Site control procedure
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to outline the safe work requirements for working on all PEER Construction worksites.
Applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, or visitors to PEER Construction worksites.
Process
The process has the following components.
Site communication and cooperation
Contractors, subcontractors, or apprentices must comply with verbal and written information and instructions issued by PEER Construction.
The contractor, subcontractor, or apprentice shall have a suitable mobile phone or other telecommunications system which is acceptable to PEER Construction.
The apprentices must follow all work instructions issued by their supervisor and be clear about what is expected of them.
Apprentices must:
- listen carefully
- identify own task requirements
- ask as many questions as needed to clarify information
- read and understand any documentation they are given
- ask for help when needed
- notify supervisor of completion of all work
- follow all safety procedures, legislation, manufacturers instruction, codes of practice and legislative requirements.
Toolbox talks
Toolbox talks should be held daily, take about 5-10 minutes and focus on one topic relevant to the work being completed on that day.
Toolbox talks:
- cover a topic relevant to the job and/or hazards identified.
- encourage open discussion on such matters as changes to work, hazards identified, good safety practices observed, safety improvement ideas and other matters that impact on work.
The person leading the toolbox talk will follow up actions raised at these meetings.
A toolbox talk report shall be completed to verify attendance, topic, date, location, topic summary, outcomes and any actions to be taken.
Cooperation with others
Contractors, subcontractors, or apprentices shall cooperate with other contractors and persons performing work for PEER Construction. The contractor, subcontractor, or apprentice shall immediately advise the project manager of any conflict which may arise with the contractor and other contractors or persons.
Safety on site
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
All workers carrying out work on the site are required to wear appropriate protective footwear and clothing. All workers should use the following PPE:
- Eye protection such as goggles, shield or glasses where there is a risk of a foreign object striking the eye.
- Ear protection such as ear muffs or plugs where equipment makes excessive noise.
- Head protection such as a hard hat or helmet where there is a risk of injury to the head from a falling object or overhead moving plant.
- Safety boots with a safety toe cap, made from suitable material for the hazards present must always be worn, unless agreed otherwise.
- Suitable clothing must be worn to protect workers from injury or exposure to environment or processes.
Designated signage may also be in place requiring PPE to be worn where a risk has been identified. These must be complied with.
All workers operating plant equipment or power tools must follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the use of correct PPE during its operation.
All workers must be competent in the use of the PPE and the PCBU must undertake a risk assessment to demonstrate why the PPE was chosen as a control measure.
The PCBU must be able to produce a copy of the risk assessment and training records upon request.
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
JSA is the process of identifying potential hazards, assessing their risk and recording how to eliminate, or minimise, the risk to employee safety (controls).
A JSA should be completed before work is commenced on site. Where job steps or site conditions will change from those planned, the JSA should be updated to reflect the way the job should be done on the specific site and how safety shall be controlled.
If any risks, hazards or unplanned events are identified then the JSA should be updated (list any unforeseen circumstances).
Always follow the Hazard management policy.
First aid kits
First aid kits should be kept in a prominent and accessible location at PEER Construction and on worksites.
First aid kit signs must be located near the first aid kit.
First aid kits should be kept inside all PEER Construction vehicles for workers travelling to sites.
Smoking, drugs, alcohol and fitness for work
Smoking or e-cigarettes (vaping)
Smoking or e-cigarettes (vaping) is not permitted on site. Smoking or e-cigarettes (vaping) is only permitted in designated areas during break times. It is the smoker’s responsibility to dispose of all butts and associated waste appropriately and responsibly. Employees must remember that in most cases the construction site is someone’s home or business.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drugs are not permitted in the workplace. Failure to observe this requirement will result in disciplinary action. Any worker taking prescription medication that may affect their safety or the safety of others (e.g. drowsiness, slower response time) is to advise their relevant supervisor prior to commencing work.
Fitness for work
All workers must attend site fit for work. Employees under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or those whose ability to work safety is compromised by being unfit for work will be directed to leave the site and suitable arrangements made for the person to return home.
