Complete Office Fitouts

Apex Building Services Pty Ltd

T/AS Complete Office Fitouts

ACN: 99 622 286 382 | ABN: 622 286 382

Complete Office

Fitouts

Safe Work Method Statement

Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts ABN: 622 286 382 | ACN: 99 622 286 382

SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT

Interior Fitouts


RISK ASSESSMENT RATING

RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX

Probabilities A B C D E

Consequences

1 1 2 4 7 11

2 3 5 8 12 16

3 6 9 13 17 20

4 10 14 18 21 23

5 15 19 22 24 25

RISK RANKING

Combination of probability / consequence

High Risk 1 – 8

Medium 9 – 15

Low 16 – 20

Very Low 21 – 25

RISK ASSESSMENT RATING

To assess the overall priority and to determine the level of control required

Probabilities Consequences

A Common or repeating occurrence 1 Fatality

B Known to have occurred – has happened 2 Permanent disability

C Could occur or – heard of it happening 3 Medical, Hospital or

Lost Time

D No likely to occur 4 First Aid – no lost time

E Practically impossible 5 No injury


SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT SWMS No. 1 Pg 3 of 15

Approved for use by: Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts

Position: Director Signature:

Client: Contract No: Date:

Project: Trade:

Sub Contractors are to provide SWMS for their employees within the SMP to be provided to the

Contract Administrator for approval before commencing work

Work Description

INTERIOR FITOUT

All workers performing this activity must read,

register and sign the last page of this Safe

Work Method Statement

Scope

This SWMS No.1 is to be used by all workers and subcontractors employed by

Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts as a guideline to perform

works as Interior fit outs and installers

This SWMS is used as a guide for work involved in the following work on This work may include the following

• Site establishment Demolition of existing fitouts.

• Rubbish Removal Installation & Fitout

• Carpentry Electrical installation

• Painters Carpet layers

• HVAC Works Plasters / Plastering

• Plumbing

• Glass & aluminium Installers All construction works completed at this project will be reviewed by the trades involved to

make alterations to this SWMS.

This review will be completed by all trades involved at the time of construction.


(Continue) Pg 3 of 15

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant State WHS Safety Induction for Construction work

• Competency certificate for relevant trade

• Subcontractors must supply a competency assessment register with their workers details for approval by this Company.

Personnel Duties & Responsibilities

• Comply with NSW/Government safety requirements

• Comply with Superintendents safety requirements

• Comply with Subcontractor and Principal Contractor SMP

• Comply with relevant state WorkCover requirements

• Operate equipment within safe limits and maintain safe work areas at all times

• Observe site specific safety rules

•

Training Requirements

• Site induction to be completed to the Principal Contractor’s & Superintendent’s requirements

• Use of personal protective equipment at all times.

• Workers must have approval of the Supervisor to work on site

Supervisor . …

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Interior Fitout – cont. BCS – Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts

PC – Principal Contractor S – Supervisor W – Worker

High (H) = 1-8 Medium (M) 9-15 Low (L) 16-20

Procedure Possible Hazards

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a. Site Specific Induction

• Injury to persons not aware of hazards

2

• Site Specific Induction must be relevant to the site and the work being performed

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b. Determine Scope of works

• Entry to NO GO areas could cause injury

2

• Determine work areas and NO GO areas

• Consult with the Site Supervisor

• Comply with Site Safety Management Plans

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c. Determine PPE Required

• Worksite PPE requirements to be determined at time of Induction to worksite.

2

Possible PPE requirements

• Obtain PPE and training

• clothing as required

• Hearing Protection.

• Use safety glasses to protect from eye injury.

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d. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• SWMS may not be relevant to the work being performed resulting in injury.

• SWMS can be alter at any time with consultation with work crew.

• Constant toolbox talks on a daily basis to review tasks being performed.

2

• If tasks are changed the SWMS will be altered to reflect this alterations Alteration to be approved by the Principal Contractor

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Supervisor . ………………………………………………………….



Interior Fit out – BCS -Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts cont.

