• Updated 9 November 2023
• 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of Covid-19 restrictions , it is good to report that mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing practices  have been rescinded.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 November Committee meeting:

  • Poppet Head Area – Council has advised in the strongest of terms that access by Shed members is denied to the Poppet Head forthwith. Council’s Asset Management will advise when we will be able retrieve any equipment and materials that we have stored there.

  • Christmas lunch for members and partners is scheduled for Sunday 10 December at the Redhead Bowling Club. Cost is $20 per head and there’s a list beside the sign in book where you can put your name down. Numbers need to be finalised by 29 November and you can pay at the office. Currently 53 names are recorded as attending.

  • Responsible Wood Community Grant Application – This has been proposed for the Shed to make tree/log hollows as a habitat for various wildlife. A number of concerns have been expressed by  noise associated with the cutting and drilling of the logs, handling of the logs to, on and from the site as well as whether it was a project the Shed should really be involved in. The Committee has voted not to proceed with the project and to withdraw the Grant Application.

  • Missing Measuring Tools – It was reported that a good number of the 30cm rules, tape measures and adjustable set squares have disappeared. If you come across one, please return it to its home.

  • Members’ Contact Details – Members are to be reminded of the need to ensure these details are up to date.

  • Current Shed Projects – 1 November 2023

     

    • Mud Sink – Adamstown Pre-School – $300 – Completed.
    • Small Table – Adamstown Pre-School – $250 – In Progress.
    • Two (2) Small Boxes – Ordered – $100 ea.
    • Book Cabinet – Repair Job – $50 Donation – Completed.
    • Wooden Pieces with Grooves – Ordered – $50 – Completed.
    • Jewellery Desk – Ordered – $100 – In Progress.
    • Rocking Horse – $900 – Ordered – Agreed Price.
  • Our membership stands at 84.

  • Shed Facebook – Ben Fitzpatrick has taken on the role of Facebook administrator.

  • Name Badges – Members are  reminded of the need to wear their badge to aid more effective interaction with each other at the Shed.
  • Completed Project Sheets – These sheets are to be returned to the Office for filing.

  • The usual reminders ….

    • 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 locking up the shed at the end of the day you need to double check that all three urns (fanhouse, kitchen and garden shed) are switched off, all doors are locked and the security system activated.
    • Reminder that if you are not feeling well, rest up, as it’s best not to attend the Shed.
  • Scheduled Calendar Dates :

             9th & 23rd November – Shed inductions from 9:15am
             6th & 9th November – Workshop Clean-up, general meeting, toolbox talk & sausage sizzle lunch   

             6th December – Committee meeting 1.00pm         

 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.