This division covers instructions provided in relation to excavation work, falls, ladders and scaffolding.
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Subdivision 1 - Definitions Definitions
Clause 306A provides a list of definitions of systems preventing falls in construction work.
Subdivision 2 --- Falls
Definition for sdiv 2
Clause 306B states that in this subdivision, ladder does not include a fixed ladder.
Risk of fall of less than 3m in housing construction work or less than 2m in other construction work or construction work on roof with slope not over 26°
Clause 306C applies to:
x construction work that is housing construction work during which a person could fall less than 3m; or
x construction work that is not housing construction work during which a person could fall less than 2m; or
x construction work on a roof, or partly completed roof, surface with a slope not over 26º.
However, the clause does not apply to construction work if a person could fall from:
x a ladder or fixed ladder; or
x a platform supported by trestle ladders; or
x scaffolding which the person is erecting or dismantling; or
x an area near a ladder that the person needs to use to get on or off the ladder.
The clause requires the PCBU who carries out construction work to ensure that each hazard that may result in a fall or cause death or injury if a person were to fall is identified and assessed and that control measures are implemented to prevent or minimise the exposure to risk. The control measures must comply with this subdivision and comply with 306H if a fall arresting platform is used. Examples of hazards that may result in a fall or cause death or injury in the event of a fall are provided in this clause.
Risk of fall of at least 3m in housing construction work or at least 2m in other construction work or construction work on roof with a slope over 26°
Clause 306D applies to:
x construction work that is housing construction work during which a person could fall at least 3m; or
x construction work that is not housing construction work during which a person could fall at least 2m; or
x construction work on a roof, or partly completed roof, surface with a slope over 26º.
However, the clause does not apply to work if a person could fall from:
x a ladder or fixed ladder; or
x a platform supported by trestle ladders; or
x scaffolding which the person is erecting or dismantling; or
x an area near a ladder that the person needs to use to get on or off the ladder.
This clause requires that a PCBU who carries out construction work must, before work commences, use control measures to prevent a person falling any distance or if prevention is not practicable, to arrest the person’s fall and to prevent or minimise the risk of death or injury to the person when the fall is arrested. If a control measure mentioned in this subdivision is used the control measure and its use must comply with this subdivision and comply with 306H if a fall arresting platform is used.
Examples of control measures to prevent or arrest a person’s fall are provided in this clause.
Edge protection as control measure
Clause 306E applies to a PCBU carrying out construction work who provides edge protection as a control measure. This clause provides that the edge protection must be erected in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer or supplier or otherwise an engineer or competent person. This clause sets out the criteria for the design and use of the edge protection and a definition of toe board.
Fall protection cover as control measure
Clause 306F states the technical specifications that a fall protection cover must meet to be used as a control measure.
Travel restraint system as control measure
Clause 306G applies to a PCBU carrying out construction work who provides a fall arrest system as a control measure that includes a travel restraint system. This clause provides that the travel restraint system must be installed by a competent person. This clause sets out the criteria for the use and maintenance of a travel restraint system. The PCBU must ensure that the system is inspected every 6 months by a competent person and keeps a written record of inspection for the life of the system or for 4 years whichever is the lesser.
Fall arresting platform as control measure
Clause 306H provides that a fall arresting platform used as a control measure must be able to withstand the impact of a fall onto it of any person who may reasonably be expected to fall onto it.. The clause states the technical specifications that a fall arresting platform must meet if it is to be used as a control measure.
Fall arrest harness system as control measure
Clause 306I provides that each anchorage point of a fall-arrest harness system used as a control measure must be designed by an engineer for the purpose for which it is intended to be used, or inspected and approved by a competent person before the anchorage point is first used by any person. The clause states the technical specifications and other conditions that a fall-arrest harness system must meet if it is to be used as a control measure.
The clause requires a PCBU carrying out construction work must ensure there is enough distance available for a person using the system to fall to prevent the person hitting an object, the ground or another surface, other than a vertical surface. The clause outlines the factors that must be considered when determining whether there is enough distance available. The clause also provides that the PCBU must meet certain requirements for inspecting the components of the fall-arrest harness system, including keeping the associated inspection records.
If the system has been used to arrest a fall, it must not be used again unless its manufacturer or a competent person has inspected it and decided that it is safe for use. A PCBU must not use, or allow another person to use the system unless it is in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer or supplier, or an engineer or competent person. Also, a PCBU must not use, or allow another person to use, the system while the person is using the system alone. The clause provides a definition of free fall and limited free fall.
Safety net as control measure
Clause 306J states the technical specifications that a safety net must meet if it is to be used as a control measure to arrest a fall. The clause provides that a PCBU carrying out construction work must not use, or allow another person to use, the net unless it is used in accordance with the instructions of the net’s manufacturer or supplier, or an engineer or competent person. A PCBU must ensure the net is inspected and maintained in accordance with the instructions of an engineer or competent person or the net’s manufacturer or supplier.
Subdivision 3 Ladders and platforms supported by ladders