Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411:front:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 22876–25646

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 fall prevention system. Examples include temporary work platforms and guardrails.

4.1 Temporary work platforms
A 'temporary work platform' is a working platform, other than a permanently installed fixed platform, used to provide a working area for the duration of the job. The design of the platform prevents workers from falling. Temporary work platforms commonly used in housing construction include scaffolds (fixed or mobile), elevating work platforms and step platforms.

Scaffolds
Scaffolds are a common means of providing a safe platform for working at height. There is a wide variety of scaffold systems available.
Scaffold working platforms are generally rated as light, medium or heavy duty:
    * Light Duty – up to 225 kg per bay. Examples include painting, electrical work, many carpentry tasks and other light tasks. Platforms should be at least two planks wide (approximately 450 mm)
    * Medium Duty – up to 450 kg per bay. This is suitable for general trades work. Platforms should be at least four planks wide (approximately 900 mm)
    * Heavy Duty – up to 675 kg per bay. This is what is needed for bricklaying, concreting, demolition work and most other work tasks involving heavy loads or heavy impact forces. Platforms should be at least five planks wide (approximately 1000 mm)
    * Special Duty – has a designated allowable load as designed.
These safe load limits include the weight of people (which is taken to be a nominal 80 kg) plus the weight of any materials, tools and debris on the working platform. Therefore, a properly constructed mobile scaffold with a light duty platform can safely support one worker and 145 kg of tools and material, or two workers and 65 kg of tools and materials.

Information, instruction and training for workers using scaffolds
Where work is performed from a scaffold, ensure that the relevant workers know:
    * what loads it can safely take [Safe Working Load (SWL)]
    * that unauthorised alterations must not be made to the scaffold (such as removing guardrails, planks, ties, toeboards and braces)
    * that working platforms need to be kept clear of debris and obstructions along their length
    * that incomplete or defective scaffolds must never be accessed.
Where mobile scaffolds are in use, the scaffold should:
    * remain level and plumb at all times
    * be kept well clear of powerlines, open floor edges and penetrations
    * never be accessed until all castors are locked to prevent movement
    * never be moved while anyone is