2.11 WORKING AT HEIGHTS · 3. Fall arrest systems At heights over 2 metres where a fenced, secure work platform cannot be installed, it may be necessary to install a fall arrest

Occupational Health and Safety Policy Manual

Policy Number 2.11 Version 1.0 : 16/09/02Page 1 of 23

2.11WORKING AT HEIGHTS

POLICY

PURPOSETo protect RTA staff and RTA contractors from the hazards of working at heights at or above 2metres and to protect non-employees from work activities the RTA or its contractors mayconduct at heights at or above 2 metres.

OUTCOMEIn order to achieve a safe workplace for RTA staff, contractors and non employees, the RTAwill ensure that:(a) The potential for a person or object to fall from a height greater than two metres is

eliminated or controlled.(b) Appropriate fall protection is provided where necessary.(c) Fall protection is put in place by competent persons.(d) Where a fall arrest system is used, it will be suitable for the activity, inspected and

maintained on a regular basis and staff using the system receive appropriate training inits use.

(e) Contractors undertaking works for the RTA comply with this policy and associatedguidelines.

Coverage All Staff



RTA requirementsAll occupational health and safety hazards must be managed in accordance with the RTA OHSRisk Management Policy. In managing working at heights in the workplace, the RTA requires aplanned approach to the following.

1. Designing out potential fall hazards Designers of RTA workplaces or structures must consider the potential for persons orobjects falling from a height greater than 2 metres during construction, use andmaintenance of such buildings or structures.

If the RTA is not directly responsible for design of the building or structure, theBranch/Section dealing with the designers must ensure that the issue of a personor object falling from heights during construction, use and maintenance isaddressed and controlled where necessary.

Hazards associated with working at heights during demolition of a building orstructure should also be considered at the design phase, particularly if the buildingor structure is being built/erected for a limited, foreseeable period.

2. Fenced, secure work platform(s)Where a person or object can fall more than 2 metres a fenced, secure work platformshould be provided if practicable.

The use of fencing will permit workers to perform their tasks with a minimum ofrestraint. Fencing on a secure work platform should be considered as the firstoption for fall protection.

Temporary fencing should be used in situations where the erection of a securework platform is not practicable.

Appendix C provides more detail for fencing.

3. Fall arrest systemsAt heights over 2 metres where a fenced, secure work platform cannot be installed, it maybe necessary to install a fall arrest/ restraint system.

Harnesses, lanyard assemblies and personal shock absorbers used in a fall arrestsystem must comply with AS1891.1:1995.

Anchorages used for connection of a lanyard assembly must comply withAS1891.4:2000.

Anchorages used for connecting a static life line and the design of a static life linemust comply with AS1891.2:2001 and associated supplement (1):2001.

A competent person must periodically inspect all components of a fall arrestsystem.

A competent person must install fall arrest systems. Appendix D provides more information on fall restraint /arrest systems.



4. Scaffolding systems used for working at heightsScaffolds must be erected as per requirements in AS4576 – Guidelines for scaffolding andthe AS1576 series – General requirements.

Scaffolds erected were a person or object could fall 4 metres or more must beerected by a person holding the basic level scaffolding certificate of competency,or higher.

RTA staff who do not hold an appropriate certificate of competency must not erect,alter, modify or dismantle a scaffold where a person or object could fall 4 metres ormore.

RTA staff who are undertaking an approved training course in scaffolding may,under supervision of a competent person, assist in the erection, alteration,modification or dismantling of a scaffold where a person or object could fall 4metres or more.

Scaffolds erected where a person or object could fall 2 metres or more must befenced as per requirement 1 of this policy.

Scaffolds must have safe means of access/egress to the work platform. A suitablyfastened ladder is required as the minimum requirement for access/egress.

Incomplete scaffolds must not be used and must be sign posted as not for use. Hand-over certificates are to be issued for scaffolds where a person or object could

fall 4 metres or more. Scaffold(s) once erected in-situ that provide access/egress or a work platform

where a person or object could fall 4 metres or more must have a local identifyingnumber issued to the complete scaffold for maintenance recording purposes.

A local register must be established at any RTA workplace that is in direct controlof a scaffold greater than 4 metres in height.

Appendix E provides more information on scaffolds.

