Welcome
Throughout this eLearning module, you will be provided with important information to ensure you have a pleasant and safe experience while accessing the West Gate Bridge.
This module contains two sections that require completion:
Section 1 – Learning Content
Section 2 – Quiz
Once the quiz has been passed you will need to complete:
Section 3 – Application Form
Please ensure that you have electronic copies of these supporting documents ready to upload before continuing:
- Work Permit (if not an Australian Citizen / Permanent Resident)
- Construction Induction Card
- Driver’s Licence
- Operating Permit / Trade Certificate(s)
Let's get some details
Emergency Muster Points
- In the event of an emergency, all personnel must assemble at their designated muster points. If you are within the compound or on the bridge, proceed to the nearest muster point.
Important: Do not use the bridge manhole hatches to access the bridge deck during an emergency, except in extreme situations where no other alternative is available. Utilizing the hatches may require lane closures, particularly for concrete sections, and should be considered only as a last resort.
Raising The Alarm
In the event of an emergency:
-
- Raise the alarm with fellow workers and your Manager/Supervisor.
- Secure the area if it is safe to do so, then proceed to the designated muster point in your area.
- Your Manager/Supervisor will notify the West Gate Bridge Security Control Room or the VicRoads Traffic Management Centre (both manned 24/7) by radio or mobile phone, reporting the number of people present at the muster point.
- Ensure you are familiar with the location of your muster point—if unsure, ask your Supervisor.
- Follow the instructions of the Fire Warden or Supervisor at all times.
Site Entrances
MAIN OFFICE
10 Sardine Street, Port Melbourne
West Abutment
Hall Street, Spotswood
East Abutment
Webb Dock Drive, Port Melbourne
Pier 26
Webb Dock Drive, Port Melbourne
All personnel with an Access ID Card must swipe their card at the compound gates when entering and exiting the site.
Security
Strict security measures and protocols are in place to protect the West Gate Bridge from potential threats. It is crucial that these protocols are followed without exception.
If you observe any unauthorized individuals or suspicious activity, immediately inform your Supervisor or the West Gate Bridge Security Control Room Officer via two-way radio or telephone.
(03) 8306 3900 OR 0481 062 679
Key Security Principles to abide by:
Access to the bridge is restricted to authorized personnel only. All individuals must wear and visibly display a West Gate Bridge Access ID Card at all times while on site.
Information Control: Do not share details about the bridge with individuals outside of work. Never distribute drawings, photos, or sensitive information.
Reporting: Immediately report any suspicious persons, behavior, vehicles, packages, or incidents to your Supervisor or the West Gate Bridge Security Control Room.
Our OH&S Duty
OH&S Principles applicable at the West Gate Bridge
OH&S Legislation
All contractors must:
- Submit Documentation: Provide a copy of their Health & Safety Management Plan, along with any other required documents, to meet the standards outlined in Section 9 of the Victorian Guidelines and the West Gate Bridge Site Emergency Response & Evacuation Management Plan (Contractor Version).
- Workplace Safety Commitment: Demonstrate suitability and a strong commitment to maintaining workplace safety.
- Compliance with Regulations: Ensure compliance with duties as a ‘principal contractor’ under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (VIC).
- Safety Approvals & Coordination: Take responsibility for obtaining all necessary approvals and for coordinating, implementing, and managing all aspects of site safety.
- Submit a Quality Plan: Provide a Quality Plan that outlines how the contractor will manage occupational health and safety throughout all stages of the contract. The plan must align with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004).
- Familiarize Staff: Ensure all staff are familiar with the contents of the Health & Safety Management Plan.
- Emergency Management Exercises: For long-term contracts, conduct emergency management exercises to ensure staff are well-versed in the Contractor’s Plan.
OH&S Legislation
Obligations of Employers:
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment to ensure the health and safety of all personnel.
- Ensure safe plant and systems of work, including safe access and egress to all work areas.
- Ensure the safe use of plants or substances during handling, storage, and transportation.
- Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to all workers to ensure safe work practices.
- Maintain adequate facilities to support the health, safety, and welfare of workers.
- Consult with employees and their representatives on health and safety matters.
- Notify the relevant WHS Authority (Commonwealth, State, or Other) of any reportable incidents.
Obligations of Employees:
- Provide and maintain a safe work environment to ensure the well-being of all personnel.
- Maintain safe equipment and systems of work, including ensuring safe access to and egress from all work areas.
- Facilitate the safe handling, storage, and transportation of plants or substances to protect health and safety.
- Provide adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure safe work practices are followed.
- Maintain appropriate facilities to support workers’ health, safety, and welfare.
- Consult with employees and their representatives on health and safety issues.
- Report all notifiable incidents to the relevant WHS Authority (Commonwealth, State, or Other).
Drugs and Alcohol Test
Limits:
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) = 0.00%
- Negative Drug Screen Result
The West Gate Bridge Management Team may require all personnel working on-site to undergo a pre-medical examination, which may include drug and alcohol testing. Random testing of personnel may also be conducted on-site.
Any individual found in possession of, or under the influence of, illicit drugs or alcohol is prohibited from working on-site and will be sent home immediately if discovered.