Responsibilities
Accuracy of information
Contractors and subcontractors shall rely on their own skill, care and judgement in the execution of the work and shall not rely upon any information issued by or on behalf of PEER Construction without having first satisfied itself of the accuracy and completeness of the information.
Licenses, certifications and permits
If any work activity, item of equipment or operation of mobile plant requires a license, certification or permit, PEER Construction requires the person undertaking that work or operating that equipment or plant to hold the relevant license, certification or permit before commencing work. It is the responsibility of the PCBU responsible for the work activity, equipment, or mobile plant to ensure that the workers carrying out the work have the appropriate license, certification or permit and that they have documentation available for inspection while on site.
Appropriate behaviours
When on a PEER Construction site, you must always use appropriate behaviours and RESPECT your PEERs.
All employees have a legal, and moral responsibility, to prevent bullying. Under health and safety legislation, PEER Construction’s primary duty is to eliminate or minimise, as far as reasonably practicable, the risks to health and wellbeing in the workplace.
If you are being bullied there are things you can do and people who can help. You have the right to be in a safe workplace free from violence and harassment.
Site induction
Attendance on site
Owner occupiers
Where possible work will be arranged for when the premises are not occupied. If this is not possible and the owners or occupiers are there, employees will:
- advise the persons of the work area and the need to stay out of the area.
- ensure all drop sheets are taped down across walkways.
- keep leads and hoses clear of access ways but if this is not possible cover them to prevent a tripping hazard.
- separate the work area from the rest of the premises by shutting doors, barricading, sheeting, or other possible control.
- cease work and escort the owner or occupier if they need to access the area.
When work is being carried out in occupied homes or places, tools, equipment, materials, and waste are to be stored in designated areas. These areas will be barricaded where possible and the owners or occupiers made aware of the work area and advised to stay out of the affected area.
Visitor safety
Members of the public are not permitted on site unless authorised by PEER Construction. PEER Construction will undertake a risk assessment of hazards to members of the public and where that assessment identifies a high risk, control measures will be implemented to eliminate, minimise or control the risk. Where necessary, appropriate signage will be erected before construction work starts.
When a site is left unattended, contractors are responsible for securing or removing any hazards associated with their work before leaving the site. If a perimeter site fence is in use, access points to the site are to be secured when leaving the site.
If the building is not currently occupied and the homeowner requires access to the site, PEER Construction requires that they be accompanied by their building supervisor or have approval to do so following a written request. In some cases they may need to be accompanied by a supervisor or authorised person.
Site, security and amenities
PEER Construction will endeavour to perform all work within the site boundaries. If it becomes necessary to undertake work outside the site, a risk assessment will be carried out and appropriate control measures will be implemented if required. The designated work area and type of work must be discussed with the owner or occupier prior to work commencing especially if they are still occupying the building. If the designated area is to change during the project the owner or occupier must be notified of the change. If control measures are implemented due to the nature of a PCBU’s work the cost of implementing the controls will be borne by the PCBU. This may apply if PEER Construction makes the direction to implement a control measure.
Security of the site
PEER Construction will ensure so far as reasonably practicable that the workplace is secured from unauthorised access, having regard to the risks arising from unauthorised access, the likelihood of unauthorised access occurring and the extent to which it cannot be prevented and the hazards that need to be isolated.
All PCBUs and employees must ensure that the site is secured when they leave site; the site cannot be left unsecured if it is unattended, this does not apply if the owner/occupier is onsite at the time. If the site cannot be secured the site supervisor must be notified immediately. Any evidence of unauthorised access to the site must be reported to PEER Construction as soon as possible. The site must be left in a safe manner irrespective of the site being secured.
Amenities
Amenities such as toilets, area for washing hands and drinking water will be provided on site by PEER Construction where it is reasonably practicable to do so, or a suitable alternative discussed with all PCBUs and employees. The building under construction may be used to eat meals and provide shelter. Shelter may also be in the form of a worker’s vehicle. All persons on site are to maintain good hygiene standards and clean up after themselves.
PEER Construction is to be notified should amenities under their control require attention (such as cleaning or consumables).
Signage and site access / walkways
PEER Construction shall display appropriate warning signs at the workplace where there is a particular hazardous process or where specific personal protective equipment is required. Signage of an informative or educational nature (i.e. speed limit signs, evacuation / first aid procedures) may also be displayed.
Signs will be displayed to be clearly visible to persons approaching the area where the work is being undertaken if there is a need:
- to indicate that an action or activity is not permitted, a prohibition symbol sign to indicate restricted access is required.
- for workers to wear personal protective equipment within the area, a mandatory symbol sign is required.
- to identify areas that contain a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life threatening, then a danger sign that identifies the hazard is required.
- to identify areas that contain a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life threatening, a warning sign is required.
- to indicate the location of, or directions to, emergency related facilities such as safety equipment or first aid facilities, an emergency information sign is required.
Site specific signage will be installed to:
- display PEER Construction’s name and telephone numbers including an after hours telephone number.
- display the location of the site office for the project if any.
- be clearly visible from the outside of the workplace, or the work area of the workplace where the construction project is being undertaken.
A builder’s sign must be displayed as per state requirements. PBCUs are also required to erect suitable signage in appropriate areas if their work requires it.
Pedestrian walkways and access ways
Where work will be carried out in/on or will affect public walkways or access ways suitable controls must be put in place to protect pedestrians and exclude them from the work area.
Where required a footpath occupation (or similar) permit must be obtained from the relevant local authority and all its conditions complied with.
Where this will involve pedestrians being directed into vehicular trafficable areas, traffic management must be in place.
Levelling
Required PPE must be worn when using any levelling equipment.
All levelling equipment must be set up in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Check levelling equipment accuracy with manufacturer’s instructions before using.
The user must ensure that the visual equipment used for the observation or adjustment of laser equipment on plant does not create a risk to health or safety from laser rays.
All levelling shall be recorded in either level books or levelling sheets which must be retained as permanent records.
Care of levelling equipment
- Ensure that tripod screws and hinges are kept tight.
- Always transport the level in a padded box.
- When removing from the box lift it by the centre and not by the eyepiece or objective end of the telescope.
- Screw it firmly onto the tripod, while holding it in one hand (make certain that it is not cross-threaded and that threads are compatible).
- When carrying the level tripod assembly in the field, support it over the shoulder or, in bush, crooked over an arm with the telescope unclamped (i.e. free to rotate).
- Automatic levels should not be carried in a vertical or near-vertical position, as the compensator will swing about and be prone to damage.
Specific considerations
The following are some specific considerations.
Working at heights
PEER Construction will manage risks associated with a fall by a person from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury to that or any other person.
Any PCBUs performing work above 2 metres must provide PEER Construction with a SWMS before commencing work on site.
PEER Construction will ensure that adequate physical fall protection is in place, (for example: hanging bracket platforms, scaffolding, elevated work platforms) where a risk assessment identifies the need and where it is reasonably practicable to do so. This fall protection may be supplied by PEER Construction or by other PCBUs and will be determined on a job-by-job basis. If a physical fall protection system is provided, workers are not permitted to alter the configuration of the system or dismantle the system in any way without prior approval from PEER Construction, or without consultation with the PCBU responsible for its erection.
If a PCBU requires additional fall protection more than that supplied by PEER Construction, the PCBU is to contact PEER Construction to discuss.
The cost of any additional fall protection may be the responsibility of the PCBU. Any additional fall protection provided by a PCBU must comply with all relevant legislation, codes of practice and standards, in its erection, alteration, dismantling and performance.
NOTE: In South Australia it is a legal requirement to develop a SWMS if there is a risk of falling more than 3 metres. PEER Construction requires a SWMS to be completed if there is a risk of falling more than 2 metres for extra safety.
Hot works
If hot works such as welding, cutting or bronzing are to be carried out at the site, reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to risks to health and safety must be identified and any risks controlled.
When carrying out hot works:
- All combustible materials that can be removed must be removed from the affected area.
- Where materials cannot be moved, they must be covered where possible with fire blankets or other fire retardant material.
- A fire extinguisher must be available onsite in addition to other suitable forms of control.
- Upon completion, carry out post inspection to identify any potential ignition sources remaining.
The use of a hot work permit system may also be required for certain operations; this will be determined by the site supervisor or PEER Construction representative.
Where oxyacetylene is to be used, bottles are be stored in a well-ventilated area, be secured in an upright position and be fitted with dual flashback arrestors. Only use appropriate methods to ignite the gas. Never use disposable cigarette lighters to ignite the gas.
Local authorities may need to be consulted with respect to any applicable restrictions or permits should work need to be undertaken on days of total fire bans. Where issued, permit requirements must be strictly adhered to.
Hazardous chemicals
All PCBUs using hazardous chemicals at the workplace will supply PEER Construction with a copy of their hazardous chemicals register, including any relevant current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before they commence work.
It is the responsibility of the PCBU to keep a copy of relevant SDS at the workplace, follow the requirements of the SDS, and train relevant persons in the correct use of the chemical. A register of all SDS that have been supplied will be kept on file. Safety Data Sheets must be reviewed for currency and not exceed 5 years of age.
Contaminated environments
If workers are required to enter the contaminated area (biological waste, mould, gases etc.) all workers must wear suitable PPE for the risk involved.
A risk assessment will be undertaken on site by a competent person to determine the PPE required. Only trained and competent persons are to undertake the task. If during the task contamination is found, work must stop, and the site supervisor contacted. The site supervisor will direct workers on an appropriate course of action.
A SWMS must be in place before commencing work for contaminated work areas.
Asbestos
A ‘Danger Asbestos’ sign should be used to indicate where the asbestos work area is.
The site supervisor will arrange to have the material identified and the safe removal of any asbestos arranged, if necessary.
PEER Construction requires any asbestos related works to be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. As construction work that involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos is classed as high risk construction work, a SWMS will be developed by the relevant PCBU outlining suitable control measures.
Mould
Where mould has been identified prior to workers attending site, all workers are to follow the PPE requirements for that site.
If mould is found during works, workers must stop work, leave the area and contact the site supervisor immediately. The site supervisor once notified of mould being present onsite will contact a suitable hygienist to arranging testing on the area as soon as practicable.
The supervisor will also instruct the workers to enclose the affected area appropriately for example where the removal of plaster board wall has exposed mould; workers must wear suitable PPE and replace plaster board with plaster sheeting, or plastic and seal off the area.
Dust
Dust is a common problem on construction sites. Respirable crystalline silica, also known as RCS, silica dust, or construction dust, is found in rock, sand, bricks, and concrete, though it is not limited to just those.
Any dust created with, for example, power tools or cutting equipment must be kept to a minimum using water sprays or vacuum attachments to avoid health concerns for workers and pollution. Periodically dampen exposed surfaces such as roadways or slabs.
Use wet methods for cutting concrete not friction saws. Clean up all sawdust and other debris promptly. Do not underestimate the potential toxicity of wood dust. Where possible, use dust extraction equipment with power tools that produce dust, chips, or waste material.
Wear the appropriate PPE.
Confined spaces
A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a set of circumstances and not because work is performed in a small space.
They are defined as an enclosed or partially enclosed space that:
- is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person
- is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space
is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:
- an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level
- contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours, and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion
- harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants, or engulfment.
PEER Construction does not permit entry into a confined space without workers having suitable and adequate information, training and instruction.
Workers must have a valid confined space entry permit.
Work in confined spaces shall be carried out in accordance with current legislation. As construction work that is carried out in or near a confined space is classed as high risk construction work, a SWMS will be required outlining suitable control measures.
Excavation
Adequate work planning must be undertaken for all excavation and trenching work at a site to identify the safest and most effective method to do the work. Work planning must consult all workers involved.
