(1) Falling from height or being hit by falling objects or falling through, or from, roofs or unsuitable work platforms can result in permanent incapacity or even fatality. The risk of a fall may occur where work in being conducted: (2) This procedure applies to all (3) So far as is reasonably practicable the University will ensure that any work that involves the risk of a fall is carried out on the ground or on a solid construction. (4) Working on roofs has been identified as a high risk activity for both staff and contractors. All persons working on roofs shall be regarded as competent and shall have had sufficient training. (5) It is the ultimate goal of the University to provide anchor points and/or permanent walkways on all roofs or roof spaces which need to be accessed. This is a long term goal and may take some time to achieve. In the meantime, the University intends to effectively manage those risks associated with working at height and minimise the potential for harm to occur. (6) When work at height activities are planned consultation on work at height needs to take place as early in the process as possible. (7) Consideration shall be given to whether work at height can be eliminated or if the task can be redesigned to minimise the amount of time spent working at height. (8) Supervisors must ensure that persons whose judgement may be, or appears to be impaired by alcohol and drugs are not permitted to work at height. (9) To avoid the risk of electrocution, work near overhead power lines can only be carried out where staff have been trained; have been provided with training and suitable equipment; safe work procedures are documented; and suitable ladders and adequate protection are provided. (10) Signage and other administrative controls shall consider the needs of vision impaired persons. (11) Only Competent Persons are permitted to conduct Work at heights. (12) All harnesses must be inspected prior to use and results logged in a maintenance record sheet. (13) At least two persons must be present at all times, if a fall arrest system is used. (14) Unless the worker is wearing a pole strap or fall arrest system not attached to the ladder, the "three point of contact "applies when working on a ladder. (15) All harnesses, fall arresting/travel restricting systems, ladders, safety footwear and associated equipment must comply with the current Australian Standards. (16) A documented risk management approach will be used to ensure safety while working at heights of over 1.5 metres. (17) All workers planning to work at height must document their risk assessment and safe work method. Generic risk assessments may be used. (18) Supervisors must review risk assessments and any measures adopted to control the risk whenever there is a significant change proposed at the place of work or work at height practices or procedures. (19) Risk assessments may be amended, if on-site conditions change or if an alternative method is required. (20) (21) A stable work platform must be provided for any work at height. (22) Guardrails on work platforms, including scaffolding, should be between 900-1100mm above the working surface and have a top rail, mid-rail and a toe-board or include an infill panel which incorporates a kick-plate. (23) Platforms used in conjunction with a trestle ladder must have a minimum width of 450mm and must be supported across their entire width. (24) Provision must be made for a safe means of movement between different levels when working at height. (25) All ladders must be: (26) Stiles of ladders must extend at least one metre above the stepping off point. (27) Metal ladders or wire bound ladders must not be used near power lines. (28) Conditions of stepladder use require that: (29) All tools must be used and supported in a manner that does not affect the centre of gravity of the user. (30) Leaning towards the ladder is permitted as it does not adversely affect the centre of gravity. (31) Legislation (Cl 79 WHS Regulation 2011) provides some exemptions for specific requirements to minimise the risk of fall. These exemptions apply to the following work: (32) It is expected, however, that stage crew working at height will be able to provide evidence of working at height training. (33) Staff involved with work at height in drama and theatre activities must comply with Australian Entertainment Industry Guidelines. (34) Staff supervising sporting or leisure activities involving the potential for falls from height must ensure compliance with the Health & Safety for Artificial Climbing Structures and Operations Code of Practice 2002 and the Australian Adventure Activity Standards. (35) Safe work procedures must be followed when carrying out housekeeping tasks which have the potential for falling objects or falls from height, e.g. cob webbing, cleaning windows, blinds, gutter cleaning. (36) A suitable work-platform must be used when carrying out minor tasks, e.g. painting, trimming ivy. (37) Light bulbs situated at a height of over two metres must be replaced by competent persons. (38) A permit must be issued prior to entry to roof spaces which do not comply with access requirements of AS 1657 or UNE design standards. (39) Roof spaces which have the potential of atmospheric contamination and are not naturally ventilated must be considered as confined spaces. (40) A permit is required from Estate and Built Environment in order to gain access or undertake work on the roof of any University building. (41) The general information data provided in the University or workplace roof register must be considered when assessing the level of risk posed by any roof related activity and deciding on suitable controls. (42) No routine roof maintenance work will be carried out during adverse weather conditions (e.g. high winds, wet, frost covered). (43) Fall prevention or fall arrest controls must be used when working within two metres of a roof edge which has no perimeter protection. (44) All footwear used while working on roofs must have a non-slip tread pattern. (45) A certificate of competency is required for the design or erection of scaffolding over 4 metres in height. (46) Doggers, riggers, crane operators, hoist operators and operators of other plant used for working at height must have relevant certification. (47) All staff using fall arrest devices must be trained in the assembly and use of the system. (48) All staff working on roofs, which do not have permanent walkways or full perimeter fencing, must have received training in the use of harnesses, ropes and accessories (49) All tender documents will require that contractors supply risk assessment and safe work method statements for proposed work at height. (50) The Director People and Culture,pursuant to the University's Workplace Health and Safety Rule, makes these Procedures. (51) (52) These Procedures operate as and from the (53) Previous Procedures relating to working at height are replaced and have no further operation from the (54) Consultation on work at height means sharing information, giving workers reasonable opportunity to express their views and taking those views into account before making decisions on work at height activities. (55) Competent Person means a person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task. (56) Reasonably practicable, means that which is, or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done in relation to ensuring health and safety, taking into account and weighing up all relevant matters including:WHS OP011 (Interim) Work at Height Procedure
Section 1 - Overview
Top of PageSection 2 - Scope
Section 3 - Procedure
Principles
Harnesses and Fall Arrest
Risk Assessment
Work Platforms
Ladders
Theatre and Sporting Activities
Cleaning
Roof spaces
Roofs
Training
Special conditions for Contractors
Authority and Compliance
Section 4 - Definitions
View Current
This is the current version of this document. To view historic versions, click the link in the document's navigation bar.
For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply.