Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411:front:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 30706–34046

perimeters of skylights or other fragile roof materials
    * openings in floor or roof structures
    * edges of excavations.
Guardrailing should:
    * incorporate a top rail between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the working surface
    * incorporate a midrail
    * incorporate a toeboard (except where it may be impractical to do so) and alternative control measures, such as 'no go' zones, to ensure no persons are at risk of being hit by falling objects from the work above
    * be of robust construction and designed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.
Wall framing incorporating studs at 600 mm centres and one row of noggings is an acceptable alternative to guardrailing. Where the frame incorporates window or door openings, additional members must be fitted across these openings, which provides the equivalent fall protection to the guardrailing described above.
Proprietary systems should be configured, installed, used and dismantled according to the manufacturer's/supplier's instructions.
Where timber guardrailing is not specifically designed in accordance with AS 1657, the member sizes set out below may be used for guardrail and post sizes respectively.
TIMBER GUARDRAILS
Guardrail size depth                                                                       Maximum guardrail span (m)
X width (nominal sizes) (mm)
F8 HW or MGP 12                                                                            F7 pine
seasoned pine
100 x 38                                                                                   2.7                         N/A

100 x 50                                                                                   3.5                         N/A

2 nos (90 x 35)**                                                                          N/A                         3.5

** Timber members to be nailed together at maximum 300mm intervals in 'T' or 'L' sections

Wherever feasible, guardrailing should be constructed so that when an outward force is applied the posts are subjected to bending about their strong axis (see Figure 4).
The manufacturer/supplier of proprietary guardrailing systems must provide the detail and instructions.
Building timber must be inspected by a person with relevant qualifications or experience to determine whether it is suitable for use as guardrailing. The methods for connecting timber posts to the support structure or rails to posts must have adequate strength for the purpose intended (Figure 4 gives two connection detail examples).

Figure 4 Timber guardrails – showing details of connections at A and B

Guardrails for trenching works
Where trenching works present a risk of a person falling into the trench, any such risk should be controlled by:
    * the provision of guardrailing
    * the provision of a barrier approximately 1.5 metres back from the excavation, to prevent persons approaching the trench.
Further information on excavation work, see the Code of Practice: Excavation Work.

5.             WORK POSITIONING SYSTEMS

A 'work positioning system' is equipment, other than a temporary work platform, that enables a worker to be positioned and safely supported at a work location to carry out a task.

Travel restraint systems
A travel restraint system prevents the user from approaching an unprotected edge