Posted By steven bentham
Jonf

Unless the scaffolding has special risks, then i would view the scaffolders as having a valid point. i.e. standard build, standard risks, standard precautions - there is no doubt it is a high risk work activity.

Producing paperwork will not stop them falling, they already should be following the rules.

CITB and others produce good guidance for the industry to follow.

Perhaps its more important to make them follow the rules for themselves and members of the public?

I would change my views for special, engineering, demolition or exceptionally high scaffolding.

{think of it as, whenever you go on a new car journey do you sit down and write a risk assessment and method statement on how you will driver safely? Now think of your own reaction if a safety adviser asked for this paperwork? Particular if the safety adviser can't drive a car!}

Posted By Martin Daly
Take note of BS En 12810 it is not against the law to be an incompetent scaffolder but it is against the law to employ one.

Martin Daly

Posted By Geoff Parkinson
Jonf,

anyone who works for us has to produce a risk assessment and method statement for scaffolding. I'd accept a generic one (which most companies should have readily to hand)but insist on generic documents for anything unusual or out of the ordinary.

People quoting British Standards at me is all very nice, but I'd then expect them to tell me the content of the standard and how it applied to their work.

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith
Martin,

Your quote is simple and the best quote that I have heard for a long time.

In my experience as it is scaffolders who play dumb this is a good one to quote when they pretending not to understand some of the basics that you are trying to discuss.

Risk assessment is simply part of the planning process of the work to be undertaken and without a method statement, how can you assess/ audit the quality and safety of the work being undertaken?

Posted By Ron Hunter
Why not challenge the persons who selected them for the job? An initial assessment of competency at tender stage is the correct time for generic enquiries of that nature - unless there are out of the ordinary characteristics involved.

Posted By Jonf
Many thanks for all your comments; there are more specific questions that need to be asked of this company. Evidence and proof of performance, provision of site specific safety method statements etc. Competency seems to be the key word, as stated there are other contractors that can be used!

Posted By Andrew Joule Land
this is worth using as your procedure - from Queensland in Oz