5. The use of hand held tools while working at heightsWhere a hazard exists for hand held tools being dropped from heights, and no othermeans of preventing them from striking people below is practicable for the situation, theymust be secured to the user or another suitable anchorage point by positive means.

This could be achieved by lanyards attached to the worker’s wrist and to the tool orby the energy supply line of the tool, provided that suitable precautions are takento prevent the line from disconnecting at the tool or joins in the line.

Large items of hand operated plant that has the potential to fall from a heightgreater than 2 metres must have an additional safety line connected to the itemand a suitable anchorage point. This would include, for example, a jackhammer.

Small hand held tools must also be prevented from falling while being transportedto/from the work place. This may require the tools being transported in a backpack,carry bag, tool belt or other appropriate means. The use of a backpack willhowever, allow both hands of the carrier to be free for ascent/descent to/from thework area. A risk management approach should be adopted to the weight of toolsbeing carried or transported.



6. Overhead protectionOverhead protection may include safety nets, catch scaffolds and hoardings. Overheadprotection will be required where other means cannot ensure that non-employees and RTAstaff are protected from RTA works at height.

Appendix F provides more information on overhead protection.

7. Securing persons working on batters or above cuttings against fallingWhen work on or near a batter is undertaken and the batter has an incline/decline greaterthan 15° (1:3.7) and a person could slip/fall further than 2 metres while working on thebatter, a risk assessment must be undertaken to assess possible hazards posed by theworkplace.

The risk assessment should take into account a situation where a person could beworking within two metres of a batter greater than 15° (decline) and a slip/fallgreater than 2 metres is possible.

When work is undertaken on batters where a person can reach a point that a freefall exceeding 2 metres is possible, a fall arrest system must be used.

Appendix G provides more information

8. Portable ladders – self supporting and non-self supportingPortable ladders used as temporary access must comply with the relevant standard of theAS 1892 series.

Portable ladders should be considered as the least preferred form ofaccess/egress and should only be used where no other form of access/egress tothe workplace is practicable.

Portable ladders are to be only considered as a short-term solution foraccess/egress.

Only industrial grade portable ladders are to be used at RTA workplaces. Portable ladders must have a local identifying number legibly painted on both

stiles. A local register of portable ladders is to be established at any RTA workplace using

portable ladders. A ladder that is damaged to a level that makes it possibly hazardous must not be

used. A ladder that is considered hazardous must be tagged as not for use andremoved from service immediately. It should be stored where it is not possible forthe ladder to re-enter the workplace before it is repaired or destroyed.

Under no circumstances are any temporary repairs to be made to a ladder. Appendix H provides more information for the use of portable ladders.

9. Fixed laddersFixed ladders used as permanent access must comply with AS 1657-1992

If a permanent ladder is used, fall protection must be provided where a free fall inexcess of 2 metres is possible. Fall protection could include a cage around theladder, or a fall arrest system attached to the ladder.



10. Managing risks of working at heightsRisk assessments and SWMS will be conducted/developed as per guidelines in the policy“Safe Work Method Statements” No. 2.24 found on the OHS home page under OHS PolicyManual.

SWMS must be put in place if RTA staff are working where they are exposed to afall greater than 2 metres.

SWMS must address the potential exposure of other RTA staff and the public byRTA works conducted where a person or object could fall 2 metres or more.

The SWMS put in place for working at heights above 2 metres will address theissue of high winds affecting the safety of persons working.

If a RTA worker is exposed to a free fall of 2 metres or greater, they will not bepermitted to work alone or in isolation.

Management will ensure that the work place is monitored to ensure that controlmeasures remain appropriate to protect RTA staff and others.

Responsibilities and further adviceare set out in the following pages



What does this policy and associated guidelines cover?The following pages set out the responsibilities for RTA managers/staff in managing working atheights.

GUIDELINESResponsibilities

Appendix A Definitions used in this guideline

Appendix B Identification of hazards associated with working at heights

Appendix C Fenced work platforms – detailed requirements

Appendix D Fall restraint/arrest systems – detailed requirements

Appendix E Scaffolding – Detailed requirements

Appendix F Overhead protection – detailed requirements

Appendix G Work on batters/cuttings – detailed requirements

Appendix H Portable ladders – detailed requirements

References



Responsibilities

Managers & Supervisors Staff OHS Staff Participate in the

consultation period of therisk assessment andSWMS developmentassociated withprotecting staff from fallsat height.

