustration in the work/study area during the refurbishment / relocation process.

3.3 The level of planning and consultation will vary depending upon the extent and complexity of the refurbishment and/or relocation activity. Managers and supervisors must ensure that adequate strategies are in place to minimise disruption to work practices, client services and productivity.

3.4 A schedule of works is to be developed with the input of all stakeholders to assist in the management of the refurbishment or relocation project and to anticipate any necessary changes to work practices, client services and /or work location.

3.5 Adjacent work groups affected by noise, fumes or access restrictions will need to be consulted.

3.6 Pre and post occupancy inspections by managers and health and safety representatives provide opportunities to identify hazards and rectify minor building or health and safety issues.

3.7 The stakeholders in the relocation and refurbishment process are: Manager of staff to be relocated, affected staff, Work Health and Safety Representatives, relevant unions, Facilities Project Officer, Shared Services ICT-CIT Liaison Officer, and adjacent staff and their manager/s.

4. Documentation

Authority Source

1. Work Health and Safety Act 2011
2. CIT Space Management Policy
3. CIT Space Management Manual

Related Documents

1. The ACT Government Real Estate Policy
2. The ACT Government Real Estate Policy: Office Accommodation
   and Fit-out Guidelines.

Supporting Guide

1. National Code of Practice for Manual handling [NOHSC: 2005 (1990)]

5. Definitions

Project Officer - Senior Facilities Staff member responsible for liaison with manager, architect and contractors on costs, plans, schedule of works, construction documentation, tender processes, pre and post occupancy inspections and necessary follow-up action.

Relocation - Movement of one or more staff members from one work space to another or movement of staff within a work space. Relocation may be into new or existing work spaces.

Refurbishment - Modifications to work space ranging from painting or delivery of new equipment to large scale building redesign or refitting.

Schedule of Works - An outline of the nature and timing of all the activities required in the refurbishment/relocation process. The Schedule will assist managers and Work Health and Safety Representatives to identify and address potential hazards.

6. Policy Contact Officer

Senior Manager, Facilities.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au for further information.