PC – Principal Contractor S – Supervisor

W – Worker


Procedure Possible Hazards R

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e. Demolition & or fit out work

• Injuries that may occur include: ❖ Eye damage ❖ Strains ❖ Crush injuries ❖ Exhaustion

2

• Use glasses to protect from eyes

• When undertaking manual work ensure that you assess the load for weight, size and awkwardness. Use team lifting procedures or mechanical means where possible and always keep a straight back and bend the knees. Rotate tasks to alleviate

repetition strain and stretch

regularly;

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f. Provide safe electrical supply

Use of

Pneumatic

Tools

❖ Electrical shock from damaged to leads or power tools

❖ Air failure.

Flying materials

Unprotected high

speed equipment

1

• Enforce inspection & tagging procedures

• Provide approved earth leakage power outlets where required

• Include daily inspection of all leads & power tools

• Damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately and tagged out of use

• Operators of power tools must be competency assessed

• Electrical tools must not be used in wet environments

• Where practical establish guards around cutting or drilling points

Ensure that all equipment is securely fitted to

prevent the escape of air or water or the

dislodgement under force of a hose

-Never use pressurized air or water to clean

the unprotected skin

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Supervisor . ………………………………………………………….



Interior Fit out – cont. BCS – Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts

PC – Principal Contractor S – Supervision W – Worker



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g. Hazardous

substances, storage & handling of products

• Fire

• Explosion

• Inhalation of fumes

• Disease from contact

• Injury or death from unknown contents

5

• A copy of all MSDS must be provided to the Principal Contractor before any works begin onsite

• Report hazardous substances used onsite to the Principal Contractor for approval

• Ensure workers using these substances have been trained

• MSDS must be available to all workers onsite

• All hazardous substances must be recorded on register and stored on site.

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j. Manual Handling

of construction

materials

• Injuries form incorrect lifting

• Cuts from sharp edges

2

• Design work procedure to eliminate or reduce manual handling

• Provide continued training for correct lifting procedures

• Use mechanical means or team lifting for weights over 16kgs

• Do not manually lift weights over 55kgs

• Comply with relevant state WorkCover code of practice for manual handling

• Use gloves or cover sharp edges when manual handling

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h. Provide protection against workers falling

• Falls can be caused by poor access or egress

1

• Provide safe access to work areas by using: ❖ Scaffolding ❖ Ladders ❖ Stairs ❖ Elevated work platforms

• Clearly define access pathways

• Access must be suitable if workers are required to carry equipment

• Access must not be cluttered with equipment or debris

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i. Noise

• Hearing and Health problems

5

Comply with work hour requirements

• Comply with EPA requirements

• Use work methods and equipment that will reduce noise wherever possible

• Use correct PPE for work requirement.

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j. Provide protection from falling objects

• Injuries from falling objects

2

• Scaffolds and any other raised work platform must be fitted with toe boards

• Wear hardhats and safety footwear at all times

• Do not stand or work under lifting equipment or suspended loads

• Multi level scaffolds must be fully decked to protect workers at lower levels

• If possible organise work programs so workers do not work in areas where falling objects may occur

• Use signage, barriers and spotters to prevent entry to areas where falling objects may occur

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k. Working with other trades

Confusion

Lack of Isolation

1

Hold planning session to discuss the work method

- Ensure work area clearly defined

- Complete a Daily Job Hazard Analysis Card prior to commencing any

works to identify existing/new hazards

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l. Protrusions, nails, screws & bolts

• Injuries from being impaled

6

• Remove all nails, screws or bolts that could injure workers

• Provide protection over protrusions that cannot be removed

• Provide safety caps to reinforcing bars where worker could be injured

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m. Site Security

• Unauthorised persons entering work area could be injured

7

• Provide security barriers around work areas as per specifications

• Provide signage at entry points to prohibit unauthorised entry as per regulations

• Inspect fencing at lock up time, to ensure any alterations have been corrected

• Barricade or cover excavations

• Check relevant signs are in place

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Interior Fit out – cont BCS – Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts




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n. Overhead power & stay lines

• Injuries/incidents may include: ❖ Electrocution ❖ Fire ❖ Explosion

1

• Wherever possible have overhead power wires removed or disconnected

• Training programs for workers to include the following safe working clearances for overhead power lines: ❖ 4m up to 132,000V ❖ 6m up to 333,000V

• Overhead wires must be signed or taped for clear visibility

• Where machines could enter the safe working clearance around power lines, provide a competent person as a spotter

• Provide ‘Danger – Overhead Power’ signs in work areas adjacent to the lines

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o. Unloading /

loading

equipment

• Fall from vehicle

• Being struck by delivery trucks or crane

2

• Report any concerns to Principal Contractor

Site staff to be aware of entry & set

up area of trucks & cranes.