Follow procedures asoutlined within theSWMS.

Actively participate intraining provided for fallprotection.

Not undertake tasks thatthey are not qualified for.

Assist with monitoringand consultationprocedures, informmanagement ofdeficiencies in systems.

Assist in maintainingrecords.

Report new hazards,incidents and nearmisses to management.

Contractors

Implement therequirements set out inNSW legislation,associated Codes ofPractice and AustralianStandards.

Ensure that SWMSdeveloped for working atheights arecommunicated to allrelevant staff andadopted on site.

Provide training to staffand ensure thatindividuals hold allnecessary certification,and maintain relevantrecords.

Monitor, by inspectionand consultation, thesuitability of the fallprotection systemadopted.

Ensure that scheduledinspections andmaintenance of fallprotection equipment,where specified bymanufacturers within thisguideline or by a relevantAustralian Standard, arefollowed.

Maintain relevantinspection andmaintenance records offall protection provided.

Comply with the RTAReporting andInvestigation Policy# 2.1b.

Designers Ensure that RTA or

contractor designedbuildings and structuresare designed to eliminateor control the exposure ofRTA staff or contractorsto falls from heightexceeding 2 metres.

When working at heightswhere a person or objectcould fall 2 metres ormore, contractors whileon RTA work sites mustcomply with, or have astandard higher than thatset by this policy andassociated guidelines.

Provide informed adviceand support.

Conduct audits and siteinspections for specifiedclients.

Assist management tomonitor appropriatenessof fall protection.

Assist in investigation ofincidents for specifiedclients.



APPENDIX A DefinitionsPLEASE NOTE - TEXT UNDERLINED WITHIN THESE GUIDELINES IS EXPLAINED IN THIS SECTION.

Anchorage point - a secure point of attachment on a structure to which a fall-arrest device oranchorage line (lanyard) may be secured, or a secure point on a fall arrest device to which alanyard may be secured.Body belt - that part of a belt or harness assembly which is fastened around the waist.Catch platform - a platform attached to a scaffold, to contain falling debris.Catch scaffold - a scaffold erected for the sole purpose of arresting a fall from height.Competent person - for any task means a person who has acquired through training,qualification or experience, or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills to carry out thattask.Energy absorber - an attachment which by design reduces the deceleration force imposed bya suddenly arrested fall.Fall-arrest device - a self-locking device meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 1891.3 whosefunction is to arrest a fall. An inertia reel is an example of such a device.Fall-arrest system - an assembly of interconnected components comprising a harness (or beltin certain limited cases) connected to an anchorage point or anchorage system, either directlyor by means of a lanyard, lanyard assembly or pole strap, and whose purpose is to arrest a fall.Fall restraint system - see total restraint.Free fall, free fall-arrest - a fall or the arrest of a fall where the fall distance before the fall-arrest system begins to take any loading is in excess of 600 mm, either vertically or on a slope,on which it is not possible to walk without the assistance of a handrail or hand line.Fall-arrest harness - an assembly of interconnected shoulder and leg straps, with or without abody belt, designed for attachment to a lanyard, pole strap or fall-arrest device as specified inAS 1891.1, and used where there is likelihood of free or restrained fall.Hung scaffold - an independent scaffold that is hung from another structure but is not capableof being raised or lowered when in use.Limited free fall, limited free fall-arrest - a fall or the arrest of a fall occurring under theconditions described above, if under reasonably foreseeable circumstances the fall distancewill not exceed 600 mm.Lanyard - a line used, usually as part of a lanyard assembly, to connect a fall-arrest harness toan anchorage point or static line in situations where there is risk of a free fall.Lanyard assembly - an assembly of a lanyard and a personal energy absorber.Newton - measure of force. In this policy and associated guidelines 9.81 N (Newton) equals1.0 kg.Personal energy absorber - an energy absorber designed to be used in series with a fall-arrest harness and lanyard.Restrained fall, restrained fall-arrest - a fall or the arrest of a fall where the person sufferingthe fall is partially restrained by a restraining device such as a pole strap, or where the personis sliding down a slope on which it is normally possible to walk without the assistance of ahandrail or hand line.