If you are taking prescribed medication that could affect your ability to work safely, you must inform your Supervisor immediately.
Employee Assistance Program
Department of Transport & Planning Staff Only
Professional, confidential, and free counselling services are available 24/7 for Department of Transport & Planning staff and their immediate family members through the DTP Employee Assistance Services. For support, call 1800 808 374.
Workplace Hazards
The West Gate Bridge and its site compounds contain several unique hazards that require special precautions. All personnel must remain vigilant and follow safety protocols specific to these risks.
These include:
- Electrical Hazards:
- Low and high voltage power supplies (2 main power systems).
- Dual power and backup systems (batteries and generators).
- Kinetic Hazards:
- Stored water pressure and head pressure (3 separate fire control systems).
- Third-party water supply systems.
- Working at Heights and Manual Handling risks.
- Working near live traffic zones.
- Asbestos: Locations are mapped. If you encounter unidentified asbestos, do not touch it; report it to a DoT representative.
- Lead (Red Lead Paint): Present only within the internal steel sections of the bridge.
- Night Work Hazards: Poor visibility and plant hazards.
- High Wind Environment: The bridge deck is subject to strong winds. Follow management guidelines.
- Snake Awareness:
- Avoid unnecessary fear of snakes.
- Leave snakes alone.
- Wear proper clothing and closed shoes (no sandals or thongs).
- Inspect before placing hands in hollow logs, holes, or thick grass.
- Carefully inspect the ground when stepping over objects.
- Public Safety Concerns: If you observe anyone attempting to harm themselves or the bridge, do not approach. Notify your Supervisor immediately.
Fatigue Management
Fatigue can lead to increased risk of injury. Stay alert and take regular breaks to ensure your safety and well-being while working.
Possible causes of Fatigue:
- Poor sleep patterns / Broken sleep
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Unreasonable workload or work expectations
- Excessive Caffeine
- Broken or split shifts
- Long work hours
- Long travel time
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
OH&S Issue Resolution Process
Procedure for handling OH&S issues or hazards
Injury and Incident Management
All near misses, incidents, and injuries must be reported immediately to your Supervisor or Team Leader.
- Do not access the First Aid Kit unless it is an emergency.
- Seek treatment from a qualified First Aider and ensure it is documented in the register.
A defibrillator is located in the West Gate Bridge Management Office (Sardine Street).
Communication
Effective communication is essential for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring the successful completion of tasks.
Recommended Communication Actions
- Pre-Start Meetings (Daily)
Conduct daily pre-start meetings to discuss safety, objectives, and any concerns related to the day’s tasks. - Toolbox Talks (Weekly)
Hold weekly toolbox talks to reinforce safety practices, review incident reports, and address any ongoing issues or concerns. - Specific Job Start Cards (As Needed)
Implement job start cards for new tasks and projects, ensuring all team members are briefed before commencing work. - Safety Notice Boards
Maintain safety notice boards to display:- Safety alerts and notices
- Safety Committee meeting minutes
- Relevant information for staff distribution
- Work Crew/Radios
- Ensure each work crew consists of at least two members.
- Equip crews with two-way radios (provided by WGB Control Room) to facilitate communication and enhance safety.
This structure emphasizes clarity and ensures that all team members are informed and prepared for their roles.
Risk Management Activities
Effective risk management on site is crucial for ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
Recommended Risk Management actions:
- Workplace Risk Assessment
- Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) – Working document (Specific Task Risk Assessments)
- Start Cards (Check list to identify any hazards directly located at the work front)
Plant Hazard Assessments (PHA) – Specific to items of plant or equipment - Access work permits
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
It’s essential for SWMS to be prepared prior to conducting any work tasks on site
When do you prepare a SWMS?
- New works (not covered by an existing SWMS)
- Critical Tasks
- Job procedures may have changed
- When undertaking high risk works
- When performing a task with potential to cause injury, incidents, spills, emissions and leaks
Who must be involved in developing the SWMS?
- All people involved with planning & performing the task
This includes:
- New members of the work group
- People performing any part of the work
- Safety Team
- Supervisors, Engineers and Managers
Mandatory PPE
Safety on Deck in Median of Steel Section
Working in the West Gate Bridge median:
- It’s a safety requirement that all person/s working on the bridge deck, above the steel section must walk within the painted lines of the median to avoid risk with the live traffic on the bridge in the fast lanes
- The lines indicate the maximum deflection of the steel barrier in the event that it was hit by a vehicle. By staying within these lines you are protected from serious injury
- No work to be conducted outside the median without lane closures in place
- Any other works will require lane closures
- Guidelines are available for working in median during periods of high wind
Site Vehicles
Driver Requirements:
- Drivers must hold a current driver’s licence or heavy vehicle licence (as applicable), and these documents must be carried at all times.
- Seat belts must be worn while driving.
- Drivers must obey the posted speed limits, including a 5 kph limit within the compound.
Vehicle Requirements:
- All vehicles must have functional flashing beacon lights.
- Vehicles must be roadworthy.
