Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411:front:0:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00411
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 46332–49099

involved. However, administrative control measures should not be used simply because they are the cheapest option.

8.             SAFE WORK METHODS FOR COMMON TASKS

This section identifies common tasks in the construction of a typical one or two storey house and describes methods that eliminate or minimise the risk of falls associated with these tasks.
Manufacturers' or suppliers' instructions should be checked before commencing tasks.

8.1 Floor laying
In order to construct a solid work area for the construction and/or erection of wall frames, flooring should be laid to ground and upper floors at the earliest opportunity.
Note: Working from open floor joists is an unacceptable work practice for any task.

Stairwells and voids need to be protected prior to floor laying. For further advice see Section 8.3 of this Code.
Laying flooring is a task that potentially exposes workers to the risk of both internal and external falls. Steep sloping sites increase the potential fall heights.
The laying of floor sheets should begin adjacent to an internal or external access point which provides initial fall protection for workers. Laying of sheets should then proceed using a safe work procedure that prevents workers from falling over the edge, as shown in Figure 9 below.
Physical fall prevention measures should be used, such as external scaffolding or guardrailing  shown in Figures 10 and 11. Where strip flooring is to be installed, temporary sheet flooring may be laid and secured as fall protection.

Figure 9 Laying sheet flooring at upper level

Safe access and egress must also be provided to the area where flooring is being laid. Access should be restricted to only those workers who are laying the flooring and erecting the wall frames.

Figure 10 Examples of upper floor edge protection

Figure 11 Examples of upper floor edge protection

8.2 Fixing ceiling joists and upper level floor joists
The setting out and nailing of level ceiling joists or upper level floor joists should be done by working off scaffolding set up on the floor below. Trestle scaffolds may be used as shown in Figure 12. Section 4.1 of this Code provides further information on the use of trestle scaffolds.
A person may stand on or work from the external top plate if fall protection measures are in place.
Where scaffolds are not suitable, the work may be done using ladders from the floor below.

Figure 12 Installing ceiling or upper level floor joists

8.3 Guarding openings
All stairwells, atriums and voids through which a person could fall must be sturdily guarded, covered with an industrial safety net or sheeted over, regardless of the fall distance from the upper level floor. Guardrailing should be provided in accordance with Section 4.1 of this