1.1 Scaffolding
Under the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997 (WHS Regulation)
scaffolding means a temporary structure (not including a trestle ladder)
supporting a platform used to perform work.
For the purposes of this code of practice a ‘temporary structure’ refers to
scaffolding that can be assembled and disassembled, for example, modular
scaffolds, hanging bracket scaffolds, tube and coupler scaffolds and mobile
scaffolds.
A platform that is not intended to be dismantled (i.e. work platforms where the
platforms and framework are welded together) falls outside the scope of this
standard as it is not considered to be a temporary structure.
1.2 Scaffolding work
Under the WHS Regulation, scaffolding work means the erection, alteration or
dismantling of scaffolding.
Note: Technical terms that have been used in this code of practice are
defined in appendix 1
2. Training and competency
Parts 3 and 17 of the WHS Regulation outline the requirements for training
and responsibilities of relevant persons, supervisors and persons performing
prescribed occupations
2.1 Certificates for prescribed occupations
Under the WHS Regulation, a person must hold a basic, intermediate or
advanced scaffolder1 certificate if a person or thing may fall more than 4
metres from the scaffold.
Note: The 4 metre height threshold for these certificates is separate to the
WHS Regulation requirements for 3 metres (housing construction work) or 2
metres (other construction work) fall from height thresholds. (Refer to section
6.2 Risk of a fall of at least 3 metres or 2 metres).
1 See Appendix 1 for definitions
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2.2 Competent persons
Under the WHS Regulation a person is not required to hold a certificate if a
person or thing may fall 4 metres or less from the scaffold. However, persons
conducting a business or undertaking and principal contractors still have a
general obligation to ensure the workplace health and safety of themselves,
workers and other persons. This includes ensuring any person performing
scaffolding work is competent. The person should receive information,
instruction, training and supervision in the safe erection, dismantling,
maintenance and alteration of the scaffolding.
2.3 Trainees
Trainees are permitted to perform work in a prescribed occupation, provided
the trainee is adequately supervised by a ticketed person who is on site, and
a written record outlining the training received (i.e. a logbook), is maintained.
3. Planning for scaffold work
3.1 Planning construction activities
Planning before scaffolding work starts can help eliminate many of the
associated health and safety risks. An effective plan will help identify ways to
protect persons who are:
• erecting, dismantling, maintaining and altering the scaffolding
• using the scaffolding
• near the scaffolding (for example, other workers and members of the
public)
A scaffold plan is one tool that can assist you to safely plan and manage
scaffold work and help you meet some of your health and safety obligations
under the WHS Act.
3.1.1 Scaffold plan
A scaffold plan should be prepared and provided by the employer or selfemployed
person doing scaffold work. To develop an effective and useful
scaffold plan consult with:
• the scaffold designer, for example, to discuss the design loads and the
capability of the structure to support any additional loadings;
• the builder or principal contractor, for example, to assess the location of
underground drains or pits. The work should be planned so as to avoid
excavating service trenches under, through or adjacent to scaffolds; and
• workers, workplace health and safety committees, workplace health and
safety officers (WHSO) and workplace health and safety representatives
(WHSR), regarding erecting, dismantling, maintaining and altering the
scaffolding.
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The scaffold plan should include a site layout plan and detail the elevations
and sections of the scaffold. It is to be made available for inspection at the
worksite.
The scaffold plan should address the following issues:
• basis of design
• foundations (including ground conditions and loadings)
• supporting structure
• access and egress
• tying
• bracing
• type of scaffold
• edge protection
Refer to section 5 General design and section 7 Types of scaffold section for
further information on each of these issues.
Under the WHS Regulation, there are two other tools which can help to plan
work, such as scaffolding work. These tools are construction safety plans
(CSP), and work method statements (WMS) for high risk construction
activities. A WMS or CSP may even form part of a scaffold plan.
Refer to Part 17 of the WHS Regulation for requirements regarding who must
develop a CWP or a WMS for high risk construction activities, when it must be
prepared and what it must include.
3.2 Obligations regarding plant
Persons conducting a business or undertaking, under section 28 of the
WHS Act, have an obligation to ensure the workplace health and safety of
themselves and other persons is not affected by the conduct of the relevant
person’s business or undertaking. This applies whether the relevant person is
an employer, self employed person or otherwise. Relevant person’s
obligations are addressed throughout this code of practice.
Designers of plant (for example, scaffolding) under section 32 of the WHS
Act, have an obligation to:
• ensure that the plant is designed to be safe and without risk when used
properly; and
• provide information on its safe use.
Designers must also register their plant design with Workplace Health and
Safety Queensland (WHSQ) (see Schedule 4 of the WHS Regulation).
Manufacturers of plant, under section 32A of the WHS Act, have an
obligation to:
• ensure plant is manufactured to be safe and without risk when used
properly;
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• test and examine the plant to ensure it has been manufactured to be safe;
and
• provide information on its safe use when supplied to another person.
Suppliers of plant, under section 32B of the WHS Act, have an obligation to:
• examine and test the plant to ensure it is safe and without risk when used
properly or ensure the manufacturer has given an assurance that the plant
has been examined and tested; and
• ensure the plant is accompanied by information about the way it must be
used to ensure health and safety.
Owners of plant, under section 35 of the WHS Act have an obligation to
ensure plant is maintained in a safe condition and without risk the health when
used properly.
Erectors and installers of plant, under section 33 of the WHS Act, have an
obligation to:
• erect or install the plant in a way that is safe and without risk to health; and
• ensure that nothing about the way the plant was erected or installed
makes it unsafe and a risk to health when used properly.
Principal contractors, under section 31 of the WHS Act and Part 17 of the
WHS Regulation, have obligations and requirements relating to the supply of
plant for common use at the workplace. Principal contractors must ensure
plant supplied for common use is safe and effectively maintained while it is
provided.
Refer to the WHS Act for further details regarding health and safety
obligations. Also refer to the Plant Code of Practice for specific requirements
regarding plant.
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4. Hazards
A number of hazards exist that have the potential to cause death or injury
when working with scaffolding. These include:
4.1 work near powerlines
4.2 mobile plant and traffic
4.3 mixing and matching scaffold components
4.4 falls from heights
4.5 falling objects
4.6 scaffold collapse
4.7 manual tasks
4.1 Work near powerlines
In Queensland, information and guidance for working near exposed live
electrical parts are provided in the following publications.
• Electrical Safety Act 2002 (ES Act)
• Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (ES Regulation)
• Code of Practice for Working near Exposed Live Parts 2002
• Code of Practice for Electrical Work 2002
The ES Act outlines general electrical safety obligations. The ES Regulation
states the allowable distance for working near an electrical part. The Codes of
Practice give practical advice on safe systems of work and exclusion zones.
Care must be taken when doing scaffolding work in close proximity to bare
and insulated electrical lines and hidden electrical cables (for example, cables
concealed behind a surface where an anchor is to be fitted).
When work is to be performed around electrical parts the following steps
should be taken.
• Contact the electricity entity in control of the electrical part to confirm
voltage, insulation and appropriate systems of work.
• Determine the exclusion zone2 by referring to Schedule 2 in the ES
Regulation.
2 An exclusion zone is a safety envelope around an electrical part (exposed part or an
overhead insulated electric line). No part of a worker, operating plant or vehicle may cross
into the exclusion zone while an electrical part is live.
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4.2 Mobile plant and traffic
Mobile plant and vehicular traffic are hazards which can potentially affect
worker safety and the safe use and structural integrity of scaffolding.
Outlined below are control measures that can be used to prevent or minimise
exposure to the risk of death or injury from moving plant and traffic.
• Re-route motor vehicles and mobile plant away from the location of the
scaffold, for example, by using traffic controllers to redirect traffic.
• Use barricades, signs, posts, buffer rails, guards, or concrete or timber
kerbs to prevent mobile plant and traffic from coming into contact with
scaffolding.
• Ensure scaffolding does not have any unnecessary protrusions, such as
over-length transoms, putlogs, tie tubes or over-height standards3.
4.3 Mixing and matching scaffold components
Components from different manufacturers or suppliers, while looking
compatible, are often of different dimensions and tolerances. Mixing and
matching incompatible scaffold components can lead to difficulties in
disassembly which in turn may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury,
increase wear on the components, and affect the load capacity of the scaffold.
The following controls can be used to prevent or minimise the risk of injury
and scaffold collapse due to the incorrect mixing and matching of
components.
• Do not mix scaffolding from different manufacturers, unless an engineer
approves that:
(a) the components are of compatible size and strength;
(b) the components have compatible deflection characteristics;
(c) the fixing devices are compatible; and
