Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425:body:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 42611–45464

the units are designed in accordance with AS 1418.13 Cranes (including Hoists and Winches) —Building Maintenance Units and operated by competent persons in accordance with AS 2550.13 Cranes—Safe Use—Building Maintenance Units.

Platforms supported by trestle ladders
Trestle ladder scaffolds are only suitable for use at heights greater than two metres when guard rails and toe boards are incorporated to prevent people and material falling off the working platform. The system (including planks) should be assembled according to the manufacturer's specifications with the complete set of compatible components.
Some trestle ladder scaffolds include outriggers to increase stability (see Figure 16). Trestle ladder scaffolds are only suited to light duty tasks such as painting and rendering. Work should only be performed between the trestles. The minimum width of the working platform should not be less than 450 mm.
Alternatives to trestle ladders should be considered, such as small scissor lifts, light duty aluminium mobile scaffolds, boom arms and modular scaffolding.

Figure 16: Trestle ladder scaffold with guard rails and outriggers for stability.

4.2 Perimeter guard rails
Guard rails may be used to provide effective fall prevention:
    * at the edges of roofs
    * at the edges of mezzanine floors, walkways, stairways, ramps and landings
    * on top of plant and structures where access is required (see Figure 17)
    * around openings in floor and roof structures
    * at the edges of shafts, pits and other excavations.
Guard rails should incorporate a top rail 900mm to 1100 mm above the working surface and a mid rail and a toe board.

Before using a guard rail system you should check that it will be adequate for the potential loads. The required load resistance will depend on the momentum of a falling person. For example, the momentum of a person falling from a pitched roof will increase as the pitch (or angle) of the roof increases.
Refer to AS/NZS 4994—Temporary Edge Protection series for further guidance.

Figure 17: Guard rails installed on top of a tanker to enable safe access to tank hatches.

4.3 Safety mesh
Safety mesh is designed to prevent internal falls through a roof. If securely fixed, safety mesh provides fall protection for roof installers and offers long-term protection against falling for maintenance and repair workers.
Safety mesh does not prevent falls from the edge of a roof or through holes in a roof, so it should always be used in conjunction with appropriate edge protection, guard rails or fall-arrest systems.
Safety mesh should comply with AS/NZS 4389 Safety mesh, which specifies the minimum requirements for the design, construction, testing and installation of safety mesh for use in domestic, commercial and industrial building applications.
The mesh should be formed from 2 mm