C216-HSE-OPR-003 - 0 Working at Height

Sedgman Civmec Joint Venture
ABN 46 875 462 353

Postal Address
Suite 3, 3 Craig Street PO Box 39
Burswood WA 6100 Burswood WA 6100
AUSTRALIA
Ph: +61 8 6255 0000 Email: perth@sedgman.com
Fax: +61 8 6255 0099 Web: www.sedgman.com
Jimblebar Expansion Project

Working at Height
Contract No. 7491-C-60005
BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd
Document #: C216-HSE-OPR-003
Revision: 0
Working at Height
Revision Status
Revision Number Author Description Date Approved By
0 NB Issued for use 01/10/15 BJ
Copyright Notice
Sedgman/Civmec © 2015
This Document is copyright. Other than for the purposes and subject to the conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act 1968
(Commonwealth), no part of it may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, micro-copying, photocopying, recording or
otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission
Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

C216-HSE-OPR-003 Page 2
Working at Height
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Purpose.............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 References......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Abbreviations & Definitions ................................................................................................................ 5
2 Responsibility & Accountability ................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Training .............................................................................................................................................. 6
3 Working at Height Risk Analysis ................................................................................................................ 6
3.1 Hierarchy of Control ........................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.1 Elimination ..................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.2 Substitution .................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.3 Isolation .......................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.4 Engineering Controls ..................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.5 Administration ................................................................................................................................ 7
3.1.6 Personal Protective Equipment ..................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) ................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Take 5 ................................................................................................................................................ 9
4 Control Mechanisms ................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Personal Fall Injury Prevention Systems ........................................................................................... 9
4.2 Ladders ............................................................................................................................................ 10
4.3 Scaffolding ....................................................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) ..................................................................................................... 11
4.5 Barricading ....................................................................................................................................... 12
4.6 Dropped Objects .............................................................................................................................. 13
4.6.1 Grid Mesh .................................................................................................................................... 14
4.7 Protection of Holes/Openings/Voids ................................................................................................ 14
4.8 Man Cages....................................................................................................................................... 14
4.9 Anchor Points .................................................................................................................................. 15
5 Monitor, Review & Improvement .............................................................................................................. 15
6 Tips for Individuals to Avoid Working at Height Issues ............................................................................ 16

Working at Height
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This procedure describes a systematic approach to controlling the risks associated with working at
height, commencing with risk assessments of potential falls through to the selection and
implementation of suitable control measures including both temporary and permanent solutions.
For any work where there is potential to fall from, through, or into a place or thing, or from one level
to another, a suitable means of control must be implemented. There is NO specific height
requirement to be deemed Working at Height within SCJV.
1.2 Scope
This procedure is applicable to all personnel working for or on behalf of SCJV on SCJV project
sites or work locations.
1.3 References
 Occupational Safety & Health Act, 1984 (WA)
 Occupational Safety & Health Regulations, 1996 (WA)
 Mines Safety and Inspection Act, 1994 (WA)
 Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations, 1995 (WA)
 ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management
 AS 1319-1994 Safety Signs For The Occupational Environment
 AS 1657-2013 Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders – Design, Construction
and Installation
 AS 2550.1-2011 Cranes, Hoists and Winches - Safe use - General Requirements
 AS 2550.10-2006 Cranes, Hoists and Winches - Safe use - Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
 AS 4142.3-1993 Fibre Ropes - Man-made Fibre Rope for Static Life Rescue Lines
 AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 Personal Eye Protection - Eye and Face Protectors for Occupational
Applications
 AS/NZS 1418.10:2011 Cranes, Hoists and Winches - Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
 AS/NZS 1576.1:2010 Scaffolding – General Requirements
 AS/NZS 1801:1997 Occupational protective helmets
 AS/NZS 1891 Industrial Fall-arrest Systems and Devices
 AS/NZS 1891.1:2007 Harnesses and Ancillary Equipment
 AS/NZS 1891.2:2001 Horizontal Lifeline and Rail Systems
 AS/NZS 1891.3:1997 Fall-arrest Devices
 AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 Selection, use and maintenance
 AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 Portable Ladders - Metal
 AS/NZS 1892.2:1992 Portable Ladders - Timber
 AS/NZS 1892.3:1996 Portable Ladders - Reinforced Plastic
 AS/NZS 1892.5:2000 Portable Ladders - Selection, safe use and care

