01a WORKING AT HEIGHTS

PPE TO BE
WORN
Reviewed & Authorised Person Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applicable Codes, Regulations and Stan-
dards (NSW)
Hazards OHS Act 2000
OHS Code of Practice 2008
Generic Safe Work Practices Fall Injury OHS Regulations 2001
• Check all power tools for signs of electric lead damage. Falling Tools AS1576 Scaffolding
• Ensure that all electrical leads have current test tags before operating. Strains AS1891 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems
AS2626 Industrial Safety Belts & Harnesses
• Inspect Maintenance Records of any hire equipment. Abrasions
AS1892 Selection and Maintenance of Ladders
• Read and understand MSDS’s (Material Safety Data Sheets) and implement the Electrocution EWPAA Operator Ticket (Yellow Card)
• requirements, i.e. wear the correct PPE (Personal protective Equipment) AS1418 Elevated Work Platform
AS1892 Selection and Maintenance of Ladders
• Ensure that you are competent in the type of work you are about to complete. If you have any concerns then stop AS2550 Mobile Elevated Work Platform
what you are doing and talk it over with your Supervisor. AS2210 Occupational Footwear
Fall Restraint/ Arrest
AS4389 Safety Mesh
• Never lift more than 20kg’s without assistance or a mechanical aid. AS4994 Temporary Roof Edge Protection Harness
• Observe all construction site signs and rules. Construction rules apply even on residential properties. AS4360 Risk Management
• When conducting a risk assessment check the roof for access points. Check the roof for possible fall through areas,
e.g. skylights, asbestos roofing, polycarbonate roofing (you will fall through this light weight material). Also, ensure
STOP - DO A RISK ASSESSMENT
the risk assessment covers the location of overhead power supply and stabilisation of any lifting devices.
BEFORE COMMENCING WORK
Soft sole shoes with
good grip (roofs only)
Working at Heights
• Remember the “Hierarchy of Control” , working from the ground should be your first choice. If this is not possible, use a
passive fall prevent device, e.g. EWP (level 2), if this is not possible use an industrial rope access system or travel re-
straint (level 3), If this is not possible, use a fall arrest system (level 4).
• When working at heights in excess of 2.0 metres ensure appropriate fall protection is in place, e.g. when working on roofs
a fall arrest system is required as a minimum. When working in EWPs, Manlifts, Scissor Lifts, Cherry Pickers or Boom Lifts
the preferred system is a fall restraint, although this not mandatory.
• Ensure plant and equipment is placed on a flat firm surface – any danger to people below work area, use approved barri-
cades and signs warning them to keep away from work area.
• Ensure that all workers have adequate training for working at heights, i.e. harness training and green / yellow tickets for
lifting devices. Place appropriate signage and safe guards (traffic control) around equipment and people working at
heights.
• Ensure you have a rescue plan in place (suspension trauma can kill)
• See SWI-27 Roofing for more information on Roof Edge Protection.

Declaration
I, the undersigned acknowledge that this Safe Work Instruction (pages 1 to 6) does not constitute professional advice and that I&F Consulting Group only provides guidelines for Asset Trade Services Employees
and Sub Contractors. I, the undersigned acknowledge that I must research and implement all requirements under the OH&S Act 2000 and any relevant standards, and all statutory regulations that are relevant.
Sun Block
Name _____________________________________Signed ________________________________ Date __ / __ / __ on behalf of _________________________________(sub contracting company)

Filename: Working at Heights Edition: A Rev:1 Copyright © I&F Consulting Group Pty Ltd Page 1 of 6 Issue date: 02-06-09
 01b ELEVATED WORK PLATFORMS PPE TO BE
WORN

Reviewed & Authorised Person Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EWPs include: scissor lifts, boom lifts and truck mounted EWPs (travel towers). EWPs are primarily designed so that a person may work at an elevated position,
on a structure from within the confines of the EWP platform or basket.