Static line - a horizontal or substantially horizontal line to which a lanyard may be attached andwhich is designed to arrest a free fall.Suspended scaffold - Incorporates a suspended platform that is capable of being raised orlowered when in useTotal fall distance - the total distance a person is likely to fall during both the free andrestrained parts of a fall, and including the maximum dynamic extension of all supportingcomponents.Total restraint - a control on a person’s movement by means of a combination of a belt orharness, a line and a line anchorage which will physically prevent the person from reaching aposition at which there is a risk of a free or limited free fall.

CLASSIFICATION - Fall-arrest devices are classified as follows:

Type 1 a fall-arrest device that travels along an anchorage line, locks to the line whenloaded and can only be loaded in the direction of the line.

Type 2 a fall-arrest device from which a spring-loaded anchorage line pays out,and whichlocks when loaded and releases when the load is removed, eg. an inertia-reeldevice.

Type 3 a fall-arrest device from which a spring-loaded anchorage line pays out, which lockswhen loaded, but may be wound back as a winch after loading and locking.



APPENDIX B Identification of hazardsSlips, trips and fallsFalling from height

Tripping on material on work platform

Landing awkwardly after jumping/climbing from aheight

Fall up/down stairs

Falling into an excavation

Tripping on protruding objects (eg nails)

Being hit by objectStriking protruding objects

Being hit by moving objects

Being hit by falling objects

Trapped by moving objects

PublicPersons moving under the work area (eg,pedestrians, vehicles and vessels)

Unauthorised persons entering the work area

After hours security of a site where a person couldfall 2 metres

Body stressingMuscular stress while moving objects betweenlevels

Muscular stress while carrying objects

Muscular stress while twisting, reaching etc in acramped location

Heat, radiation and electricityContact with hot objects, fire or flame

Exposure to UV

Sunburn and welding flash

Contact with sources of electricity

Static electricity discharge

Overhead electricity supply

GeneralScaffolding and other hazard reduction measuresnot meeting required standards

Plant/vehicle movement at base of scaffolding

Non RTA employees conducting buildingmaintenance

High risk RTA jobs & locations Bridge works Traffic facilities Road maintenance (eg batter repair) Construction work Excavation work Direct control contractors (eg building

maintenance)

This is not an exhaustive list. There are otherswithin the RTA who are not listed but may be atrisk.



APPENDIX C Fencing

Fencing will greatly reduce the potential for a person or object to fall from heightand should be the primary form of fall protection used on RTA works.

When installed for fencing, temporary handrails/guardrails must comply withAS1657 tables A1-A4 for timber, steel or aluminium components. Wherediscrepancies exist between AS 1657 and the Regulations 2001, the Regulations2001 will be adhered to. Handrails/guardrails are to be 900-1100mm in height witha mid rail at 400-600mm. Kickboards of 150mm x 25mm (timber) or 150mm x 6mm(steel) are to be incorporated at each landing or platform.

Where the hazard of an object falling exists, the fencing should include infill ofmesh with a diameter of 4mm and apertures not exceeding 50 x 50mm, OR infill of17mm plywood. Kickboards may be excluded where ply infill is used. Kick boardsshould be integrated into the mesh if mesh is used. If the mesh will allow smalleritems being used to fall through the apertures, plywood or a shade cloth typecovering must be used.

The use of fibre/nylon rope or chain for edge protection is not permitted. Fibre/nylon rope of minimum 12mm diameter may be used for delineation

purposes, provided that it is positioned no less than 2 metres from the edge of theplatform and two ropes are used, one located 900-1100mm above the floor, thesecond 450-650mm above the floor. The ropes must be maintained so sag in theropes is kept to a minimum. Kickboards, as outlined above, must be included.

Such delineation must have signs placed on it indicating that entry to the areabeyond the delineation is not permitted without suitable fall arrest protection.



APPENDIX D Fall arrest systems with static line

PLEASE NOTE - Refer to the DEFINITIONS section for the meaning of underlined text.

Fall arrest systems must be designed for and be compatible with the work activityand must not introduce hazards to the users.

If a fall arrest system is being used and a free fall is possible, a fall-arrest harnessmust be used.

Body belts will only be used in a total restraint system on RTA work sites. If hot work or solvent use is undertaken with a harness and lanyard fall arrest

system, the lanyard(s) should be of steel wire rope construction certified by thesupplier to be compatible with the harness and meeting AS 1891.1 requirements.