Crane & truck drives to be made

aware of location of on-site

personnel.

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p. Inspect work

during installation

• Work may be dislodged by vibration or load during installation

2

• Competent person to inspect work and report during installation

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Interior Fit out – cont BCS – Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts




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q. Vibration from

equipment & other trades

• Structure collapse

• Injuries from vibration

2

• Heavy vibration equipment not to be used adjacent to existing structure

• When operating hand held equipment the equipment must be fitted with vibration absorbing controls and handles

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r. Using

chemicals & / or paint

• Breathing fumes

• Skin contact may be toxic

• Pollution

4

• Do not store on site, if possible

• Comply with handling requirements

• Provide and read Material Safety Data sheets

• Provide PPE equipment

• Provide ventilation

• Dispose of waste correctly

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s. Electrical

Work

• Electrocution

• Electrical work does not comply with required Australian Standard

3

• Only authorised / licensed & competent personnel to complete electrical / data work

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t. Handling frames

• Manual handling injuries

2

• Job rotation and experience is an essential criteria

• Ensure workers work as a team and coordinate

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Interior Fit out cont. BCS – Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts




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t. Use scaffolds

& ladders

• Gravitational forces

7

• All work > 1.8m must be performed from a suitably constructed scaffold or work platform or with the use of harnesses and lanyards

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u. Access and

movement on material

• Slip trips and falls, falling from edge and through penetrations

7

• Edge protection to be completed and suitable

• Suitable spacing to ensure safe access

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v. Finishing

plaster work and or installation

• Manual handling

• Persons struck by plant

• Cuts and scratches

2

• Use mechanical to lift when ever practical ( plasterboard )

• Team lifting principles to be adhered to

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w. Housekeeping


• Slips & trips

7

• Clean up on a daily basis with rubbish removed to bins, materials neatly stacked and nails removed or bent over from waste timber.

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Interior Fit out cont. BCS – Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts




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x. Nail gun


2

• Ensure workers are trained in correct manual handling techniques

• Ensure job rotation and rest periods to avoid fatigue

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y. Power tools

• Injuries due to loss of control

2

• Ensure operators are experienced & trained

• Ensure job rotation and rest periods to avoid fatigue

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z. Clean up &

leave site

• Inhale dust when sweeping

• Hit by on-site vehicles, plant & equipment

• Cuts, slips, trips when loading waste materials into bins

7

• Ensure job rotation and rest periods to avoid fatigue.

• Training & use of P.P.E equipment safety glasses & dust masks.

• Ensure work vehicle is in a clear area when loading tools & equipment.

• D” nail unused materials

Ensure clear access to waste bin

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Interior Fitout – cont. BCS – Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office

Fitouts PC – Principal Contractor S – Supervisor W – Worker


Additional site specific SWMS alterations.


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Electrical Installation

Isolate the Switchboard at the main switch

Site entry and setting up

Unqualified Staff

Electrical shock.

2

Site Induction for ALL employees Risk assessment of job site and work area All unqualified staff to be supervised at all times while on site by a suitably qualified tradesperson. Isolating essential supply. Coordinate and gain approval for de-energising switchboard

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Installation of

Conduits

Setting out pre wire

Cuts and abrasions when feeding conduits

Back strain Splinters from timber studs Strain to arm, wrist, shoulder or hand when installing wall plates Electrocution from drilling and cutting timber

2

Locate existing services. Isolate circuits before commencing work. Tag and lockout procedures must be adhered to in accordance with WHS Reg 2011

Use of PPE, wear gloves.