Working at Height
 AS/NZS 2210.1:2010 Safety, Protective and Occupational Footwear - Guide to Selection,

Care and Use
 AS/NZS 4576:1995 Guidelines for Scaffolding
 Code of Practice: Prevention of Falls at Workplaces (WorkSafe WA)
1.4 Abbreviations & Definitions

Roles and Responsibilities
Anchor Point A secure point on a structure to which a fall protection device maybe secured,
including static lines. An anchor point shall be used only for the purpose for which
it was designed.
Barricade Where overhead work is being conducted, barricades must be erected around the
work area to protect others below from falling objects and to prevent persons
entering.
Competent Person Any person that has a combination of attributes such as knowledge, skills, abilities
and attitudes that provides adequate assurance of successful performance of a
task.
Elevated Work A telescopic device, scissor device, articulated device, crane attachment or any
Platform (EWP) combination of these, used to position personnel, equipment and materials at work
locations above or below the base support surface.
Fall Injury Any system that reduces the injuries if a person falling from one level to another
Prevention System (e.g., harness, scaffolds, safety nets, mechanical aids etc.).
(FIPS)
Fall Protection The use of industrial fall restraint equipment including full body harness, lanyards
and attachment devices along with secure anchor points. This includes the use of
Elevated Work Platforms and man lifts. Fall Protection can be defined as either
fall restraint or fall arrest.
Fall Restraint An approved device that presents a person to move beyond the edge of a level
change
Full Body Harness An assembly of interconnected shoulder and leg straps, that provides stability in
the event of a fall.
Karabiner A ring attached device used for anchorage connection to height safety equipment.
Triple Action Karabiner shall be standard use for all working at height works.
Lanyard A lanyard is a device used to connect a safety harness to an anchor point. A
shock absorbing lanyard device shall be used as a standard attachment for
working at heights.
Permit System Prior to working at height, including the use of EWP and man cage, a Working at
Height permit must be completed and authorised by an approved person.
Scaffold A temporary construction which consists of a framework and an elevated working
platform, able to support people and materials, as applicable.
Scafftag A recording, tagging and monitoring system for the erection, modification,
inspection and dismantling of scaffolds.
Static Line A horizontal line to which a lanyard may be attached.
Total Fall Restraint A system to provide persons with approved equipment designed to allow access to
the work area without reaching an area where there is a risk of falling.
Working at Height A process or system of work where there is potential to fall from, through, or into a
place or thing, or from one level to another.

Working at Height
2 Responsibility & Accountability

Roles and Responsibilities
Manager(s)
It is the responsibility of management personnel to:
 Ensure that JHA’s are conducted for working at heights.
 Ensure that control measures have been implemented to eliminate or minimise the exposure to risk of
a fall from height to as low as reasonably practicable before the task is commenced.
 Provide sufficient information and training to supervisors to enable the safe implementation of working
at heights.
 Ensure sufficient personnel are trained and authorised for tasks specified in this procedure.
 Ensure adequate resources are available for compliance with this procedure.
 Authorise any working at heights as required.
Supervisors
It is the responsibility of supervisory personnel to:
 Ensure all employees and subcontractors are familiar with the requirements of this procedure.
 Ensure that a risk assessment is conducted before any working at heights is commenced.
 Ensure that control measures have been implemented to eliminate or minimise the exposure to risk of
a fall from height to as low as reasonably practicable before the task is commenced.
 Provide sufficient training to personnel required to work at height.
 Ensure barriers and signage are erected during working at heights tasks.
 Ensure drop zones are established and monitored.
 Authorise any working at heights as required
Employees and Subcontractors
All employees and subcontractors who have any involvement with Work at Height shall be made familiar
and comply with this procedure to ensure the safety of themselves and that of others who may be
affected by the activities.
2.1 Training
All persons required to work at height must have successfully completed the nationally accredited
Work Safely at Heights (RIIWHS204D) training and be verified as competent prior to undertaking
any work at height.
3 Working at Height Risk Analysis