(d) the mixing does not lessen the strength, stability, rigidity or suitability of
the scaffold.
• See also AS/NZS 4576 – Guidelines for Scaffolding which sets out the
assurances that are needed before the components of different
prefabricated scaffolding systems can be mixed in a scaffold.
3 See Appendix 1 for definitions
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Figure 1. Mixing and matching components. Avoid mixing and matching different modular
systems. Often connection points known as the ‘star’ and ‘banana’ used on these systems are
of a different shape and tolerance and are not compatible.
• Do not mix scaffolding tubing of different outer diameters and strengths.
For example, do not mix aluminium and steel components as steel clamps
may cause aluminium tubing to be crushed reducing the strength of the
tube.
• ‘Beam clamps’ or ‘flange clamps’ should be provided with information
about safe use, including tightening torque required and when to use
different types of couplers. If no information is provided contact the
supplier, manufacturer or designer of the scaffold.
• Stairs should be secured to the scaffold bay. If not secured, the supplier
should provide documentation illustrating the maximum amount of
clearance allowed between the transom and the top and bottom of the
stair module.
• Ensure the gap between the end of a stair module and a transom is as
small as practicable. Large gaps can lead to stairs dislodging and falling
when a load is placed onto it.
4.4 Falls from height
Refer to section 6 Erecting and dismantling scaffold.
4.5 Falling objects
Part 17 of the WHS Regulation prescribes control measures that relevant
persons and principal contractors must implement to prevent or minimise
exposure to the risk of death or injury to persons, including workers, from
construction work where an object could fall on or otherwise hit persons
during the work.
Under the WHS Act, obligation holders, including relevant persons and
principal contractors must ensure the workplace health and safety of
themselves and others is not affected by the conduct of their business or
undertaking.
This obligation includes preventing or minimising exposure to the risk of death
or injury from falling objects.
The following are examples of control measures that may be used to prevent
or minimise exposure to the risk of being hit by falling objects.
• Establish exclusion zones around scaffolding and adjoining areas to
prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the area.
• Use perimeter containment screening (see also perimeter containment
screening section, scaffold fans, hoardings or gantries to contain falling
objects.
• Erect and dismantle scaffold in built-up areas during quiet times.
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• Never drop materials from a scaffold – use mechanical hoists to move
materials.
• Attach danger tags and warning signs such as ‘Keep Out – Falling
Objects’ and ’Danger – Incomplete Scaffolding’ in obvious locations to
warn persons of hazards.
4.6 Scaffold collapse
See section 7 Types of scaffolding for control measures which may be used to
prevent or minimise exposure to the risk of death or injury from scaffold
collapse.
4.7 Manual tasks
Manual tasks are part of nearly all work done by scaffolders. Manual tasks
include any activity where workers grasp, manipulate, carry, move (lift, lower,
push, pull), hold or restrain a load. For example, handling components,
erecting and dismantling scaffolds, unloading vehicles, or using hand tools
such as podger hammers or scaffolding spanners.
The Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2000 (MTCOP) provides information
about how to prevent or minimise exposure to risk factors that contribute to or
aggravate work related musculoskeletal disorders.
To prevent or minimise exposure to the risk of injury from manual tasks,
obligation holders need to:
• manage exposure to risks as set out in section 27A of the WHS Act (the
MTCOP provides specific information about risk management in relation to
problem manual tasks);
• design work processes or purchase equipment that prevents or minimises
the risk of musculoskeletal injuries;
• consult with WHSO, WHSR (where appointed), WHS committees and
workers about their work activities; and
• train workers in how to erect, install, alter and dismantle scaffold in a way
that prevents or minimises the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Risk factors associated with manual tasks fall into three categories.
• Direct stressors directly stress the body. They include factors such as the
level of muscular force exerted, working postures, repetition of actions, the
vibration absorbed from equipment and the duration of time these
conditions are sustained.
• Contributing risk factors directly influence the task demands. They
include the work area layout, use of tools, nature of loads and load
handling. If these components are redesigned, the impact of the direct
stressors can be reduced.
• Modifying risk factors can contribute to a further change in the impact of
other risk factors. They include individual factors and work organisation.
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Control measures for manual tasks fall into two major categories – design and
administrative controls. Design controls make changes to the work area, tools