When planning excavations or trenching:
- develop a JSA/SWMS for the work
- confirm resources, plant and equipment required to undertake the work
- assess the impact that the excavation and trenching work will have on other operations or maintenance activities
- investigate potential weather conditions that may impact the ground conditions and spoil run-off
- review site service plans, site plans and any other drawings that identify underground services located in the area
- lodge an enquiry with Before you dig – call 1100 or visit www.1100.com.au (opens in new window)
- examine the site to confirm site conditions and underground services using site drawings and other visual indicators
- investigate potential environmental effects of the excavation activity and sediment run-off paths onto roads and into drains, catchments, and waterways
- secure trenches at least 1.5 metres deep must, if reasonably practicable, from unauthorised access (including inadvertent entry).
Noise
PEER Construction will manage risks to health and safety associated with exposure to noise. All PCBUs will ensure that the noise that a worker is exposed to does not exceed the exposure standard (85dbz) for noise.
If a worker is frequently required to undertake work that may expose them to noise greater than that of the exposure standard, the worker must wear PPE to control this risk. If a worker is provided with personal protective equipment to control noise exposure above the exposure standards, the PCBU must provide audiometric testing for the worker within 3 months of the worker commencing work and at least every 2 years thereafter while still engaged by the PCBU.
Vibration
PEER Construction will manage risks to health and safety associated with exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). Minimising WBV exposure usually requires a combination of control measures.
- Measures to eliminate or minimise exposure to WBV should be considered: at the source of vibration, along the paths of the vibration, and at the position where the vibration enters the worker.
- Substituting the hazard with something safer including purchasing or hiring mobile plant which has lower vibration emission or is more suited to the task e.g. where forklifts are regularly used in unpaved loading yards using a forklift designed for this use rather than one designed for indoor use.
- Isolating the hazard from people e.g. isolating or dampening a work platform to eliminate or minimise vibration from a motor using rubber mounts and flexible connection.
- Using engineering controls e.g. installing seats on mobile plant designed to minimise vibration, selecting tyre types suitable for the terrain, and maintaining suspension, roadways and tyres regularly.
- Using administrative controls e.g. implementing speed limits on gravel or dirt roads or introducing a roster system to minimise how long each worker is exposed to WBV.
- Using PPE e.g. workers standing on a vibrating platform may benefit from shoes with soles designed to reduce transmission of vibration to the feet. In most cases PPE is unlikely to be effective on its own as a control measure to reduce WBV exposures.
Mobile plant
Any PCBUs using mobile powered plant (e.g. mobile cranes, excavators, forklifts, elevated work platforms, etc.) are required to supply PEER Construction with a SWMS before commencing work.
- All mobile powered plant should be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.
- The logbooks for each item of mobile plant must be kept up to date and the logbook should be readily available to PEER Construction upon request.
- Instructions from licensed operators, with regard to the safe operation of their equipment, should be observed by all persons on site while the mobile plant is present.
- All persons on site while mobile plant is in use must wear an approved high visibility shirt or vest.
Lifting equipment
The use of lifting equipment is considered to be the movement of mobile plant, and the requirements outlined in relation to mobile plant must be followed.
- All lifting gear used on site must have a current inspection tag, displaying an inspection date within the last 12 months.
- A worker with a crane chaser’s or dogman’s certificate must be present while loads are being slung and lifted.
- Loads must never be lifted over persons. If this is necessary the lift area will be barricaded off to prevent unauthorised access to the area, and/or a spotter used to warn and prevent persons from entering the area.
- Directing load by communicating with the plant operator using hand signals, whistles or two-way radios.
Manual handling
If you are required to do any manual lifting, you must implement safe lifting techniques:
- Know exactly where you are going to move the object to before lifting anything.
- Check the pathway is free from any obstructions and that the walking surface is in good condition.
- Adopt a stable position with feet apart and one leg slightly forward to maintain stability. Make sure that you are wearing suitable footwear.
- Get a good hold on the load and hug it close to your body where possible. At the start of the lift, bending at the back, knees and hips is preferable to fully bending the back or squatting.
- When carrying, keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible. Put the heaviest side of the load closest to your body. Keep your head up and look ahead, not down at the load, and avoid twisting or leaning sideways.
- If you need to, put the load down and adjust your grip before continuing the lift.