- Vehicles without a clearly visible parent company logo must display magnetic identification signs, available from the West Gate Bridge Security Control Room.
Site Vehicles
Parking on the bridge for Light Vehicles
The driver must have a thorough understanding of the access requirements and control measures in place for entering and operating on the bridge.
CORRECT
ALL VEHICLES
Engage park brake
Turn steering wheel (full lock) so that the wheels are facing into the bridge rails.
MANUAL VEHICLES
Must be put into 1st gear when parked
AUTOMATIC VEHICLES
Put into Park
INCORRECT
ALL VEHICLES
Do not leave any vehicle parked on the bridge with the front wheels pointing straight ahead.
Ensure at all times that the front wheels are fully locked so that if the hand brake or the gears fail, the vehicle will roll into the bridge rails and not into passing traffic.
Working at Heights
Fall protection must be provided in any situation where there is a risk of injury due to a fall
Types of fall protection:
- Elevated work platforms
- Scaffolding
- Harnesses with fall restraint / arrest lanyards
- Platform ladders
Ladder Note:
- Ladders are to be used for access and egress only
- 3 points of contact at all times
- Must extend 1 metre beyond landing
- Tied off
- 1 in 4 ratios = 4m height = 1 metre out footing
Electrical Safety
- Ensure all electrical equipment and cables have been inspected, tested and tagged prior to use
- Cables are to be elevated off the deck and steel works using cable stands and insulated hooks
- Extension cables are to be no longer than 30m
- Extension cables are not to be piggy backed
- All electrical equipment must be run through an RCD (Residual Current Device)
- Damaged or faulty equipment must be tagged out of service immediately
Working With Lead (Only in Steel Section of the Bridge)
The Steel Bridge is coated with lead paint on the inside which is extremely dangerous
You MUST:
- Follow the Lead Decontamination Process
- Change into clean overalls (supplied) in the change room
- Remove contaminated overalls in the change room only (at meal breaks and at the end of shift)
- Wash face and hands before each break
- No eating inside the bridge
- No smoking except in designated areas
- Drink containers must be discarded after each single drink (recapping and reuse not allowed)
- Blood tests as required to check lead levels
- Any workers working inside the steel section must identify mitigation in SWMS risk assessment
Working Near Approach Span Abutments / Embankments
Be careful when walking on uneven or sloping ground
When work or visits are being conducted on/near the West or East abutment locations of the bridge; care is to be taken while walking up or down embankment inclines.
Consideration to the following points must be followed:
- The preferred option to be taken is the most stable ground path
- The speed during decline must be slow
- The placement of footing is to be made in areas that are visible
Swipe Card Procedure - On Site
Swipe card process when working on the West Gate Bridge site
Emergency Evacuation Process
Red Tag Cards are used to account for all personnel on-site during an emergency evacuation. These are distinct from the white Access ID Cards.
- All individuals with an Access ID Card must swipe at the compound gates when entering and exiting the site.
- All personnel must tag onto the designated ‘tag on boards’ upon arrival.
- The white Access ID Card must be worn at all times while on site.
- Remove your tags when leaving the site or at the end of your shift.
Radio & Mobile Phone Usage
Two way site radios & Mobile phones
You will be provided with two-way radios to use while on site, especially when inside the West Gate Bridge. These radios must always remain switched on.
- Channel 1 – Emergency
(over-riding – monitored 24/7 by WGB Control Room) - Channel 3 – Security
- Channel 4 – Electrical
- Channel 5 – Steel East
- Channel 6 – Steel West
- Channel 7 – Concrete East
- Channel 8 – Concrete West
- Traffic management use UHF Channel 37
An alarm can be raised using the Emergency Call Box located inside the bridge.
The use of mobile phones is permitted; however, taking photos inside the bridge is strictly prohibited without prior permission.
No Smoking Policy
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas, which are located within each compound
Unacceptable Behaviour
- Not wearing your personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
- Engaging with individuals wishing to harm themselves.
- Responding verbally to abusive motorists, particularly those upset due to traffic delays.
- Interacting with members of the public (in vehicles or on foot) who may be participating in protests and are illegally on roadways or within West Gate Bridge compounds.
- Smoking inside or on the West Gate Bridge.
- Fighting, bullying, littering, or engaging in discriminatory behaviour.
- Possession or use of illicit drugs or alcohol.
- Speeding in the compounds (exceeding fast walking pace of 5 km/h).
- Failing to adhere to safety procedures and rules.
Quiz and Completion of Application
Before you Proceed
You are about to be presented with 10 questions on the induction material you have seen.
You will need to get 100% on the quiz to pass.
Once you have passed the quiz, you will proceed to the Confidentiality Deed and application form.
Please ensure that you have electronic copies of these supporting documents ready to upload before continuing:
- Work Permit (if not an Australian Citizen / Permanent Resident)
- Construction Induction Card
- Driver’s Licence
- Operating Permit / Trade Certificate(s)
Your Results
Your assessment:
Thank You
Thank you for completing the WGB Site Induction
We look forward to working with you
Access Denied
This resource is only available for employees of companies that have registered with the WGB Management Team.
Please contact your Department of Transport and Planning representative for further information.