Where the hot/solvent works are undertaken with the added hazard of exposure toelectricity, management should consult with the supplier of the fall protectionequipment to ensure an appropriate lanyard is used.

Measures must be taken to protect the integrity of a harness during hot/solventworks. For example plastic, disposable overalls will reduce solvent-based paintsfrom contaminating the belts of a harness, or a welder’s jacket will reduce thepossibility of hot metal splatter from melting/burning the harness. Theoveralls/welder’s jacket should be placed over the fitted harness and a small slotcut in the back to allow access to the upper “D” ring for attaching the lanyard orlanyard assembly.

The supplier of a fall arrest system must certify to the RTA that the componentsare compatible with each other and comply with the relevant Australian Standards.

Only components of a harness and lanyard assembly certified as compatible witheach other may be used on RTA works.

Harnesses, lanyard assembles, belts and attachments must be labelled supplyinginformation as per AS 1891.1 clause 5.2.

Harnesses, lanyard assemblies and body belts must be labelled with a localidentifying number. The number(s) must be affixed by means approved by themanufacturer. In most cases the equipment will have an existing serial number thatwould be suitable for this purpose.

A local register must be established to record and schedule inspections ofharnesses, lanyard assembly, body belts and any other relevant documentation.

Installation of fall arrest system A fall arrest system incorporating a static line must be designed as per guidelines

specified in AS 1891.2:2001 and the associated Supplement 1:2001. A static line for a fall arrest system(s) must be erected or installed by a competent

person. This would include a qualified scaffolder/rigger holding the basic levelcertificate of competency.

A fall arrest system must not permit a person to be exposed to a free fall greaterthan 2 metres.



Fall arrest system(s) with or without static lines, must provide safe movementbetween different work levels where required.

A fall arrest system using a static line must permit a person to move around thework area without disconnecting from the static line at any point where the personis exposed to a fall greater than 2 metres. If this is not possible, eg to pass asupporting structure, the harness must be fitted with two lanyards or a similarconfiguration which will permit one lanyard to be connected at all times.

If two lanyards are required and both are connected to a single personal energyabsorber, users must be instructed NOT TO connect the spare lanyard coupler tothe harness. Such an action could potentially reduce the effectiveness of theenergy absorber and cause the person to be suspended at an irregular angle.

A force on the body of a person arrested following a fall must not exceed 6 kiloNewtons (kN) (612 kg). This requirement will generally necessitate a personalenergy absorber to be included with the lanyard assembly, unless it can be shownthat the lanyard itself will limit the force to 6 kN.

When installing a static line, it is necessary to calculate the clearance distancebetween the arrested person and any structures or the ground. Calculations shouldbe undertaken using details found at Clause 6.2 and Figure 6 of AS 1891.2supplement 1:2001.

Static lines installed for a fall arrest system(s) must be inspected by a competentperson or a structural engineer, following installation and prior to the system firstbeing used.

A suitable inspection checklist for static line system(s) can be found at the “Toolsand Checklist” section of the OH&S home page

Anchorage points Anchorage points used to attach a harness and lanyard assembly must comply

with requirements of AS1891.4: 2000 Section 3 and Table 3.1. Wherever possiblethe anchorage point will bear a loading of 15kN (1529 kg) for a single personanchorage, irrespective of the work being conducted.

Anchorage points used with a static line must be capable of withstanding forces asspecified in AS1891.2 Supplement 1:2001, Tables 1,2 and 3.

Compliance of fall arrest equipment Harnesses, lanyards and shock absorbers must be labelled as complying with AS

1891.1:1995 Fall arrest device(s) must be labelled as complying with AS1891.3: 1997.



Fall arrest systems must be inspected and maintainedPersons conducting inspections on harness, lanyard assemblies, fall-arrest devices and staticlines must be competent in inspection procedures.

Manufacturer requirements for inspections must be adhered to. As a minimumthe following inspections will be conducted; Personal equipment including body belts, harnesses, lanyard assemblies,

connectors and fall-arrest devices must be visually inspected by the user beforeeach use.

Fall-arrest devices must have a visual, external inspection conducted at threemonthly intervals by a competent person. Records of inspection are to bemaintained in the local register.