All work at height must be risk assessed, with consideration given, but not limited to the following
factors:
 The distance from any open edge
 The construction and load capacity of the work surface
 Equipment being used
 Other work in progress
 Impacts of falling tools or equipment
 Requirements for barricading
 Requirements for fall protection devices
 Emergency response to incidents

Working at Height
3.1 Hierarchy of Control

The hierarchy of control for working at height includes:
3.1.1 Elimination
Where possible remove the need to complete the work at height. Eliminate the need to access the
fall risk area by locating or relocating items requiring inspection, maintenance or other attention
elsewhere.
3.1.2 Substitution
Complete the task in a less hazardous location or manner (e.g. building as much of a structure on
the ground in preference to height, using an EWP).
3.1.3 Isolation
Isolate the hazard or hazardous area (e.g. install handrails, edge protection, ladder cages etc.).
3.1.4 Engineering Controls
Engineer or redesign the structure or equipment in order to reduce the hazard related to the task
(e.g. install remote operation devices, design and install walkways, install fixed ladders instead of
using temporary staging etc.).
3.1.5 Administration
Provide guidelines for all working at height activities and provide training, use warning signs and
barricades to control the hazard.
3.1.6 Personal Protective Equipment

When selecting PPE for work at height, consideration shall be given to the level of protection
provided before any work at height commences. Free fall is not permitted under any
circumstances.
PPE must be considered only as a last resort and if all other control options are impracticable,
unavailable or will introduce further hazards to the work.
PPE requirements will vary depending on the task being undertaken, and these will be outlined in
the task specific JHA; however, standard project PPE required to be worn at all times is outlined
below.
 Steel-capped safety footwear to be worn at all times.
 Hearing protection in designated areas.
 Safety glasses to be worn at all times.
 Hard hat with chin strap to be worn at all times when working at height and in operational
areas.
 Long sleeve shirt, high-visibility, with reflective strips to be worn at all times with sleeves
rolled down and buttons done up.
 Long trousers to be worn at all times.

Working at Height
 Safety gloves (with non-metallic glove clip attached to trousers) to be carried on the person
at all times and worn when undertaking manual work.
 Full Body Harness.
 Lanyard.
 Static Line.
 Anchor Point.
3.2 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

A JHA is a tool which is used to evaluate the hazards associated with a particular task and to
assess the control measures that are required to be implemented to minimise the risk.
On this project a JHA must be developed for each task. The work crew will develop the JHA and
each team member will read and sign the JHA prior to commencing the task. An SCJV Supervisor
and/or HSE personnel will review the JHA for content, ensure that it has been read and signed by
all personnel (new team members must read and sign the JHA upon arrival at the work area), and
then approve the JHA for use.
When undertaking a JHA it is necessary to:

 Investigate and record every step involved in the performance of the job.
 Assess the potential events or hazards involved in the carrying out of the steps involved in
the job.
 Ensure appropriate forms of access and egress are defined.
 Define the hazard management procedures to be utilised.
 Identify control measures to be implemented in order to eliminate or mitigate the hazard.
 Specify the individual or workgroup responsible for implementing the control measure(s).
 Necessary emergency response requirements are identified.
 Ensure the JHA is reviewed and/or revised when new tasks or modified tasks have been
introduced.
 Ensure a Working at Height Permit is completed and authorised prior to commencing work
activities at height.
JHA audits shall be completed by Supervisory and HSE personnel and entered into InControl.
SCJV JHA’s are valid for a maximum of 3 days from date of preparation and must be hand written;
generic or typed JHA’s are not to be used. The JHA shall be signed by all personnel involved in
the works at the beginning of each shift and whenever any changes are made to the JHA.
The JHA shall take into consideration:

 The potential of objects as well as personnel to fall.
 The possibility for weather and other environmental conditions to influence the working
conditions (e.g. wind, rain, dust, gases, poor lighting, temperature etc.).
 Condition of the operating surface.
 Selection of appropriate equipment, including anchor and tie-off points.
 PPE requirements for the task, i.e. tool lanyards, hard hats with chin straps, fall restraint
harness, gloves etc.
 Condition of supporting structures.

Working at Height
3.3 Take 5
A Take 5 is a real-time personal risk assessment which assists the user in identifying potential
hazards which may arise during the undertaking of the task. Workforce members should complete
a Take 5 when commencing a task or returning to a task after a break such as meals breaks. A
Take 5 shall also be completed when the task changes but is still within the scope of work covered
by the JHA.
Take 5’s shall not be completed in lieu of a JHA or other risk assessment tool. Should a hazard be
identified in a Take 5 that has not been previously identified in a JHA or SWI, the hazard shall be
included in a revised version of the JHA or SWI. All personnel will be trained in the conduct of a
Take 5 prior to the commencement of work (during the induction process) on the project.
Completed Take 5’s shall be handed to the SCJV HSE Advisor at the end of each shift. The
information is collated and recorded for analysis and trending.
4 Control Mechanisms
Once fall hazards have been identified, the possible means of reducing the risk needs to be
considered. These can include:
 Edge protection
 Scaffolds or working platforms
 Securing ladders
 Wearing of Fall Injury Prevention Systems (FIPS)
 Training staff in the use of FIPS
 Extra supervision and specific procedures when working at height
 Pre work inspections identifying potential dropped objects
4.1 Personal Fall Injury Prevention Systems

Fall Injury Prevention Systems (FIPS) are required to be worn at all times, when any of the
following occur:
 There is a risk that personnel may fall from one level to another.
 When personnel are working within two (2) metres of an opening where they could fall.
 When edge protection is not being utilised.
 Working outside of a handrail.
 Working from any elevated work platform or man cage.
 A person feels that such protection is required.
If FIPS are required (as above), a fall-restraint device with an approved safety harness and lanyard
conforming to the AS/NZS 1891 series must be worn. The harness must be connected by a
lanyard to a secure anchor point mounted overhead where possible, or horizontal life line, at all
times whilst the person is in an exposed position in accordance with the manufacturers
specifications. The purpose of this system is to controls a person’s movement by physically
preventing the person reaching a position at which there is a risk of a fall. It must be set up to
prevent the wearer from reaching an unprotected edge. At times this may necessitate the use of
two lanyards to enable one to be left attached while the second is being moved to the next anchor
point.

Working at Height
Fall arrest systems are only to be used as a last resort where no other method of control is
viable. An independent risk assessment covering the activities must be undertaken and
permission must be gained from the SCJV Construction Manager prior to conducting any activity
requiring the use of a fall arrest system.
Each item of fall prevention equipment shall be inspected prior to use and on a quarterly basis, and
have a current colour-coded inspection tag attached. The equipment shall be identified by a
number, and a register of all equipment shall be maintained by SCJV.
Inspections/checks shall be undertaken as follows:

 Pre-use visual inspection for cuts, abrasion, heat or oil or chemical damage, and currency of
operating life, which shall not exceed ten years from manufacture.
 Pre-use check of the condition of the hook or karabiner to ensure that it operates freely,
does not jamb open and is not bent or damaged in any way.
Personal fall-prevention equipment is the last stage of accident control for reducing the risks of
working at height, and relies on well-maintained equipment. Supervisors must ensure that
maintenance on fall prevention equipment is conducted by a competent person at intervals in
accordance with manufacturer specifications. Any worn components must be tagged ‘Out of
Service’ and replaced accordingly.
At no time shall a worker be placed at height without the appropriate fall protection system in place.
4.2 Ladders
Extension or single ladders shall only be used as a means of access to or egress from a work area,
not as a working platform; and three (3) points of contact must be maintained at all times. Ladders
used shall be in accordance with AS/NZS 1892 series Portable Ladders and AS 1657 Fixed
platforms, walkways and ladders – design, construction and installation.
Additional requirements for using ladders on SCJV projects are as follows:

 Ladders must be kept in a good and safe condition.
 Ladders shall be inspected quarterly and recorded on a register.
 Ladders are to be secured during use; it is essential to secure a ladder at the top.
 Ladders will be constructed to have a load rating of not less than 120kg, and marked
‘Industrial Use Only’.
 Place the ladder feet on a firm level surface.
 When used to access a work area, a ladder must extend at least one metre above the step-
off point and placed at an angle where the base of the ladder is at least one quarter of the
ladder height away from the base of the scaffold or structure i.e. 4:1.
 Ladders of metal construction or wire reinforced side rails must not be used closer than
three (3) metres from any exposed electrical power source and never inside electrical
substations or an electrical installation.
 Extend a minimum of one (1) metre above the surface where a person can gain access.
 Ladders should be inspected for damage prior to use. Any ladder with broken or missing
rungs or splintered or broken side rails shall be deemed unsafe and tagged ‘Out of Service’.
 Do not use the top or second from the top steps of a step ladder to stand on.
 Portable ladders (step ladders or trestles) shall not be used where there is a risk of fall in
excess of two (2) metres.
 Ladder register shall be kept on site.

Working at Height
 Welding, cutting, grinding or similar activities are not permitted from a ladder.
 No work shall be conducted from a ladder unless it is a platform ladder. Work activities shall
only be conducted from the platform and not the rungs.
4.3 Scaffolding
Any activity involving the erection, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolding is considered a high
risk work activity. As such, SCJV shall ensure that risk management principles apply to this
activity.
All scaffolding shall be erected in compliance with AS/NZS 4576:1995 Guidelines for Scaffolding,
AS/NZS 1576.1:2010 Scaffolding – General Requirements, and statutory requirements.
Only licenced and VOC’d scaffolders shall erect/dismantle, modify and inspect scaffold on this
project, ensuring it has been fitted with a ‘Scafftag’ prior to use. The Scafftag system is used to
advise personnel when a scaffold is safe to use, having been inspected by a licenced scaffolder.
All personnel using the scaffold shall visually check the Scafftag for validity. Where a Scafftag is
found to be expired or with a date that is more than 14 days old, the scaffold shall be removed from
service by the Scafftag being reversed and an out of service tag attached. Personnel shall not use
scaffold which does not display a valid Scafftag. Scaffold inspections shall occur at least every
seven (7) days and after alteration, repair or inclement weather periods. They shall be tagged
accordingly and updated on the scaffold register.
All scaffold, work platforms and stages shall have hard-bar handrails with a mid-rail at every level.
All levels shall be fully decked with kick-plates and all planks shall be lashed down. Light Duty
scaffold platforms shall not be less than two (2) planks wide (450mm). Medium Duty scaffold
platforms shall not be less than four (4) planks wide (900mm). Heavy Duty scaffold platforms shall
not be less than five (5) planks wide (approximately 1100mm).
All work involving scaffold erection, maintenance and dismantling and elevated work platforms shall
be subject to a JHA. This shall be prepared by the work crew and reviewed and approved by the
Supervisor or HSE Advisor.
4.4 Elevated Work Platforms (EWP)

Any activity involving working from an EWP is considered working at height and a high risk work
activity. As such, SCJV shall ensure that risk management principles apply, and all activities shall
be undertaken in accordance with AS 2550.10 Cranes, Hoists & Winches – Safe Use – Mobile
Elevating Work Platforms. Risks associated with elevated work platforms shall be evaluated in the
CRAW.
The following control measures shall be followed:

 EWP’s shall only be operated by trained, competent and VOC’d personnel.
 A Working at Height Permit is required and shall be complete prior to work commencing.
 Spotters trained to bring the boom to ground in an emergency shall be in place.
 Ground conditions must be assessed prior to the EWP moving over any ground.
 A safety harness must be worn in and connected to the basket of a boom type EWP at all
times (100% hook-up).
 The area below the EWP shall be barricaded (i.e. an exclusion zone created) to avoid
personnel entering the work area.
 Pre-operational checks and records complete.
 Hard hats shall be worn at all times with chin straps.

