SBDMS operates as an incorporated Association. At the time of incorporation the members opted to adopt the model “Rules of Incorporation” as provided under the Associations Incorporation Act. Shortly after incorporation new rules were enacted and it is the 2012 Model Rules that represent our current Constitution.

A copy of these rules and the Act are available here by clicking on the links below.

Mission Statement
To provide a range of activities, programs and services, involving community
projects, that focus on men’s health and wellbeing, comradeship and support,
to men living in and around Safety Beach and Dromana.

Vision
Safety Beach-Dromana Men’s Shed will be a safe environment for men to gather
together, provide peer support, companionship, knowledge, skills and be involved
in community activities. The shed will have an emphasis on good health and
wellbeing of our members, to the benefit of the community

Values
Involving people regardless of their capabilities
Supporting growth and development across all ages

• Community involvement
• Respecting individuals
• Friendship

Objectives
The key objectives of the Safety Beach-Dromana Men’s Shed are to provide men with:

• An organization through which they can share their knowledge, skills and abilities in woodworking, metalwork, gardening, computers and other skills they possess.
• A community based organization that allows them to contribute to the community through a range of projects and activities.
• A location from which they can access men’s health and wellbeing groups,activities, programs and services.

Goals
The primary goal of Safety Beach-Dromana Men’s Shed is to provide men with a
place to meet, share experiences, learn new knowledge skills and abilities.
The secondary goal is to provide men with comradeship and support in dealing
with unemployment, retirement or loneliness, giving rise to social isolation.
The third goal is to link with health networks, men’s health service providers
and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to provide men with access to
programs and services.

Most of us would like nothing better than to turn our backs on political correctness, rules and regulation, and paperwork.
Sadly, when we gather together to pursue our hobbies with power tools, powerful machinery, and hazardous materials, we expect that our safety will be respected.
And the community and the law are unforgiving when mistakes are made and people get hurt.
It is for these reasons that The Shed must be managed to avoid accidents as far as possible while maximizing our enjoyment of the opportunities that the Shed provides, and expanding our skills and areas of interest.

Safety:

We are advised by the AMSA that as a group of volunteers who do not engage in commercial activities, we do not come under the terms of the Victorian Worksafe legislation. None the less we have a legal and moral obligation to provide a DUTY OF CARE to all members and visitors. The safety and well-being of all members and visitors is the primary concern of all members and must never be taken lightly. A breach of this policy may result in your membership being terminated. All members must be aware of the training policy, understand its terms and agree to abide by them.

Your own safety and the safety of others is principally each member’s responsibility. The committee will continue to review all aspects of health and safety and will require changes from time to time. They welcome any OHS suggestions.

New members will be asked to provide a detailed statement of their experience and capabilities using the various pieces of equipment in the shed. They MUST NOT attempt to exceed those capabilities without asking another member, who has more experience, to assist. If in doubt consult the co-ordinator.

The member offering to assist must likewise not offer assistance beyond his own knowledge and experience.

All accidents and incidents must be reported to the first-aider on duty and recorded in the incident book.

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs policies:

Please read the relevant policy that is posted on the notice board.

Minimum numbers in the shed:

For operation of the Shed, there must be at least 2 members in the Shed, of which at least one of whom is a committee member.

Housekeeping:

It is a fundamental policy of this shed that everyone is responsible for housekeeping. A clean shed helps make a safe shed. During your induction you will be asked to discuss and understand these shed rules:

Return tools to their home after use.
Do not use faulty tools. Report the faulty item to a Workshop Leader
Paint, thinners and the like are to be returned to their safe storage location.
Paint brushes must be cleaned thoroughly and empty cans disposed of legally.
Clean up work areas
Immediately clean up any spills.
No electrical leads on the floor.
Immediately remove tripping hazards.
Return wood and metal off-cuts to appropriate storage area or disposal bin.
Leave benches clear.
Work in progress must be bundled, labelled and put away.
Rubbish removed to collection bins (no dangerous goods).
Cleaning Roster – You will be asked to nominate at least 2 weeks each year on the cleaning roster for the amenities area and toilets. A list of these duties is posted on the noticeboard together with the roster.

Children, visitors and pets:
Children are not permitted in the Shed unless under the supervision of a member.

Pets are only permitted in the Shed when accompanying a disabled person. They are not permitted in the workshop.

Visitors are welcome in the Shed in the company of a member and may also use the facilities in the workshop at the invitation of a committee member pending the processing of an application for membership.

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

The committee has determined certain equipment requires the use of PPE. Where this is required, a notice is published and displayed adjacent to that piece of equipment. This is NOT A SUGGESTION, it is a requirement of your membership.

The workshop is often quite noisy and you are encouraged to wear ear protection and eye protection at all times when in the workshop area. It is a requirement that these be worn when power tools are being used. You can provide your own or use the ones provided by the shed

A minimum standard of dress includes shoes that cover the toes preferably work boots, long trousers, shirt not singlets and no loose-fitting clothes or jewellery should be worn in the workshop area.

Dangerous goods, working at heights, hot work policies.

All flammable goods such as paint, thinners, turpentine, and bulk adhesives, are stored in the external store shed and must not be left in the main shed building when not in use.

Consider carefully whether it is safe for you to use ladders or otherwise climb above ground level. If you do so, always have another member close by to supervise and assist you as necessary.

When working in the Shed during hot weather you should take care to remain hydrated and avoid working when uncomfortably hot.

Please discuss any questions you may have about these or any other policy you are not clear about with one of the committee.

SBDMS wishes to maintain a harmonious environment for members and visitors, free from intimidation and harassment.

Members are encouraged to express concerns about shed related issues on an informal basis initially but if not resolved, to seek recourse to more formal grievance and dispute procedures.

Procedural fairness, confidentiality, timeliness and the elimination of victimisation are the principles of this procedure and policy.

The AMSA policies, principles and procedures will guide the committee.
Resolution stages:

Stage1
The member should attempt to discuss and resolve the issue directly with the member who is the subject of the concern.

Stage2
The shed co-ordinator on duty will attempt to mediate for a resolution.

Stage3
In the event those attempts at resolution fail, then the shed co—Ordinator will advise both parties the matter will be referred to the grievance sub-committee at which point each party will have the opportunity to put their case. The secretary will advise both parties of where and when the grievance will be heard. The hearing will be held within a fortnight of the committee receiving the complaint and response.

Stage4
At the hearing, each party will have the opportunity to be heard in the presence of the other correspondent or privately by the committee. The committee will attempt a resolution. If the matter requires further investigation, the hearing may be adjourned. Records will be taken of the submissions and interviews as well as any investigation the committee may undertake.

Stage5
If the complaint is substantiated, the committee may require any or all of the following:

• A written or verbal apology
• An official warning
• Counselling
• Cancellation or suspension of membership

If the complaint is not found proven, the committee may:
 Caution either or both members
 Warn the member against making frivolous or contrived complaints.

Both parties will be advised of the committee‘s resolution .

If a member wishes to appeal either the process or outcome, they have the right to do so and advise the secretary within 48 hours of their wish to do so.

A meeting of Shed members will be convened to decide the matter within 28 days of the notice being received. That decision is final.