or equipment, or the way a job is done and/or the provision of mechanical aids
to reduce the effort required to do the job. Design controls are preferred as
they are permanent and can eliminate or minimise exposure to risk factors.
Administrative controls are achieved by modifying work practices, policies and
procedures to reduce exposure to the risk of a musculoskeletal injury.
Administrative controls are less preferred as they only reduce exposure to the
risk factors, rely on ongoing supervision to ensure they are implemented, and
may be forgotten under stressful conditions (for example, when trying to meet
deadlines).
4.7.1 Examples of design controls
Job design and redesign
• Use scaffold systems which are made of lighter weight materials and use
modern technologies (for example, modular systems which have shorter
standard lengths or systems that are made of aluminium rather than steel
or timber).
• Use components that are shorter in length thereby reducing the weight of
the standards and making them easier to handle.
• Store scaffolding components as close as practical to the work area in
order to minimise the distance over which loads are manually moved.
Clear access ways should also be ensured so that materials and
equipment can be easily accessed.
• Avoid using different types of scaffolding together as increased force may
be required to assemble and dismantle components that are not made to
fit together.
• Use the appropriate tools for the work performed and avoid over tightening
scaffold couplers which results in the need for greater force when
loosening them during the dismantling stage.
Mechanical aids
• Use mechanical aids such as cranes, hoists, pallet jacks or trolleys to
move equipment and materials wherever possible (for example, when
lifting bundles of components, moving components/materials around the
site, or unloading vehicles). Team lifting is not a preferred method for load
handling and should only be used as a last resort when mechanical aids
cannot be used or the work cannot be redesigned. Workers must be
trained in team lifting techniques and adequate numbers of workers must
be provided.
• Use electric winches (preferred) or gin wheels to lift components up the
scaffold.
4.7.2 Examples of administrative controls
Work organisation
• Incorporate rest breaks or task variety into the job where the risk can not
be prevented or minimised.
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• Ensure there are adequate numbers of workers to meet deadlines.
Task specific training
• Workers should be provided with education and training in relation to the
performance of manual tasks. This includes training in the correct use of
mechanical devices, tools and equipment, as well as safe performance of
the specific manual tasks and handling methods (for example, team
lifting).
Preventative maintenance program
• Clean and maintain tools, equipment and scaffolding components
regularly. Tools and equipment which are not properly maintained, as well
as components that have been damaged and therefore no longer fit easily
together, may require increased force when using them.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• PPE and clothing can increase the potential for injury if it is lacking or
unsuitable for the work performed (for example, incorrectly sized gloves
interfere with a worker’s gripping ability and manual dexterity and this
contributes to increased muscular effort and fatigue). If gloves are worn it
is important that the appropriate type of glove is chosen based upon the
work requirements and different sizes are provided so that the right size
for the worker can be selected.
5. General design
The following section provides general advice regarding the safe construction
of basic types of scaffolds.
Note: Under the WHS Act, designers, manufacturers and suppliers of plant
must ensure that plant is accompanied by information about the safe use of
the plant.
5.1 Principles of design
The design of the scaffold should take into account:
• the strength, stability and rigidity of the supporting structure;
• the intended use and application of the scaffold;
• the safety of persons engaged in the erection, alteration and dismantling of
the scaffold;
• the safety of persons using the scaffold; and
• the safety of persons in the vicinity of the scaffold.
5.2 Basis of design
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The design of the structural members4 and components of a scaffold should
comply with AS 1576 Scaffolding (Parts 2 and 4) and AS/NZS 1576
Scaffolding (Parts 1, 3 and 5).
5.3 Foundations
Scaffolding foundations must be able to carry and distribute all the weight of
the scaffold, including any extra loads, for example, perimeter containment
screens, placed on the scaffold.
Consideration should be given to the following when designing the foundation
of the scaffolding.
5.3.1 Ground conditions
Water and nearby excavations may lead to soil subsidence and the collapse
of scaffold. Any likely watercourse, such as a recently filled trench, which has
the potential to create a wash out under the scaffold base, should be diverted
away from the scaffold.
The principal contractor or relevant person should ensure ground conditions
are stable and inform scaffold erectors of any factors which may affect ground
stability, before the scaffold is erected.
5.3.2 Loadings
Scaffolding needs to be designed for the most adverse combination of dead,