Bend knees, loosen up exercise training in manual handling Care taken when marking out, Training in the use of PPE such as gloves Electrical test, tag and register of all

power tools

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Running of cables

Slips Trips & falls Back and shoulder strain

Bend at knees, do not lift more than 20kgs & use a

PC


Plumbing works

when carrying cable

Manual handling injuries

from lifting

materials

Cuts, abrasions, eye, ear

and damage to

feet, overcome by vapours.

2 cable roller system. Ensure work area is clear and tidy of waste materials. Team lifting for all bulking goods.

Use team lifting techniques or mechanical

means

for manual handling

Task awareness and use of PPE

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Installation of

External

Drainage & Sewer

cont.,

Contact with services.

Burns, sparks hitting eyes,

explosion and

fire when using Oxy

Acetylene

2

Seek instruction from site management;

utilize Dial before you dig where

necessary

Ensure clear access to work area with

authorised personnel to enter area.

A No Smoking rule should be strictly

enforced.

Gas cylinders must be stored in a well-

ventilated area away from heat sources,

other dangerous substances and protected

from accidental impact. Installation of

internal water service and drainage cont.,

Burns, sparks hitting eyes, explosion and

fire when using Oxy Acetylene.

Gloves to be worn, high visibility vests to

be removed prior to using oxy acetylene as

the vests are highly flammable.

Use correct P.P.E equipment

such as eye protection.

All oxy equipment to have flash-back

arrestors fitted.

Fire extinguisher to be available.

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SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT SWMS No. 1

Pg 14 of 15

Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts

Interior Fit out – cont.

Engineering details, certificates, WorkCover approvals required:

• Council approved plans (if required)

• Induction Certificates to be recorded in the Safety Management Plan

• Installation certification to be supplied by Principal contractor

Codes of Practice & Legislation to be complied with

• Advisory Standards

• Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2000

• WHS Act 2011

• WHS Regulation 2011

• Electrical Practices for Construction Work

• The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011

Plant & Equipment

• Ladders

• Cranes

• Electrical equipment

• Laser level

• Concrete vibrator

• Power tools

• Pneumatic Tools

• Gas Powered tools

• Hardhats, safety boots

• Eye protection

• Dust mask

• High visibility clothing

• Sun protection

Maintenance checks

• Daily pre start checks by operator

• Maintenance by competent person to Manufactures Specifications

• All hired plant / equipment must be supplied with proof of maintenance checks

Supervisor: Date:



Interior Fit out work – cont.

The following persons have read, understood and agree to comply

With this Safe Work Method Statement

NAME SIGNED


As a Guideline Apex Building Services Pty Ltd T/AS Complete Office Fitouts personnel are aware of the following Workplace Requirement when reviewing the above SWMS. PRESCRIBED OCCUPATIONS AND SCHEDULED WORK

3.05.01 The Principal Contractor and relevant state WHS Regulations require

persons employed to perform scheduled works in prescribed occupations to

be trained and hold certification relevant to the work being performed.

Management and workers must be aware of their responsibilities under the

WHS Regulations.

3.05.02 An assessment of the scheduled work to be performed and worker

certification required must be included in the employer’s Safety Management

Plan, Job Safety Analysis (JSA) section and be provided to the Principal

Contractor before work commences.

3.05.03 A list of worker competencies with proof of certification for each worker to be

provided to the Principal Contractors before work commences.

3.05.04 Regulations provide exceptions for trainees; however the regulations

must be complied with regarding training, supervision and the keeping of

records.


3.06 PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Procedure

Employers are to supply employees with appropriate PPE as determined by hazard analysis

assessment that is documented in the Job Safety Analysis or Work Method Statements.

Selection and Use

➢ Employers will ensure all items of PPE are manufactured, used and

maintained in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards. Proof of

Australian Standards compliance will be provided i.e. labelling

➢ All issues of PPE to each individual to be recorded in the employers

Safety Management Plan.

➢ Each employee will be instructed in the correct use and maintenance

of the PPE item prior to use.

The employee when signing for the receipt of a PPE item should also acknowledge receipt of the

relevant training

3.09 MANUAL HANDLING

As a general guide, no person should be required to lift, lower or carry loads above 55kg unless

mechanical assistance or team lifting arrangements are provided. It is also generally accepted

that adults are less likely to have a back injury if the objects are kept below 16kg.