Working at Height
 Under no circumstances shall the SWL be exceeded and no EWP is to be used as a crane.
4.5 Barricading
Where fall hazards have been identified and cannot be eliminated or substituted, then isolating or
separating the hazard or hazardous work practice using barricading and signage must be
undertaken in order to restrict access to the work area.
Hard barricading is required where high risk hazards exist, including but not limited to around all
excavations, drop zones, holes or openings in floor or roof areas; scaffold erection; at the edges of
roofs and elevated work platforms and around certain types of elevated work. Barricading must be
erected whenever necessary to warn people against falling from, through, or into a place or thing,
from one level to another, or overhead hazards. Anyone who makes a hole or opening is
responsible for having it barricaded.
Soft barricading is normally a short term or movable barricade in the form of tape, which highlights
the existence of a potential hazard beyond the barrier. The types of tape used include:
 Danger Tape/No Access (Red and white tape). To be used to barricade areas where high
risk hazards exists and a definite risk of injury or harm to people exists. Used as a
temporary control until solid barricading or a permanent solution can be implemented. No
person must enter or work within an area that is barricaded or demarcated with Danger
Tape.
 Restricted Access (Blue and white tape). Controls access by people where an energy
source or hazard is not controlled. Only persons authorised by the Exclusive Control Officer
may enter an area or access equipment that has been barricaded or demarcated by
Exclusive Control Tape.
 Cautionary Access (Yellow and black tape). To barricade areas and warn persons of low
risk potential hazards.
Specific barricading requirements include:

 Barricades must be a minimum of 900mm high, square and level.
 Keep barricades back from the edge of the hazard.
 Barricades are to be constantly maintained.
 Safety signage is required to be installed by the person(s) who made the hole to warn other
personnel of potential hazards. Signage shall meet the requirements AS 1319:1983 Safety
Signs for the Occupational Environment.
 Safety signage shall be complied with at all times.
 Barricades must have information tags and/or Scafftags attached, detailing the reason for
the barricade.
 Barricading/netting shall be installed around fixed plant and equipment to prevent contact
with falling objects.
Persons required to enter the area shall do so only with the permission of those in control of the
barricaded area and once they have been made aware of the hazard(s).
Caution tape can be used to identify an area that workers need to heed caution when entering.
Caution tape can be used to barricade minor hazards only. Areas where caution tape is utilised
shall be inspected daily to ensure the need is valid.
Refer to SCJV Barricading Procedure (C216-HSE-OPR-001).

Working at Height
4.6 Dropped Objects

SCJV has identified dropped objects as being a safety material risk, and therefore stringent
controls have been put in place to eliminate or control risks to ALARP.
Any activity being undertaken which involves persons placing themselves under structure(s) or at
height, presents the risk of persons being hit by dropped or falling objects. As part of the risk
assessment process, all work areas (including plant and equipment) shall be visually inspected for
dropped object hazards, and a dropped object checklist completed prior to commencement of
work. Dropped object hazards shall also be included on the JHA. Particular attention shall be
placed on ensuring no loose objects on modules and steelwork that may become dislodged during
transport or erecting and pose a safety risk.
Where overhead work is being conducted, SCJV shall separate/isolate persons from dropped
objects by hard barricading the work area below to ensure other people do not walk into an area at
risk from falling objects. Barricades must be a minimum of one (1) metre high, square and level,
and must have information tags and/or Scafftags attached, detailing the reason for the barricading.
The perimeter must be a sufficient distance away from the hazard to ensure the safety of persons
and equipment outside the barricade.
Additional controls may include:

 Kick boards on scaffolds
 Catch nets
 Grid mesh mats
 Erect overhead protective structures for operational activities (ensuring regular inspection
and maintenance is carried out).
Tool lanyards shall be used to prevent tools and equipment from falling from height.
All drop zones, barriers and guarding of plant/equipment shall be calculated and designed to
minimise contact with personnel and meet relevant legislative requirements. Inspections shall be
carried out prior to persons entering the footprint, for potential dropped or falling objects (or
product) which may cause injury or harm.
When implementing controls for dropped objects, the hierarchy of control shall be used where
practicable. They shall include, but not be limited to:
Elimination
 Complete the task at ground level or remove possible loose objects from above the work
area.
Substitution
 Substitute the process for another less hazardous way of completing the task.
Isolation/Engineering
 Securing loose objects to the structure, or moving them from the structure whilst the work is
undertaken.
 Grid mesh matting.
 Ensuring edge protection is fitted to work platforms and scaffold.
 Barricading (and signage) to create an exclusion zone.
 During lifting activities, loads are not to be suspended or slewed directly over persons.