live and environmental loads that can reasonably be expected during the
period that the scaffold is in use.
The dead, live and environmental loads will need to be calculated during the
design stage to ensure the supporting structure and the lower standards are
capable of supporting the loads. The design of such scaffolds and ties5 must
be approved by a competent person or an engineer.
Follow the specifications of the manufacturer, designer or supplier for the
maximum loads of the scaffold.
5.3.2.1 Environmental loads
Consider environmental loads, particularly the effects of wind and rain on the
scaffold. For example, environmental loads imposed by wind and rain may be
heightened if perimeter containment screens, shadecloth or signs are
attached to the scaffold. Staggering the joints in standards may help control
the risk of scaffold collapse from environmental loads.
4 & 5 See Appendix 1 for definitions.
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Refer to AS/NZS 1576.1 Scaffolding – General Requirements (section 2.4) for
additional information.
Figure 2. ‘Tension splices’ or ‘through bolts’ may be required to secure scaffold components
together to accommodate any environmental loads.
5.3.2.2 Dead loads
Dead loads refer to the self weight of the scaffold structure and components
including any working, catch or access platforms, stairways, ladders,
screens, sheeting, platform brackets, suspension ropes6, secondary ropes,
traversing ropes, tie assemblies, scaffolding hoists or electrical cables. Dead
loads should be calculated in accordance with AS/NZS 1576.1 Scaffolding –
General Requirements.
5.3.2.3 Live loads
The live load includes:
• the weight of persons;
• the weight of materials and debris;
• the weight of tools and equipment; and
• impact forces.
Scaffolds should not be used to support formwork and plant, such as hoist
towers and concrete pumping equipment, unless the scaffold is specifically
designed for this purpose.
The live loads applied to a working platform7 should be in accordance with
those specified in Table 1.
6 & 7 See Appendix 1 for definitions.
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Table 1. Requirements for working platforms
Design total
load (kg per
platform per
bay)
Design
concentrated load
(as part of total load
– to be applied in
the most adverse
position within the
bay) (kg)
Minimum
width of
platform (mm)
Light duty
3 metres during housing
construction work
2 metres during other
construction work
For example: painting, cleaning
or fascia and gutter installation
125 (1.2kN) 100 (1kN) 225
Light duty
= 3 metres during housing
construction work
= 2 metres during other
construction work
225 (2.2kN) 100 (1kN) 450
Medium duty
For example: finishing trades
where light materials are stacked
on the platform.
450 (4.4kN) 150 (1.5kN) 900
Heavy duty
For example: bricklaying and
demolition work (special duty
may be required for some
demolition activities).
675 (6.6kN) 200 (2kN) 1000
Special duty Seek guidance from designer, manufacturer, supplier or
engineer
Note: No materials are permitted on platforms 450 mm wide or less. All other
scaffolds must have a clear platform width of at least 450 mm.
5.4 Supporting structure
Consider the capability of the supporting structure to bear the most adverse
combination of loads possible during the use of the scaffold. Obtain advice
from an engineer before erecting scaffolds on verandas, suspended flooring
systems, compacted soil, parapets8 and awnings.
Propping may be required where the supporting structure is not capable of
bearing the most adverse combination of loads.
5.4.1 Soleboards and baseplates
Soleboards and baseplates9 can be used to evenly distribute the load from
the scaffold to the supporting surface (see Figure 3). Both soleboards and
baseplates may be required for use on less stable surfaces, such as soil,
gravel, fill or other product which creates a system of beams and flat slabs.
8 & 9 See appendix 1 for definitions.
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Figure 3. Soleboards and baseplates
The size of the soleboard will vary depending on the supporting surface. If in
doubt you may need to consult an engineer to determine the bearing capacity
of the ground or other supporting structure.
Soleboards should be level and some digging may be required to obtain a
level surface.
Adjustable bases can be used on uneven surfaces for modular scaffold
systems. No part of the baseplate or adjustable base should protrude over the
side of the soleboard to ensure the loads are imposed evenly on the
soleboard.
Needles and spurs10 should be considered where ground conditions are very
unstable.
5.5 Stability
Scaffold stability may be achieved by:
• tying the scaffold to a supporting structure;
• guying to a supporting structure;
• increasing the dead load by securely attaching counterweights11 near the
base; and
• adding bays to increase the base dimension.
5.6 Tying
Tie methods and spacing need to be in accordance with the instructions of the
manufacturer, designer or supplier.
Outlined below are safe work practices and control measures for tying
scaffold.
• Consult with the scaffold designer, manufacturer, supplier or an engineer if
it is not practical to position the ties in accordance with the instructions.
• More ties may be required if:
10 & 11 See Appendix 1 for definitions.