Before work • Has the contractor parked in an authorised position, not causing obstruction.?
starts • Have you completed a site based Risk Assessment and if needed, a specific Safe Work Method ? STOP - DO A RISK ASSESSMENT
• Determine what Traffic Controls will be required (This may have needed to be planned earlier) BEFORE COMMENCING WORK
• Barricade work area to prevent people entering.
• Ensure all personnel have yellow tickets (see below). Applicable Codes, Regulations and Stan- Fall Restraint Harness
• Inspect all harness and lanyards. (where the appropriate fall restraint system) dards (NSW)
OHS Act 2000
Safety Issues → Operators of EWPs must have competency training as recognised by the Elevated Work Platform OHS Code of Practice 2008
OHS Regulations 2001
Association of Australia (yellow card) AS1576 Scaffolding
→ The yellow card shows type of EWP permitted. AS1891 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems
AS2626 Industrial Safety Belts & Harnesses
The following list is a guide to provide awareness of EWP safety AS1892 Selection and Maintenance of Ladders
EWPAA Operator Ticket (Yellow Card)
• Load carrying on EWPs. • Use of outriggers. AS1418 Elevated Work Platform
• Working near overhead power lines. • Working above personnel or use in public places. AS1892 Selection and Maintenance of Ladders
AS2550 Mobile Elevated Work Platform
• Access and egress. • Weather and ground conditions (i.e., soft ground,
• Maintenance, inspection and repair. windy—above 20km/h).
• Log Book completion

• Operators must be wearing a fall restraint system that is attached to permanent D anchors in basket.
• EWP is not to be used as a crane or for lifting
• Maximum of 2 people only permitted in basket.

→ (BL) Self Propelled Boom Lift.

→ (SL) Scissor Lift.
→ (VL) Vertical Lift.
→ (TL) Trailer Mount Boom lift.
→ (TM) Truck Mount Boom lift.
Sun Block

Filename: Working at Heights Edition: A Rev:1 Copyright © I&F Consulting Group Pty Ltd Page 2 of 6 Issue date: 02-06-09
 01c LADDER SAFETY

Reviewed & Authorised Person Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applicable Codes, Regulations and Standards (NSW)
OHS Act 2000
OHS Code of Practice 2008
The major risk with using ladders is falling either from overreaching or the ladder slipping. OHS Regulations 2001
AS1576 Scaffolding
→ If the work cannot be performed safely then alternate means must be considered such as mobile or AS1891 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems
AS2626 Industrial Safety Belts & Harnesses
fixed scaffolding, trestles or scissor lift (EWP)
AS1892 Selection and Maintenance of Ladders
• A step ladder should never be ‘walked’ by the person standing on the ladder. EWPAA Operator Ticket (Yellow Card)
AS1418 Elevated Work Platform
• Ladders should only be used as a ‘work platform’ for uncomplicated work with a short duration. AS1892 Selection and Maintenance of Ladders
AS2550 Mobile Elevated Work Platform
• The overall length of the ladder is not the same as it’s usable length.
• When used for access to scaffolding, roofs, etc, the ladder should extend at least 1 metre (at least three
rungs) above the landing place.
• If a person is working off a ladder, there should be 1 metre of ladder length above the highest rung on which
the worker has to stand (Rungs are usually a third of a metre apart.)
• Before use check the ladder for any defects, these may consist of loose joints, damage to rungs / treads,
fittings, such as hinges, pulleys, tie rods, etc...
• Place the base of the ladder on a solid level support, at a distance that equals ¼ of the supported length of
the ladder from the wall. Secure the ladder so it can’t move or have someone hold it.
• Never stand on the top rung – the maximum should be three rungs from the top.
• DON’T use step ladders unless fully opened, or the top of a step ladder as a step.
• DON’T use ladders with defective components.
• DON’T use metal ladders with conductive material where electrical hazards exist. Use fibreglass ladder.
• DON’T place a ladder against pipes, moving objects, against brittle surfaces, or near live electrical wiring.
• Areas below ladders, particularly doorways etc. should be properly posted or roped off.
• DON’T lean out from a ladder – take the time to move it.
• When working for extend periods of time at a height, a platform ladder or scaffolding is required.

Filename: Working at Heights Edition: A Rev:1 Copyright © I&F Consulting Group Pty Ltd Page 3 of 6 Issue date: 02-06-09
 01d SCAFFOLDING PPE TO BE
WORN

Reviewed & Authorised Person Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STEPS HAZARD RISK CONTROL

Preparation Electrocution • Check for overhead Electrical Hazards;

Falling
• Check for obvious hazards overhead Tree Branches etc;
Falling Tools
Strains • Scaffold only to be erected on level or near level site; STOP - DO A RISK ASSESSMENT
Abrasions • Ensure area under scaffold is clear and clean; BEFORE COMMENCING WORK
• Only erect scaffold on a firm surface;
• Scaffolding above 2 meters requires a scaffolding ticket to assemble.

