Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394:body:0:p65
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 274739–277615

arrest the fall of a falling object,
      so far as is reasonably practicable.
Falling objects can pose a significant risk and cause serious injuries to workers at construction workplaces or members of the public if control measures are not implemented to eliminate or minimise the associated risks. For example, a person could receive fatal head injuries if building materials or equipment is not secured or prevented from falling. It is essential to ensure that objects do not fall onto workers or other persons who may be under or adjacent to the area where the work is being performed.
Objects that could fall include:
    * parts of a structure being built or dismantled
    * walls being demolished
    * materials stored or stacked at the workplace
    * construction or waste material
    * debris
    * plant
    * tools
    * scaffolding components
    * pre-cast concrete panels.
When work must be undertaken at height or there are open excavations there will be a risk of people or objects that fall, topple over or roll over. If work cannot be performed safely from the ground or from solid construction, fall prevention, such as perimeter guard rails and temporary work platforms (e.g. scaffolding, elevating work platforms and work boxes) should be provided.
Control measures that can be implemented to manage the risk of falling objects when undertaking construction work include:
    * securing and properly bracing structures
    * securing loose material such as plywood, iron sheets and off-cuts against the wind
    * using chutes when placing debris into a skip below the work area
    * erecting perimeter containment screens
    * not stacking materials close to un-meshed guardrails and perimeter edges
    * enclosing areas over which loads are being lifted
    * using toe boards on edge protection
    * using tool lanyards
    * erecting catch platforms and/or nets
    * using a gantry where work involving multiple levels is being performed beside a footpath
    * closure of the adjoining area to form an exclusion zone
    * establishing traffic management devices including road diversions or traffic detours
    * using a spotter on the ground level when loads are being lifted to higher levels
    * using traffic controllers to direct pedestrians or other traffic
    * working outside normal hours
    * using PPE such as hard hats.
Fall prevention must be considered and, so far as is reasonably practicable, implemented before considering options for arresting the fall of objects.
Control measures include:
    * using the appropriate equipment to raise and lower objects, including ensuring that working load limits are not exceeded
    * providing a secure physical barrier at the edge of the elevated area, such as toe boards or infill panels that form part of a guardrail system
    * erecting perimeter containment screening made