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(a) the scaffold is sheeted or netted due to increased wind loadings;
(b) it is used as a loading platform for materials or equipment; and
(c) attaching lifting appliances or rubbish chutes.
• The principal contractor or a relevant person should have a competent
person regularly inspect the existence and effectiveness of scaffold ties to
ensure they are not modified or altered by unauthorised persons (for
example, finishing trades who may loosen, relocate or remove ties to
obtain access to walls and openings).
• Consult with the scaffold designer or supplier before attaching additional
loads on the scaffold, for example, signs and perimeter containment
screens.
• Cast-in anchors or ‘through bolts’ (i.e. pass through a wall) are preferred to
drill-in expansion or chemical anchors for securing scaffold ties because of
possible failure due to faulty tensioning or epoxies.
• Drill-in expansion anchors should be limited to the load (torque) controlled
type. The working load limit12 should be limited to 65% of the ‘first slip
load’ stated in the information provided by the supplier.
• Deformation-controlled anchors, including self-drilling anchors and drop-in
(setting) impact anchors, should not be used.
• Where drill-in expansion or chemical anchors need to be used, the
following proportions of anchors should be tested and proof loaded to the
working load multiplied by a factor of 1.25:
(a) 10% of drill-in expansion anchors; and
(b) all chemical anchors.
• Drill-in expansion or chemical anchors should have a safety factor of 3 to 1
on their failure load. If any anchors fail, the remaining anchors on the
same level should be tested.
• Ties should not obstruct access along the working and access platforms.
• Ties should interconnect with both the inner and outer scaffold standards
(unless otherwise specified by an engineer) to increase the rigidity of the
scaffold.
5.7 Working platforms
Working platforms, except suspended scaffolds should have duty
classifications and dimensions complying with section 5.3.2 Loadings.
Each scaffold should be designed to carry the required number of working
platforms and to support its live loads.
The following are safe work practices or control measures for working
platforms.
• Scaffold planks should:
(a) have a slip-resistant surface;
(b) not be cracked or split;
(c) be of uniform thickness;
12 See Appendix 1 for definitions.
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(d) be captive (i.e. can not be kicked off ) and fixed to prevent uplift or
displacement during normal use; and
(e) be positioned so that no single gap between planks exceeds 25 mm
and the total gap between all planks does not exceed 50 mm.
• Planks should not be lapped on straight runs of modular and tube and
coupler scaffolding but may be lapped on hanging bracket scaffolds.
Figure 4. Overlapping planks. Lapped scaffold planks may sometimes be used to cover gaps
around corners of scaffold bays. These planks generally may not need to be secured,
provided the following are met: (a) timber is lapped over metal planks. (b) planks are 1.2
metres long or greater. (c) plank overlap, past the edge of the plank underneath, is 300 mm or
greater. (d) standards prevents planks from moving sideways on the scaffold.
•
If using plywood sheets to cover gaps between scaffold bays the plywood
sheets should be:
(a) a minimum of 17 mm thick;
(b) only used to cover gaps less than 500 mm wide (unless approved by
an engineer); and
(c) secured.
• Metal planks lapped on other metal planks should be secured.
• All hop-up brackets should be provided with tie bars to stop brackets from
spreading apart, causing planks to dislodge, unless otherwise specified by
the scaffold designer.
• The overhang of planks which are supported by putlogs should be greater
than 150 mm but less than 250 mm – otherwise uplift might occur.
• Avoid nailing or screwing laminated planks into position, unless otherwise
specified by the manufacturer. Moisture penetrating the planks can cause
damage and may not be easily detected.
• In cyclone prone areas all planks should be secured against uplift during
cyclone season. In Queensland, cyclone prone areas include areas north
of Bundaberg. Refer to AS 1170 Structural Design Actions (Part 2).
5.8 Fall arresting platforms
Under Part 17 of the WHS Regulation, a relevant person may use a fall
arresting platform as a control measure to arrest a person’s fall during
construction work. Fall arresting platforms must comply with section 217B of
the WHS Regulation.
http://www.dir.qld.gov.au
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The requirements in Part 17 apply only to falls from heights during
construction work. However, other industries may choose to follow and adopt
the control measures in Part 17 to control the risk of a fall from heights.
Following these standards may help other industries meet their health and
safety obligations under the WHS Act.
Figure 5a Fall arresting Figure 5b Fall arresting
platform = 260 platform > 260
•
If the slope of the surface where work is being done is:
(a) not over 26º – then install the platform no more than 1 metre lower than
the surface; or
(b) over 26º – then install the platform no more than 300 mm lower than
the surface.
• The fall arresting platform must:
(a) be unobstructed and at least 675 mm wide for...