Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p30
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 87551–90433

it adequate information about the features of the plant or structure that eliminate or minimise the need for any hazardous manual task to be carried out.
Ergonomic principles should be applied in the design stage. This means that a manual task should be designed to fit the people doing the task, not the reverse. Ergonomics involves consideration of the variability in human capability and an understanding of how people interact with the work environment, tools and equipment.
If you provide your design to another person (for example, a manufacturer) then you must provide certain information, including:
    * the purpose for which the plant or structure was designed
    * how you have dealt with hazards that may impact on manual tasks in your design, and whether there are any residual risks
    * how to handle the product safely, including during its transportation, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal.
Quality assurance processes can be used to check that the product effectively minimises the risk of MSDs. When modifying a design, take into account feedback from purchasers and users of your product.

Design of workplaces
Designers of buildings used as workplaces should consider the manual tasks that may be performed throughout the lifecycle of the building, from construction through to use, maintenance, refurbishment and potential demolition. For example, design:
    * building materials that are strong yet light-weight
    * large structural components with suitable lifting points to enable lifting by crane
    * spaces large enough to accommodate or incorporate mechanical devices
    * minimal distances for pushing, pulling, lifting or carrying loads
    * materials handling devices into the building, such as lifts and chutes
    * floor surfaces to enable wheeled equipment to be pushed or pulled easily.
Some types of workplaces, such as hospitals, nursing homes, warehouses and distribution centres that carry out a high level of manual tasks will have particular design requirements to eliminate or minimise the risk of MSDs.

Design of plant
The safe design of plant can play a critical role in reducing the risk of MSD for workers. When designing plant, consider all phases of its life, including manufacture, cleaning and servicing.
If practicable, trial a prototype in a range of operating conditions and think about how the plant will be used. Change any aspects of the design that increase the risk of injury, for example:
    * eliminate or reduce the number of repetitive actions, postures and movements required to operate the plant
    * design handles on tools and controls to allow normal wrist postures
    * reduce the forces required to operate the plant
    * provide instructions, signs or symbols to help people use the plant properly
    * take into account the range of physical characteristics of those who use the