Once the job has been planned and the site has been inspected according to WHS and site requirements it is important to follow work procedure and

Transcription

1 Once the job has been planned and the site has been inspected according to WHS and site requirements it is important to follow work procedure and instructions in the implementation of safe work at heights.

2 It is very important to use appropriate safety systems while working at heights. Consult the manufacturer s instructions and specifications before using any safety equipment. Safety equipment may include: Scaffolds Handrails Kickboards Foot Walks Harness Fixing Points Safety Harness

3 An edge protection system is a barrier placed around the edge of a structure, building or gap such as handrails or containment sheeting. Guard rail systems should be used on the edge of: Working platforms Walkways Landings Stairways Ramps A ladder with a free fall of more than 2 metres

4 Fall protection covers are placed over openings and holes to prevent falls.

5 A travel restraint device is designed to stop a worker from getting too close to the unprotected edge of a work area. It is always better to prevent the possibility of a fall than simply providing a fall arrest system because of the serious dangers resulting from a worker being suspended in a harness for too long before rescue. A travel restraint device consists of a safety belt or harness connected by a lanyard to a suitable anchorage point or static line. It may include an inertia reel. Persons should be properly trained and supervised in the use of the equipment.

6 A fall arrest system is designed to safely stop a falling person before they hit the ground. It may include: A harness A lanyard with an energy absorber An anchorage point or static line Workers should be properly trained and be supervised while using the equipment. The various parts of a fall-arrest system should be compatible. DO NOT use components from different systems together. Before starting work you need to correctly fit the required safety equipment. Depending on the requirements of the job, you may need to use safety equipment to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

7 Safety harnesses (or fall arrest harnesses) must meet the requirements of AS A static line is used to anchor a worker who is at risk of falling from a height. The aim of a static line is to allow a worker to traverse the work area easily while always maintaining a fall prevention safety system. A static line is used to anchor a worker who is at risk of falling from a height. The aim of a static line is to allow a worker to traverse the work area easily while always maintaining a fall prevention safety system. Safety line systems involve the use of safety harnesses and can include various methods of anchorage including static lines, life lines and fixed anchorage points for inertia reels or lanyards. Safety line systems must be installed by (or the installation directly supervised by) a licensed rigger or scaffolder.]

8 Catch platforms and safety nets are temporary structures installed below a work area to catch a person if they fall or catch falling objects. It should be strong enough to take the impact of people, equipment and materials. Industrial safety nets are sometimes used as an effective means of fall protection for those working at heights where it is not practicable to provide scaffolds or temporary guard railings. When combined with overlay nets of finer mesh size, they can also be used to contain falling debris.

9 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices. It may include: Appropriate clothing Safety helmet Non-slip safety footwear Eye protection (e.g. goggles) Safety helmets with chin straps must be worn wherever there is a risk of objects falling from above and on any work site where the hard hat sign is displayed. Workers should wear close fitting pigskin gloves to protect hands from: Heat and abrasion Molten metal Sharp edges. Wear eye protection if you are likely to be exposed to: Physical damage Chemical damage Radiation damage Workers should wear respiratory protective devices if exposed to: Toxic gases and vapours Irritating dusts, such as silica. Ear protection Gloves Hearing protection must be worn where there high volumes of noise such as trucks and equipment. Workers should be careful to choose footwear that is comfortable, gives maximum grip and provides protection from pinching, jamming and crushing. To prevent permanent damage caused by ultra violet rays always wear a hat, long sleeves, long trousers and use Sun Block cream when working outside. It is important to wear the appropriate high visibility clothing to make sure other operators know where you are.

10 There is a whole range of equipment that you should be familiar with when working at heights. Consult the manufacturer s instructions and specifications before using any equipment. Equipment used at height may include: Ladders Harness Lanyards Slings

11 Lifting/load shifting equipment including: Hand trolleys Rollers Forklifts Chain blocks Hoists Jacks Scaffolds Elevated work platforms Lifting equipment (such as cranes) Air compressors and hoses Hand and power tools Nail guns Power leads Materials used on the construction work site

12 When using ladders make sure that: They are in good condition and comply with the Australian Standard AS 1657 and AS/NZS They are industrial rated and are the correct ladder for the job. Metal ladders are not used in or near electrical hazards such as powerlines. Portable ladders are available in two grades Industrial and Domestic. Never use a domestic grade ladder for industrial use because it is not required to be as robust and strong as an Industrial Grade ladder.

13 Do not use a ladder with any of the following faults: Timber stiles warped, splintered, cracked or bruised Metal stiles twisted, bent, kinked, crushed or with cracked welds or damaged feet Rungs, steps, treads or top plates which are missing, worn, damaged or loose Tie rods missing, broken or loose Ropes, braces or brackets which are missing, broken or worn Timber members which, apart from narrow identification bands, are covered with opaque paint or other treatment that could disguise faults in the timber.

