Work at Heights - General

References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan


Hazards


Potential hazards include, but are not limited to

  • Falls
  • Falling objects


Planning


Risk workshops must assess potential work at height risks.


S A SWMS is required where there is a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters whilst carrying out work. MPX supervisors must review SWMS prior to the work at height commencing.


Risk assessment / SWMS must consider the following, including but not limited to:

  • Safe access and egress for all areas where work at heights is being undertaken
  • Duration, extent and type of work to be undertaken
  • The nature, size, length, weight and surface area(s) of elements/items involved in the works
  • Proximity hazards
  • Prevailing weather conditions
  • Lighting
  • Competency and training
  • Plant & equipment
  • Materials
  • Emergency equipment and procedures, including actions to be taken after an arrested fall has occurred


R The risks associated with the potential for falling objects must be identified, assessed and controlled in accordance with the Hierarchy of Control outlined in Table 1.


TABLE 1: WORKING AT HEIGHTS HIERARCHY OF CONTROL

Operational


WA and VIC - Fall protection must be provided when there is a risk of a fall, from 2 meters or more.


NSW and QLD - Fall protection must be provided when there is a risk of a fall from the edge of a scaffold, fixed stair, landing, suspended slab, roof, canopy, formwork or where any other edge exists.


R Fall prevention systems / structures must be:

  • Verified as installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant legislation, codes of practice and Australian Standards
  • Subject to regular document inspection as per the relevant legislation, codes of practice and Australian standards, refer:
  •  Plant and Equipment Schedule


Where there is a risk of dropping tools / equipment lanyards or similar are required:

  • Lanyards must be rated to withstand the load of the tool should it dropped.
  • Damaged lanyards must be removed from service.


Legal and Other Requirements

  • CP Prevention of falls at workplaces (WA)
  • CP Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (WA)
  • CP Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (QLD)
  • CP Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (NSW
  • CP Prevention of falls in general construction (VIC)


Document Control


Version 1 August 2019 – New Standard