The weights between 16kg and 55kg therefore require more care in the assessment process.

Mechanical assistance and/or team lifting arrangements should be provided to reduce the risk

of injury associated with these heavier weights.


Procedure:

The following procedures are to be adopted on site and Sub Contractors Safety Management

Plan covering this aspect is to be reviewed to ensure compliance with these minimum

provisions:

1. Manual handling risk assessments are undertaken for all high risk manual handling

tasks and appropriate control measures implemented.

2. Mechanical equipment is to be used for manual handling tasks where applicable.

3. Workers are to be trained and instructed in back care and manual

handling.

3.11 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Before any substance deemed to be of a hazardous nature is brought to the workplace a material Safety

Data Sheet (MSDS) is to be supplied by the Sub Contractor or person bringing the substance to the

workplace.

Register

A Register of MSDS of all hazardous substances is to be maintained by the Site Supervisor. The First Aid

attendant should also be aware of the MSDS’s.

Some products requiring MSDS’s include:

a. Paints, varnishes and solvents b. Glues, adhesives, jointing compounds, concrete sealants and escapulants. c. Industrial cleaning agents d. Insulation materials e. Cement and refractory products f. Pesticides and herbicides g. Welding fluxes and rods h. Chemical anchors i. Gases, inert and toxic j. Motor fuels and lubricants k. Substances of a like nature l. Bitumen and cutting agents

Employers Responsibilities


When a hazardous substance is first supplied to a workplace the person in charge shall advise all

employees required to use the product of the requirements with respect to safe storage, use and

handling of the substance.

Storage:

✓ All storage and use of hazardous substances will be in accordance with the MSDS.

✓ All hazardous substances will be stored in their original containers with the label intact

at all times.

✓ Hazardous substances of any quantity will not be stored in crib rooms, container

sheds or offices.

3.11 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES – Continued

Use:

➢ Where practicable the material with the lowest possible hazard capability that meets

the technical requirements for the job will be used.

➢ Refer the WorkCover Publications for advice.

➢ Advice on a substance may be obtained from a chemical database e.g. Chemwatch

➢ Prior to using the hazardous substance all workers involved in its use will be provided

with adequate information and training to allow safe completion of the required task.

➢ Confirmation of this training will be provided by a “sign off” on the Hazardous

Substances Register.

Contractors using hazardous substances must include all required information in their Safety

Management Plan for approval by the Principal Contractor before work commences.

3.15 ELECTRICAL

The Principal Contractor and Sub-Contractors will ensure the use of electrical wiring, portable tools

and extensions leads will be in accordance with relevant state WHS Regulations, Codes of Practice

and Australian Standard AS-3000 Wiring Rules.


Regular inspections of electrical equipment used on site and workshop must be completed to ensure

continued compliance.

Inspection and Tagging

All electrical leads, power tools, junction boxes and earth leakage devices are to be inspected, tested

and tagged by a qualified person at regular intervals to comply with relevant state WHS regulations.

Test frequency for NSW domestic construction is each two months and each month for

commercial/industrial construction.

Register

Regulations require a register of all electrical equipment to be used on the worksite or workshop to be

recorded including the inspection expiry date as shown on the test tags.

Sub contractors must provide a copy of the register to the principal contractor as part of their Safety

Management Plan before work commences.

3.16 SCAFFOLDS All scaffolds must be erected and maintained to AS/NZS 1576.1:2010 Scaffolding – General requirements

and other relevant legislative requirements.

1. Scaffold Planks

Materials

Scaffold planks of solid timber, vertically laminated timber or metal shall comply with the dimensional and

performance requirements of AS 1577:1993 – Scaffold Planks. The minimum width of a scaffold plank

shall be 220mm. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) scaffold planks shall comply with the width and

performance requirements of AS 1577:1993 – Scaffold Planks.

Each scaffold plank shall be permanently and legibly marked with the following:


✓ Manufacturer’s name or identification

✓ The number of the Australian Standard i.e. AS 1577:1993 – Scaffold Planks

✓ Working load limit, in kilograms

✓ For random length scaffold planks, the allowable span, in metres, in compliance with

AS 1577:1993 – Scaffold Planks

Loading

When used in a working platform at a duty loading in accordance with AS/NZS 1576.1:2010 Scaffolding –

General requirements the maximum working span of a scaffold plank shall not exceed the allowable span

marked on the scaffold plank.