Scaffold Erection Falling • Minimum of 4 castors must be provided under the standards (uprights);
Falling Tools
• Every standard not fitted with a castor must be strutted;
Strains
Abrasions • Working load on castors must not be exceeded;
• The maximum height of the scaffold must not exceed 3 times the minimum width;
• All planks must be secured to the scaffold;
• Ensure toe boards are fitted; only one working platform per scaffold;
• No person shall remain on mobile scaffolding while it is being moved;
Sun Block
• When erecting scaffold ensure each joint is locked into place;
• Only use scaffold in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions;
• All wheel locks must be engaged before entering scaffold;
• Never climb on the outside of the scaffold;
• Two people should always be in attendance when scaffolds are in use;
• Clear area must be maintained around the scaffold using cones, bunting mesh etc.
• Incomplete and/or unattended scaffold must have appropriate controls to protect against unauthorized access;
• Never drop tools, equipment or materials from the scaffold;
• Safety helmets must be worn when working around or ascending and descending scaffold;
• Materials and tools should be raised and lowered by rope.

Filename: Working at Heights Edition: A Rev:1 Copyright © I&F Consulting Group Pty Ltd Page 4 of 6 Issue date: 02-06-09
 01e CHECK LIST

Reviewed & Authorised Person Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHECKLIST

Ladders/Step Ladders Fall Arrest Harness

Mobile Scaffold Fall Restraint Harness

Fixed Scaffold Safety Line + Lanyard

Scissor Lift/Man Lift Inertia Reel

Cherry Picker / EWP PPE

Swinging Stage Wind Strength (below 20 km/hr)

Other________________________ Certificates have been sited

SPECIAL NOTE: Ensure Personnel are accredited to install, erect and/or operate above items

Certificate Numbers____________________ , ______________________

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 01f CHECK LIST
IF YES
Arrange for a suitable guardrail system to be attached to the perimeter of the roof, or erect a
1 Is the working height at the perimeter of the roof more than 2.0 metres?
perimeter scaffold to the eaves line with edge protection to at least 900mm above the roof.
2 Is the equipment to be accessed or serviced within 2 metres of the perimeter edge Attach a guardrail system to the perimeter of the roof.
3 Is the slope of the roof more than 25 degrees regardless of the working height at the perimeter? Attach a guardrail system to the perimeter of the roof.
4 Is the surface condition below the roof, onto which a person may fall, hazardous? Attach a guardrail system to the perimeter of the roof.
5 Does the structure supporting the roof require modification to support safeguards? Do not proceed until modifications are complete.
6 Is the access platform or walkways to and around the equipment unsuitable? Do not proceed until modifications are complete.
7 Does the roof require bracing? Do not proceed until modifications are complete.
8 Is the spacing between the rafters more than 900mm? Use safeguards, including fall-arrest systems, to prevent or arrest falls through the roof.
9 Are anchorage points unsuitable for securing safety line/ all arrest system/ full harness? Do not proceed until modifications are complete.
Are the surfaces of materials on which work is to be performed; Use edge protection and/or fall arrest / restraint systems, as required by the code to prevent
10
• Wet? • Slippery? • Glazed? • Fragile or brittle? or arrest falls.
11 Is the access to and from the site unsuitable? Arrange safe access.
12 Is the access to and from the roof unsuitable? Arrange safe access.
13 Are additional personnel required in attendance to gain safe access? Arrange the appropriate number of personnel present before proceeding.
14 Are there any electrical hazards within 4.0 metres of the roof Power should be disconnected, insulated, or otherwise made safe before proceeding.

15 Are the weather conditions unsuitable for work on the roof? Discontinue work until weather conditions are more suitable.

16 Are there persons who have not received appropriate induction training to carry out the work? Provide appropriate induction training to carry out the work before proceeding.
Clearly display hazard warning signs as appropriate, such as:
17 Are there other persons/trades working at the site?
• Persons working above • Nail gun in use • Elevator or hoist in use
18 Are portable electric tools being used? Ensure that they are protected by a safety switch (RCD) before proceeding.
19 Are asbestos products being handled? Ensure that all necessary precautions have been taken before proceeding.
20 Are there any persons who have not been supplied with the appropriate PPE to do the work? Supply with the appropriate PPE before proceeding.
21 Are there any persons who have not been adequately trained and instructed in the use of PPE? Train and instruct all persons in the use of PPE.
22 Does the waste material need to be contained for safe removal from the roof? Contain waste material for safe removal from the roof before proceeding.
Detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space re-
23 Are there any additional hazardous not covered by the SWIs?
quired.
Note: Access to roofs requires the wearing of suitable footwear, having good non-slip soles. If suitable anchorage points are available, the use of a full harness and safety line/ fall arrester should be
worn as per AS 1891.1. Certain sites require the attendance of 2 personnel, due to the height of ladders, inadequate ladder securing points, difficulty in getting tools/spares up to the roof height.

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