• Updated 12 August 2024
• With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions , it is good to report that mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing practices  have been rescinded. However, please feel free to wear a mask if this works for you. Continued regular use of hand sanitizer is encouraged.

As well all know by now, Covid-19 presents a more serious risk to

1. 1. People aged 70 or over
   2. People aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions
   3. People with a compromised immune system
   4. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions.         I

Update on COVID19 requirements for attending Redhead Men’s Shed Generally, the requirements for attending the shed align with the advice provided by NSW Health NSW to the wider community. NSW Health requirements change from time to time, and we adhere to specific requirements as they become relevant, such as social distancing, the wearing of masks and physical isolation. There are specific conditions for which attending the shed is not permitted. These are : • Don’t attend if you are feeling unwell • Don’t attend if you have recently had a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) • Don’t attend if someone in your household currently has COVID19 • Don’t attend if you are not vaccinated against COVID19

If you are feeling unwell, have a cough, or temperature, please  carry out a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and do not come to the Shed. If you have been identified as a close contact of someone with Covid, please do not come to the Shed until the required period of isolation has been completed.

• The use of ladders at the shed – Shed Policy has been revised to recognise that there are some circumstances  where ladders are a necessary tool. Shed policy is that where a ladder has to be used; a second member must be at the base of the ladder to ensure that the ladder remains stable.
• Projects that need work off the ground should not be undertaken by the shed unless appropriate safety concerns are resolved e.g. scaffolding to be used.
• There has been some confusion about the use of Danger Tags and Out of Service Tags. Danger Tags are only to be used as a last resort if equipment needs to be isolated from a power source.  i.e. electrical isolation for work on an electrical circuit.    Almost every machine in the Shed can be isolated by unplugging the electrical lead, in which case an Out of Service Tag is the appropriate tag, and is the one that should be used.  If you are concerned that the machine may be used despite the tag, cut the plug off.
• Please make sure that if you’re first to use a machine that you complete the form for the day. The Safety group will check the forms at the end of each month and maintain the records. Remember, the sheet has only to be filled in once per day when the equipment is first used. .
• On a related subject, we have had some situations where machines have been ‘adjusted’ or used inappropriately, and left in an unsafe or ineffective state. Just a reminder that if you feel the need make major adjustments to machines, or remove safety guards, please don’t.   If you’re unsure if the machine is the right one for the task, ask.  If you’re in doubt about the condition of a machine put an ‘Out of Service’ tag on it. There are plenty of people around the Shed with enough experience to help. Ted, Phil, Tony, Richard, Thicky, Glenn, Blakey.
• We are working on the project sheets to make them easier and more relevant to use.  It’s an ongoing task. One thing that has been added is a master sheet so that we stop duplicating project numbers. When you start a project use the next number on the list then fill in the project form. This master sheet system can only work if everyone makes sure that the control is updated every time a Project Sheet is raised. 
• Minor and major project forms have recently been updated with version 2 (V2) currently available for use
• We have now acquired an EFT-POS capability for the Shed to facilitate sale of Shed products to our customers. More and more people do not carry cash.
• The following matters were discussed at our August Committee meeting:
  • August BBQ is on Wednesday August 14^th in conjunction with a guest speaker – Mark Seaman who is the Belmont Police Public Liaison Officer.
  • Expenditure during July included:
    • $1,430 – Twelve months rent of the shed premises from LMCC
    • $451 – groceries
    • $110 – monthly waste bin
    • $97 – Telstra internet & phone charges
    • $79 – Electricity
  • Income during July included:
    • $1,050 – Income from annual membership renewals
    • $605 – shed attendances
    • $560 – Project sales

Current Shed Workshop Projects – 7^th August 2024

• Table & three chairs
• Two soccer rattlers
• Queen Mary ship
• Side table (refurbish)
• Pyrography work (3)
• Scroll saw work – Motorbikes on stands
• Money boxes
• Bird feeder
• Tray with stand
• Pallet planter in garden area
• Christmas tree & decorations.

• Other stuff

  • Machine safety and operator competency are ongoing concerns at the shed and it has been observed that some workshop machines have been used without the required prestart checks being recorded. These checks help ensure the safety of the machine users by checking that machines are fully serviceable before use. Please check and make sure the machine checklist has been completed for the day before using these machines.
    • If you are not sure how to operate a machine, please ask another shed member to show you how to competently use the machine.
    • If you see unsafe practices, please intervene to prevent injury to persons or damage to machines
  • Two steel props have been installed within the workshop to provide mechanical support to the large timber chord above, part of the roof trusses, which has sustained a significant crack. LMCC have a structural engineer engaged to provide a repair solution which is expected to require steel bracing to be fitted to the timbers. We don’t have any dates for the rectification work yet, but it will probably involve a scaffold being built and the workshop being unavailable for a number of days. LMCC have advised that the repairs to the deteriorating concrete floor need to be put on hold until after the roof truss repairs have been completed.
  • We will soon procure a new set of three phone handsets for the shed with a set available for the workshop, meal room and office areas.
  • Annual shed membership renewals have been occurring with 64 members currently financial for the 2024/2025 period.

  • The usual reminders ….

    • When you finish at the shed each day, if not attending the next day please free up bench space for others by storing any project items on the storage rack within the shed.
    • When at the shed, remember to wear your name badge to aid more effective interaction with each other at the Shed.
    • If you hear the shed phone ringing please answer it, take a message and pass the message on so we can attend to it.
    • If you are not feeling well, rest up, as it’s best not to attend the Shed

• •  
  • Scheduled Calendar Dates :

• 14th August – Monthly Wednesday BBQ
• 14^th August – Guest Speaker – Mark Seaman Belmont  Police Public Liaison Officer
• 4^th September – Committee meeting from 1.00 pm.
• 9^th September – Monthly Monday BBQ and update from last week’s committee meeting.
• 2^nd October – Committee meeting from 1.00 pm.
• 9^th October – Monthly Wednesday BBQ and update from last week’s committee meeting.
• 23^rd October – proposed date for AGM.        

 Our Donors names are displayed on our Donor Board in our car park. Our Shed values the wonderful support given to us by each and every one of our Donors.