Notes:

a) Where scaffold planks are used as a single plank working platform, the spacing between

supports may be increased to permit a deflection of span/80 at a working load indicated by the

supplier.

b) Were multiple scaffold planks in a working platform are clamped together by a prefabricated

component used in accordance with the supplier’s instructions, to prevent differential deflection,

the spacing between supports may be increased to permit a deflection of span/80, provided that

the working load on the platform does not exceed 240kg.

3.16 SCAFFOLDS - continued 2. Ladders

Portable metal and timber stepladders, single and extension shall be industrial ladders and shall have a

load rating of not less than 120kg.

Only ladders marked as complying with AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 – Portable Ladders - Metal or AS

1892.2:1992 – Portable Ladders – Timber, their duty rating (i.e. INDUSTRIAL) and their maximum intended

load shall be used on site.

3. Trestle Ladders

Trestle ladders shall comply with AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 – Portable Ladders - Metal or AS 1892.2:1992 –

Portable Ladders – Timber and shall not exceed 5m in length measured along the front of the stiles.

Trestle ladders may be used to support working platforms of one or more planks. Only one person shall be

supported in any one bay of a trestle ladder working platform unless the working platform is rated light duty.


Note: Trestle ladders with a load rating of not less than 150kg may be used to support light duty working

platforms.

4. Top Plate Hung Brackets

Top-plate-hung brackets shall be supported by the top plate of the timber or steel house frame to provide a

base for a working platform. The lower end of the bracket shall be supported by any of the following:

a) The outer face of the brick cladding through a member that spreads the load over not less than

three bricks in any direction

b) The outer face of the wall frame through a temporary spreader spanning not less than three

studs where the spreader is nailed or otherwise secured to the studs against which it rests.

c) The outer edge of the bottom plate or the outer face of the concrete floor slab supporting the

bottom plate.

3.16 SCAFFOLDS - continued

4. Top Plate Hung Brackets – cont.

Brackets shall be designed to support the intended loads in the most adverse position that a plank may be

placed in. Where a bracket is intended to support a multiple bay working platform, the effect of

concentration of dead and live loads from adjacent bays shall be considered.

Where a plank bracket is intended to support a guardrail, the bracket shall be capable of resisting, without

permanent deformation.

Brackets shall be fabricated from steel or aluminium and shall be installed, used and maintained only as set

out in the supplier’s documented information.

The design of a bracket that requires support from the house frame shall take into account the forces

transmitted from the bracket to the house frame and specify the location, spacing, minimum size and

strength of framing members to which the bracket is to be attached.


Where brackets are intended to support guardrailing, the brackets shall incorporate guardrail ports or

accessories to which the guardrail posts can be fitted. The brackets shall be designed to withstand

additional loads that can be transmitted by the guardrailing.

Stud brackets and top-plate-hung brackets shall only be used on wall frames stabilised by return wall

frames or by other bracing.


3.16 SCAFFOLDS - continued 5. Scaffolds over 4m fall height

Scaffolds over 4m fall height will be provided by the Principal Contractor and comply with AS/NZS

1576.3:1995 – Scaffolding – Prefabricated & tube-and-coupler scaffolding.

a) Workers on site must not alter or interfere with a certified scaffold. The site supervisor

must be informed of changes required and will arrange for a certified scaffolder to carry out

the changes.

b) Scaffolds under construction and not yet certified are to be fitted with signs to advise other

persons the scaffold is not complete and must not be used.

c) A compliance certificate is to be issued by the scaffold erectors to the Principal Contractor

upon completion of any scaffold over 4m.

d) Sub contractors must include in the Site Specific Induction a safety inspection report of

certified scaffolds which will be used to carry out their work.

e) Any scaffold where a person can fall 4m or more must be erected and dismantled by a

certified scaffolder.

6. Edge Protection

Edge protection or other fall elimination shall be provided where a person or object can fall more than 2m or

such other height as otherwise determined by State or Territory legislation.