Body belts, harnesses, lanyard assemblies and associated equipment must beinspected at six monthly intervals by a competent person. Records of inspectionare to be maintained in the local register.

Static lines must be visually inspected before each use and have a documentedinspection conducted at intervals of 12 months. If the system has arrested a fall, aninspection must be carried out as per section 9.3 of AS/NZS 1891.2 Supplement1:2001.

Checklists for inspections of fall arrest equipment and static lines can be found atthe “Tools and Checklists” section of the OH&S home page.

Inertia reel fall arrest device A fall arrest device must be marked as per the requirements Clause 4.2 of AS

1891.3:1997. An inertia reel device must be labelled by the manufacturer as being approved for

use in a horizontal position, if the intention is to use in this way. The line of an inertia reel device should not be allowed to exceed an angle of 300

from the vertical, unless the reel has been labelled for horizontal use. A potential hazard associated with inertia reel devices is the `pendulum effect’. It

can occur when the line of the device is permitted to feed out, a fall occurs and thesuspended person swings back towards the anchorage point of the reel. It couldlead to serious injury and must be controlled. AS 1891.4:2000, Clause 3.2.3 andFigure 3.1 provide practical guidance on controlling this hazard.

Rescue of persons following an arrested fall Designing a fall arrest system with or without a static lifeline includes establishing

procedures for the rescue of a person suspended in the system following anarrested fall. Research has shown that `suspension trauma’ can affect individualsafter only a couple of minutes of being suspended in a harness and lanyardsystem. The consequences of suspension trauma can include loss ofconsciousness, renal failure and possibly death. It is imperative therefore, that theperson be rescued as soon as practicable.



When designing a rescue procedure, it is necessary to consider the total falldistance.

If an inertia reel device is appropriate for use in a given situation, considerationshould be given to using a type 3 device that will aid in the rescue of a personsuspended in the system following a fall.

The SWMS put in place under requirement 10 of this policy must includeprocedures for the rescue of persons suspended in the system.

Users to be trained in the use of fall arrest systems The supplier of harnesses and lanyard assemblies must provide instructions for the

use of the equipment. Such instructions must include fitting, adjustment informationand safe use of the equipment.

Any person who is required to use a fall arrest system(s) is to be competent in theuse, care, storage and inspection of the fall arrest system(s). This requirementapplies to fall arrest systems with or without a static line.

Rescue procedures must also be included in training for fall arrest systems.



APPENDIX E Scaffolding

PLEASE NOTE - Refer to the DEFINITIONS section for the meaning of underlined text.

Erection Scaffolds must be erected in accordance with requirements in AS4576 –

Guidelines for Scaffolding and the AS1576 series – Scaffold GeneralRequirements.

Where a person or object cannot fall more than 4 metres, no qualifications arerequired to erect scaffolding. However, the scaffold must be erected to themanufacturer’s specifications.

Where a person or object could fall 4 metres or more from a scaffold, it must beerected by a qualified scaffolder holding a basic level certificate of competency orhigher.

Where a person or object could fall 2 metres or more, fencing must be installed. Suspended, hung or non-standard types of scaffolds must be designed by a

competent person, such as a structural engineer, and erected by an advancedlevel scaffolder.

RTA staff who do not hold an appropriate certificate of competency must not erect,alter, modify or dismantle any scaffold where a person or object could fall 4 metresor more. Persons undertaking approved training may, under competentsupervision, undertake scaffolding/rigging works that are relevant to the trainingbeing undertaken.

Clause 266 of the OH&S Regulation 2001 outlines the levels of competencycertification required for particular scaffolding/rigging works.

Inspection A competent person must inspect scaffolds (for example a structural engineer or

qualified scaffolder), before the first use, after modifications or as required (egfollowing a severe storm), and at regular intervals not exceeding 30 days.

Suspended, hung, or non-standard scaffolds must also be inspected at intervalsnot exceeding 30 days, regardless of height.

The inspection(s) must be documented. The RTA document Scaffold InspectionChecklist, available on the Intranet through the OHS home page under “Tools andChecklists”, would be appropriate for the inspections of basic tower and mobilescaffolds.

A handover certificate must be issued for all scaffolds where a person or objectcan fall 4 metres or more. The certificate is to be issued by the scaffolder whoerected or modified the scaffold. An appropriate handover certificate is availablefrom the OHS home page under “Tools and Checklists”.