Working at Height
Administrative
 Use of signage.
 Spotters in place.
 Information tags.
 Procedures in place.
 JHA’s.
PPE
 Hard hats, safety glasses, safety footwear and other mandatory and task-specific PPE.
 Hand tools and equipment should be stored in tool bags or buckets, not trouser pockets.
 Use of tool lanyards when working at height.
4.6.1 Grid Mesh
Equipment shall be designed to eliminate the need for guarding where practicable. Grid mesh shall
be selected where other potential mitigation measures do not adequately protect personnel as
identified in the risk assessment process. Equipment safeguards shall be designed and
constructed to comply with the Mines Safety and Inspection Act (1994) and Mines Safety and
Inspection Regulations (1995), Codes of Practice and relevant recognised leading industry
practices.
The integrity of plant and equipment safeguarding measures shall be continually maintained and
monitored. Risk assessments shall be undertaken to identify any safeguarded hazards that require
interlock systems as an additional control. Access to equipment shall be controlled and monitored
where safeguarding and interlock systems are insufficient to protect persons from moving plant and
equipment.
4.7 Protection of Holes/Openings/Voids

Personnel should report to their Supervisor any uncovered or unguarded holes, openings or voids
of dimensions greater than 200mm diameter. All holes and openings shall be covered or hard
barricaded with a material that is strong enough to prevent persons falling through it or being
injured. Barricades shall have an information tag attached advising of the hazard.
If able to be covered, the cover is to be securely fixed to the plant, ground, floor or supporting
structure, and capable of withstanding two times the maximum intended load.
Any person involved in creating a hole or opening is responsible for ensuring that it is correctly
covered or barricaded and signage displayed stating ‘Danger Hole Beneath’. In the case of
maintenance access holes in plant, provisions must be made for it to be refixed after it has been
used for maintenance purposes.
4.8 Man Cages

Persons within or working from a man cage are considered to be working at height. The design
and operation of man cages shall comply with AS 2550.1-2011 Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe
use - General requirements.
All man cages shall be certified and show a SWL, and shall be inspected and approved prior to
being used on site. Any lift requiring a man cage to be used shall have a qualified and licensed
rigger, using radio communications with the crane operator in control of the lift aboard the man
cage.

Working at Height
A crane used with a man cage shall:

 Be fitted with an anti two-block device (i.e. an up limit switch on the hoist motion).
 Hook fitted with a safety latch.
 Have all pre-start checks complete.
 Be equipped with a ‘dead man’ control on power lowering to produce self-centring and
automatic brake engagement.
 Be equipped with a lock-out control to prevent free fall of the man cage and its contents.
 Lift only the box/cage and its contents.
4.9 Anchor Points

Anchor points must be inspected prior to use and deemed to be capable of withstanding a load of
15kn (1500kg) if used for one person and 21kn (2100kg) if used for two people. Wherever
possible, anchor points shall be attached to a structural point above the head (EWP’s excluded).
Hand rails and guard rails shall not be used as working at height anchor points.
Fixed or permanent anchor points shall be designed, rated and inspected as being fit for purpose
when used for working at heights.
Permanent fixed anchor points shall be signposted and display the date of installation, date of last
inspection, maximum safe working load, and name of installer and the standard to which it was
designed and inspected. Periodic inspections shall be carried out at intervals of no more than
twelve months.
A safe means of access to anchor points shall be provided.
5 Monitor, Review & Improvement