Note: A risk assessment may be necessary to determine the need for edge protection at a lesser height

than 2m or at that stipulated in legislation. Where the nature of the work makes it difficult for a person to be

fully aware of the proximity of the platform edge (e.g. overhead work), edge protection should be provided,

regardless of the height of the working platform.

For a working platform 450mm or wider, the guard railing shall be no further than 100mm outside the

platform edge. For a working platform less than 450mm in width, the guard railing shall be no further than

150mm outside the platform edge.


3.16 SCAFFOLDS - continued

7. Single plank working platforms

Where it is intended to use a single plank working platform, the following shall apply:

a) The work process shall be subject to a satisfactory risk assessment prior to

implementation.

b) The plank shall be not less than 220mm wide and shall comply with AS 1577:1993 –

Scaffold Planks.

c) Edge protection or other fall elimination shall be provided where a person or object can

fall more than 2m.

d) Record risk assessment details

Note: Edge protection may be required where a person can fall less than 2m if the fall area is

hazardous

3.16 SCAFFOLDS - continued 8. Placement of Loads on Working Platform

Materials shall not be stored on single plant working platforms. For working platforms, other than single

working platforms, concentrated loads shall not exceed the loads specified in the table below.

Notes:

1. The major loads on a working platform should be placed near the supports. Other loads

should be placed so as to give a uniform distribution on the working platform.

2. Tools not exceeding 10kg may be placed on single plank working platforms, provided that

the working load limit of the plank is not exceeded, when accompanied by workers and

working materials.

3. Materials may be handled by workers on a single plank working platform provided that the

working load limit of any plank is not exceeded.


MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING LOADS FOR WORKING PLATFORMS

Duty classification Maximum total load for

persons and materials kg per platform per bay

Maximum mass of any single concentrated load of materials or equipment (as part of total

load) kg

Light duty 225 100

Medium duty 450 150

Heavy duty 675 200

3.17 WORKING AT HEIGHTS

a. Working at heights 3m or more are high risk and require a Hazard Assessment and Work

Method Statements to be prepared as per the requirements of relevant State Government

OH&S Regulations.

b. Platforms, scaffolds or any other work where a person could fall 2m must have handrails or

other approved fall restraint system in place.

c. Sub Contractors working at heights 2m or more must prepare a Hazard Analysis including Job

Safety Analysis and Work Method Statements in their Safety Management Plan and provide

them to the principal contractor for approval before commencing work on site

d. Use of elevated work platform (EWP), Scissor or boom lift.

❖ Check for overhead electrical hazards

❖ Ensure area is well ventilated

❖ Check equipment for serviceability; including warning devices

❖ Check for obvious hazards in area; form and level ground, overhead obstruction (live

cables)

❖ All tools and equipment on are properly secured

❖ Ensure maximum lifting heights and weights are not exceeded

❖ All guard rails / access doors shall be closed before lifting commences

❖ An approved safety harness with lanyard secured to the proper attachment bar should

be worn while operating the boom lift

❖ No person shall be permitted to get on/off the elevated platform when in a raised

position

❖ Ensure warning devices are correctly operating


❖ All materials, tools and equipment taken on the scissor lifter shall be properly secured to

prevent falling while operating.

❖ The book lifter shall be used as an access platform only, materials, equipment and

heavy tools should not be carried

❖ Do not position ladders, steps or similar access items on the platform to provide

additional reach

❖ Restore equipment to safe condition

❖ Report any faults, or undue wear etc to supervisor

❖ Ensure all removable operating devices (keys control pads) are stored separately

3.18 FALLING OBJECT PROTECTION

a. Organise work schedules to prevent the need for workers to be below other work which

could cause falling objects.

b. Use Site Specific Inductions to advise workers of No Go areas around scaffolds, rooves or

other raised work areas.

c. Barriers and signage to prevent persons entering an area may be required to prevent injury

from falling objects. i.e. when tiling rooves.

d. Mesh barriers on scaffolding or physical barriers such as hoardings may be required if

persons cannot be excluded from the risk area.

e. Toeboards are to be erected on scaffolds, floors or raised work areas where materials

could be dislodged and create a hazard.

f. Enforce head protection requirements. i.e. hardhats.

Documents

Complete Office Fitouts