The local register established under requirement 4 of this guideline must maintainall inspection documentation and handover certificates and any otherdocumentation relevant to the scaffold(s) at the site, that are under RTA control.



Erected scaffold systems must have a tag (or similar) attached to the scaffold thatprovides the complete scaffold with a unique local identification number. Theidentification number should correspond to an entry in the site scaffold registry.This will facilitate recording of inspections on the erected scaffold system.

Control Measures RTA staff working in a suspended scaffold must wear a harness with a lanyard

assembly attached. The lanyard must be fastened to a section of the platform thatwill support 12kN (1,223 kg).

Extreme care must be taken to ensure that overhead power lines do not present ahazard while erecting or working from scaffolds. The following minimum distancesmust be maintained from overhead electrical apparatus. 3 metres for voltages up to 132,000 6 metres for voltages above 132,000 and up to 330,000 8 metres for voltages above 330,000

Advice should be sought from the local electricity supply authority for any reductionto the above clearances or in situations where the voltage in an overhead electricalapparatus is not known.

All work platforms on a scaffold must be kept clean and free of waste. Weather conditions must be taken into account when working on scaffolds or other

elevated work platforms. Adverse weather conditions could include high winds, rainand electrical storms .



APPENDIX F Overhead protection

Where a risk assessment has identified that the public, or RTA staff are at risk fromRTA works at height, suitable control measures must be put in place to eliminatethe possibility of a person being injured, or their property damaged.

Where control measures cannot eliminate the potential for a member of the publicto be injured by falling objects, overhead protection must be installed.

Such overhead protection must comply with the Code of Practice: OverheadProtective Structures – 1995.

Site management must assess, through the process of risk assessment, therequirements for RTA staff to wear hard hats on RTA work sites.

Safety nets Safety nets are useful fall protection particularly were it is neither possible nor

practicable to install other forms of fall protection. Particular attention must be paid to the rescue procedure(s) required should a fall

be arrested by a safety net. Suitable procedures must also be designed for theretrieval of objects that have fallen into a net.

The maximum fall height as specified by the manufacturer of the net must not beexceeded. However, the free fall must not exceed 2 metres.

Additional information can be obtained from AS 4576:1995 Appendix F – IndustrialSafety Nets.

Catch scaffolds or platform Scaffolds erected as a catch scaffold must be erected to comply with the

requirements for scaffolds contained within this policy. The fencing must ensure that a person or object cannot roll off the platform if a fall

has been arrested. This could include sheeting the handrails with 17mm (min) plyor steel mesh (brickguards) with openings no greater than 50mm x 50mm.

Catch platforms are cantilevered scaffolds and as such must be erected by ascaffolder holding an intermediate scaffolder’s qualification or higher.



APPENDIX G Work on batters/cuttingsPotential hazards associated with working on batters/cuttings should be assessed andcontrolled by the following means.

Risk AssessmentA risk assessment must be conducted where work activities are to be conducted on or near tobatters with an incline/decline exceeding 15° (1:3.7) in the following situations:

If the height at which the work is conducted exceeds 2 metres above the lowestpoint of the batter that could be reached if a person fell down the batter.

If the work is being conducted within 2 metres of the edge of a batter where aperson could fall 2 metres or more before reaching the lowest point of the batter.

If a person can reach a point on a batter that exposes them to a free fall greaterthan 2 metres.

The following points are offered as examples of what the risk assessment should address. What is the angle of the batter? The type of surface to be worked on, eg is the surface rock or soil/clay. Is there any vegetation on the batter that may pose a slip/trip hazard, for example

moss growing on rocks where the work is to be conducted? On rock surfaces, is there obvious loose material that will pose a slip hazard? Is there noticeable deterioration of the surface that could present slip hazards. Is the surface wet? The type(s) of work activity to be undertaken and the level of stability required. Hazards posed by the type of work to be conducted. Hazards posed by the type of access provided with consideration to the type of

work. If hand held tools are to be used, will they pose a hazard to the user in the

situation? Will hand held tools require additional control measures, particularly with regards

to falling?

