Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411:front:0:p9
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 20218–23127

form a stable, freestanding structure.

Surface and gradient
Surfaces of a solid construction should be non-slip and free from trip hazards and traps.
Surfaces of a solid construction should generally not exceed 7 degrees (1 in 8 gradient). Cleated surfaces, which provide greater slip resistance, should not be steeper than 20 degrees (1 in 3 gradient).

Edge protection
Edge protection should be provided to prevent a person falling over edges of a solid construction.
These include:
    * the perimeters of buildings or other structures
    * the perimeters of skylights or other fragile roof materials
    * openings in floor or roof structures.

Edge Protection Checklist

          The guard rail system should be of robust design and able to withstand the force of someone falling against it.
          Top rails should be between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the working surface.
          Mid-rails should be provided. However, wire mesh infill panels incorporating a toeboard may be used instead of the midrail.
          Toeboards should be provided where reasonably practicable.
          A bottom rail above the toeboard on some roof slopes may be provided for more severe roof slopes. Both a midrail and infill mesh panel will assist in preventing persons and objects from sliding off the roof.
          If access points are required for equipment (e.g. tile elevators) they must be adequately protected to prevent a person falling.
          Every open edge of a stair, landing, platform or shaft opening must be protected to prevent
  people falling.

Void protection
Where workers are working from trestles, ladders and mobile scaffolds on solid construction and they are located in close proximity to floor openings such as stairwells and partially completed floors, edge protection will not prevent a fall into the opening. The openings must be covered with covers designed to withstand likely impact and static loads and fixed to prevent any dislodgement or accidental removal.

Entry and exit
Every solid construction must have safe and suitable means of entry and exit, such as:
    * existing floor levels
    * permanently installed platforms, ramps, stairways and fixed ladders (further information
      is available in AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation)
    * temporary access ways and temporary stair systems
    * secured single portable ladders set up at a slope of 4:1 and extending at least 1 metre above the stepping off point.
Stepladders and trestle ladders should not be used for access to, or egress from, solid construction.

4.             FALL PREVENTION DEVICES

A 'fall prevention device' is any fall protection system that once erected or installed requires no further ongoing adjustment, alteration or operation by a worker to ensure the integrity of the system to perform its function as a