The control measures that are put in place to prevent falls must be reviewed, and if necessary
revised, to make sure they work as planned and to maintain an environment that is without risks to
the health and safety of project personnel.
The HSE Superintendent and project personnel shall review and as necessary revise fall control
measures:
 When the control measure does not control the risk so far as is reasonably practicable.
 Before a change which is likely to give rise to a new/different health or safety risk that the
control measure may not effectively control.
 If a new hazard or risk is identified.
 If the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary.
 If a health and safety representative requests a review.
Control measures may be reviewed using the same methods as the initial hazard identification
step, ensuring the following are considered:
 Are the control measures working effectively in both their design and operation?
 Are all fall hazards being identified?
 Are workers using the control measures in accordance with the instruction and training that
has been provided?
It is important for Supervisors and workers to manage working at height related issues

Working at Height
All managers, supervisors, employees and subcontractors shall be conversant with their respective
responsibilities as outlined within this procedure. The Project Manager shall ensure that all
personnel comply with this Working at Height procedure.
6 Tips for Individuals to Avoid Working at Height Issues

 You must protect yourself when working at heights
 A Working at Heights Permit must be completed and authorised prior to the commencement of the task
 Be aware of what fall protection equipment to use and how to use it
 Check equipment before using it
 Always tie off at a secure anchor point when at height outside of a protective environment
 When working at height, it is important to maintain a safe work environment to prevent incidents and injuries. The
most common hazards associated with working at height are falling objects falling on others working below or near
the work area.
 Where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, it should be reduced by arranging for the work to be done on the
ground.
 Ladders may be used but only where all of the above options have been considered and are not reasonably
practicable. Ladder safety, including securing the ladder, must be followed.
 Provisions should be in place to prevent objects falling freely in the vicinity of the workplace.
 In addition to the height itself and the potential to fall, there are a range of other factors which may be equally
important for safely working above the ground. Look for the following things:
– Stable and secure working platforms and walkways
– Areas are free from slip and trip hazards
– Inspection plates or tags to show equipment is in testing compliance
– Are ladders are set up and used correctly?
– How did the person access the high area?
– How were they protected while they were getting up there?
– Is the work they are doing at the height adding to the risk?
– Is there a totally different way to do the job that would greatly reduce risk?
 Ensure there are guardrails and/or barriers for open sides
 Use appropriate work platforms to reach higher places
 Use proper stairs and ladders to move from one level to another
 Check your harness
– Webbing has no frayed edges, broken fibres, pulled stitches & cuts
– No cracked or distorted D-ring
– No loose, broken or distorted buckle
– Lanyard is not worn out or broken
 Use the correct plant for the task and do so safely.
 Always ensure that you are aware of the fall recovery plan prior to commencing task


C216-HSE-OPR-003 - 0 Working at Height

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

C216-HSE-OPR-003 - 0 Working at Height

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sedgman Civmec Joint Venture

ABN 46 875 462 353

Jimblebar Expansion Project

BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

 AS/NZS 2210.1:2010 Safety, Protective and Occupational Footwear - Guide to Selection,

1.4 Abbreviations & Definitions

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

2 Responsibility & Accountability

3 Working at Height Risk Analysis

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

3.1 Hierarchy of Control

3.1.4 Engineering Controls

3.1.6 Personal Protective Equipment

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

3.2 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

When undertaking a JHA it is necessary to:

The JHA shall take into consideration:

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

4.1 Personal Fall Injury Prevention Systems

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

Inspections/checks shall be undertaken as follows:

Additional requirements for using ladders on SCJV projects are as follows:

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

4.4 Elevated Work Platforms (EWP)

The following control measures shall be followed:

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

Specific barricading requirements include:

Refer to SCJV Barricading Procedure (C216-HSE-OPR-001).

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

4.6 Dropped Objects

Additional controls may include:

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

4.6.1 Grid Mesh

4.7 Protection of Holes/Openings/Voids

4.8 Man Cages

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

A crane used with a man cage shall:

4.9 Anchor Points

A safe means of access to anchor points shall be provided.

5 Monitor, Review & Improvement

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

6 Tips for Individuals to Avoid Working at Height Issues

Revision: 0 - 1 October 2015

You might also like