Control MeasuresIf the risk assessment has found unacceptable exposure to slips/falls by staff associated withbatter works, the following control measures should be considered:

On batters with an angle greater than 15° (incline or decline) and if the risk ofslipping/falling further than 2 metres is assessed as a rating of 1 on the RTA riskreckoner, a fall arrest system should be considered for use.

Where work is being undertaken within 2 metres of the edge of a decline greaterthan 15° and a person could slip/fall further than 2 metres, a fall arrest systemshould be considered.

Where a person is working within 2 metres of an edge that would expose theperson to a free fall greater than 2 metres, fall protection must be put in place.



Where regular inspections of batters assessed as posing a high risk of slip/fallhazards are required, consideration should be given to the installation ofpermanent/semi-permanent fall protection facilities. This could include, forexample, the installation of permanent anchorage points for attaching a fall arrestsystem .

On newly constructed batters with an angle greater than 15° where a riskassessment has indicated that the batters may require frequent inspections andpose a high risk of slips/falls, consideration should be given to installing permanentfacilities for fall arrest equipment.

On batters/cuttings with an incline/decline greater than 45° the provision ofelevating work platform(s) should be considered.

If a tree has been chosen as a suitable anchorage point for fall protection, stepsmust be taken to protect the tree against damage (ringbarking) by the rope or sling.Packing in the form of hessian bags, rubber mats or similar must be placedbetween the rope/sling and the trunk.

If rope access is considered the most appropriate form of fall protection on batterworks, AS4488.1 - 2:1997 should be consulted for guidance on selection,inspection, maintenance, use and storage of rope access systems.

Persons using rope access must be competent in its use.



APPENDIX H Portable ladders

Labels must be attached to ladders indicating compliance with the followingStandards

AS 1892.1 – Metal laddersAS 1892.2 – Timber laddersAS 1892.3 – Reinforced plastic

Ladders that do not bear the label for the relevant standard must not be used. Only ladders rated for industrial use are to be used at RTA work places Ladders that are damaged to a level that pose a hazard to workers must not be

used at RTA work places. They must be immediately tagged as not for use, andthen repaired by the manufacturer or destroyed.

Inspections Visual inspections of ladders are to be conducted by users before each use. Documented inspections are to be conducted on ladders every six months by the

supervisor of the workplace. Appropriate checklists for self supporting and non-selfsupporting ladders may be found on the OH&S home page under “Tools andChecklist”.

The local register established under requirement 8 of this policy must includeinspection documentation and any other documentation relevant to ladders at theworkplace.

Control measures Where electrical hazards are present, only insulated ladders are to be used. Only one person should be on a ladder at a time. Persons supporting the ladder at

ground level are permitted and recommended. Extension ladders must be positioned at a pitch angle of no less than 1:4 and no

greater than 1:6. Extension ladders must be erected on firm and level footings – packing under the

base of styles is not permitted. Non-self supporting ladders must be secured from movement. The top of the

ladder must be secured against any movement and the base of the ladder must besecured against sliding away from the supporting structure.

Extreme care must be used when erecting a non-self supporting ladder on awet/slippery surface.

Ladders must extend one metre above the landing height. Ladders used onscaffolds may extend 900mm above top landing to coincide with the guardrails thatshould be in place.

The rungs of a temporary ladder must be at 90° to the plane of the landing. Thisrequirement will negate the need for the user to step around the top of the ladderto exit at the upper level, or to access the top of the ladder.



Stepladders must only be used in the fully open, locked position. The top cap (where the stiles pivot) of a stepladder must never be used as a step,

nor should the second top step be used. The user of a non-self supporting ladder must not access above the second top

rung. Users of portable ladders must wear clean, sound, protective footwear, with

adequate sole tread to prevent slipping. Work on ladders should stop if an electrical storm is imminent. Users of any ladders should follow the “three points of contact” rule whenever

possible, i.e two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot in contact with theladder.



ReferencesDocuments used in the formulation of this policy and associated guidelines include:

LegislationOccupational Health and Safety Act 2000Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2001

Codes of PracticeSafe work on roofs Parts 1 & 2Overhead protection

Australian Standards1892.1 to 5 – Portable ladders1657 – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairs and ladders1891.1 to 4 – Fall arrest systems and devices4576 – Guidelines for scaffolding1576.1 to 6 – Scaffolding, General requirements4488.1 & 2 – Industrial rope access systems