14 Forklift work platforms are designed to lift people with a forklift. Make sure when using a forklift work platform that: Workers NEVER stand on forklift tynes, pallets or in unsuitable lifting cages. The work platform is designed and operated in line with the Australian Standards AS and AS The work platform is securely attached to the forklift. The forklift operator remains seated at the controls of the forklift at all times while someone is elevated in the work platform. The forklift does not travel while someone is in the work platform. The load capacity of the platform is never exceeded.

15 Personnel boxes or workboxes are used to lift workers with a crane. Crane lifted work boxes are often suitable for very high work or isolated parts of the project where it is difficult or impractical to provide scaffolds or EWPs. The work box must be specifically designed for the purpose of lifting people. The work box design must be registered with a State or Territory regulatory authority and meet all of the necessary requirements of the workplace, crane manufacturer and AS 2550 and AS

16 The work box must be stamped or be provided with a stamped metal data plate, securely and permanently attached to it in a prominent position, and providing the following information: The maximum hoisted load (kilograms) The safe working load (kilograms) The tare mass (kilograms) Minimum allowable (rated) crane capacity (kilograms) The work box must also be marked with its safe working load in kilograms.

17 When using scaffolding make sure that: Any scaffold from which a person could fall more than 4m is erected by a certified scaffolder. Scaffolding complies with Australian Standards AS/NZS 1576 and AS/NZS Scaffolding is equipped with guardrails and kickboards (toeboards). Mobile scaffolding is level, the wheels are locked while in use and they are not moved with someone on it. All scaffolds where a person or object could fall more than 4 metres should be prepared by a licensed scaffolder.

18 Whenever working on a scaffold make sure you work in accordance with site procedures and the manufacturers specifications. Make sure the scaffold is completed and ready for use. Make sure you know the duty of the scaffold. Make sure all mobile scaffolds are level, castors are locked and they are positioned safely away from any edges that may collapse under the weight of the scaffold and equipment.

19 Two-way radios and mobile phones can be used when working at heights. Where radio communication equipment is used the transmitting frequencies of the equipment must be selected to prevent interference to or from other radio equipment being used in the area. It is important that the two-way system provides clear signals without any interference on the channel. The two types of two-way radio are conventional and trunked. Conventional radio Great care must be taken when allocating frequencies/channels to make sure that there are no other operators using the same frequency in the area. Interference on your frequency can be a safety hazard. Stop work until the radio is checked or a new frequency selected and allocated.

20 Trunked radio Trunked radio is a computer controlled two-way system that locks other radio users out of your selected frequency. With trunked radio it is possible to have several separate groups on one site communicating by radio without interfering with each other. Trunked radio is recommended for large sites Make sure all equipment is working properly and that you can communicate with the crane or hoist operator clearly. Do not use any communication equipment that is not consistently working properly. Check that there is no interference on the channel.

21 The following inspection process covers inspections outlined in Appendix C of AS/NZS Industrial fall arrest systems and devices. Is the Webbing in good condition? Look for these Items: Cuts or tears Abrasion damage especially where there is contact with hardware Excessive stretching Damage due to contact with heat, corrosives, or solvents Deterioration due to rotting, mildew, or ultraviolet exposure Activation of fall indicators where fitted

22 Are the Snap hooks and karabiners in good condition? Look for these items: Distortion of hook or latch Cracks or forging folds Wear at swivels and latch pivot pin Open rollers Free movement of the latch over its full travel Broken, weak or misplaced latch springs (compare if possible with a new snap hook) Free from dirt or other obstructions, e.g. rust

23 Are the D-rings in good condition? Look for these items: Excessive vertical movement of the straight portion of the D- ring where it is retained by the webbing, so that the corners between the straight and curved sections of the D become completely exposed.(note: Excessive vertical movement of the ring in its mounting can allow the nose of larger snap hooks to become lodged behind the straight portion of the D, in which position the snap hook can often accidentally roll out of the D under load.) Cracks, especially at the intersection of the straight and curved portions Distortion or other physical damage of the D-ring Excessive loss of cross-section due to wear

24 Are the Buckles and adjusters in good condition? Look for these items: Distortion of other physical damage Cracks and forging laps where applicable Bent tongues Open rollers

25 Is the Sewing in good condition? Look for these items: Broken, cut or worn threads Damage or weakening of threads due to contact with heat, corrosives, solvents or mildew

26 Are the Ropes in good condition? Look for these items: Cuts Abrasion or fraying Stretching Damage due to contact with heat, corrosives, solvents, etc Deterioration due to ultraviolet light or mildew

27 Are the Chains in a good condition? Look for these items: Physical damage Security of attachments to snap hooks, rings, and similar components

28 Before you use any equipment (including safety equipment), tools or plant you MUST check that they are in safe working order. If you find anything wrong during your checks you must: 1. Tag and isolate the damaged or defective item to stop anybody using it. 2. Record the problem in the logbook or on the inspection checklist. Give as much detail as possible. 3. Report the fault to your supervisor or other authorised person.

29 Signs and barricades are used to warn people of potential hazards or to keep pedestrians and vehicles out of a particular area. They help reduce the risks from falling objects or when EWPs or ladders are being used.