Hazardous manual tasks and storage
All workers are encouraged to use good manual handling techniques. Where materials are too heavy or awkward for one person to lift, more than one person or a mechanical lifting device should be used to assist with the lift.
Material or equipment delivered to the workplace should be placed as close as possible to where it is to be used. It is the responsibility of the PCBU arranging the delivery of materials or equipment, to ensure that the items are stored appropriately, to avoid risk to health and safety, damage from adverse weather and theft or unauthorised use.
All materials must be stored inside the boundaries of the site, not on the footpath and be kept clear of access ways.
Site bins if supplied will be placed as close as possible to the work area.
Protrusions
Any hazardous protruding objects created as a result of a PCBU’s task, for example starter bars, tie down bolts, copper pipes, stirrups, should be removed, capped, bent over or barricaded so that they do not pose a risk of injury to persons on site. This must be carried out continually not just at the end of the task.
Tools and equipment
All workers must be trained in the safe use of the tools and equipment they are operating on site.
Workers are required to follow manufacturer’s instructions in the correct use of guarding and safety features for tools and equipment they operate.
Guarding must not be removed to perform any work activity.
All tools and equipment are to be inspected for any faults or defects before use. Any items found to be faulty or defective shall be isolated or taken out of service to prevent their inadvertent use. Tools and equipment are not to be left running without the operator present unless designed to operate automatically and with suitable control measures in place and/or without operator attendance.
Compressed air tools
The air jet must never be aimed in the direction of a person and defective equipment must never be used.
All compressed air equipment is to be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and only after the employee has undertaken the appropriate training.
Defective and unsafe equipment – lockout/tag out
To prevent inadvertent use, plant and equipment must be isolated or taken out of service when either a fault or defect is found and reported to PEER Construction or the relevant PCBU.
When plant and equipment is being serviced or undergoing maintenance, similar control measures must be employed.
Plant and equipment can fall into two categories: those with an energy source and those without. Hazardous energy sources include electrical, thermal, chemical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and gravitational. All sources of energy have the potential to unexpectedly start-up, energise, or release and need to be identified and locked, blocked, or released before servicing or maintenance is performed.
Situations involving items without an energy source could include a step ladder with damaged rungs or a safety harness with a broken karabiner.
Situations involving items with an energy source include a circular saw with a guard that does not return, and a fixed table saw requiring scheduled maintenance to replace the drive belts. Methods employed for isolation or removal from service involve lockout or tag out devices such as out of service tags, padlocks, and lockout hasps. These are often used in combination and can facilitate the use of multiple padlocks. Workers must contact their supervisor and follow the procedure for the safe lock out/tag out for that item.
Electrical
PCBUs will supply their own leads, power tools and electrical equipment and ensure that these items are tested and tagged at regular 3 monthly intervals.
Test records will be maintained and be readily available upon request. Multi-plug portable outlets will:
- have over-current and RCD protection
- not have a lead longer than 2 metres
- have a protection standard equal to or greater than IP33.
Domestic power boards, “piggy-back” type plugs and double adapters must not be used. Extension leads are to be of an industrial type and not exceed permissible lengths.
RCDs will be tested and tagged as required by local regulations The push button test must be carried out on the portable RCD every day prior to use. If not working, the item must be tagged out of service and removed from site.
Where the work site is an existing home and the installed RCD has not been tested, the portable RCD will be plugged into the power outlet first then leads and equipment running out of this.
When required PEER Construction will supply electrical switch boards at the worksite in suitable locations.
Electrical hazards
Prior to cutting into any wall or other surface, workers are instructed to locate any electrical cables in the area (e.g. cutting out a section of plaster, hammer a small hole first to confirm no electrical cables are behind the area that is to be cut).
If demolishing walls or sections of the structure, ensure a licensed electrician disconnects the power to that area. If you are not sure or feel that something is unsafe, you must stop work and contact the site supervisor immediately and discuss.
Completing work
The following should be considered when finalising the work.
Standards of work
Quality checks should be completed:
- No visible defects.
- All components are working and functioning properly.
- Complies with minimum code standards, required legislation and Australian Standards.
- Meets all manufacturers’ specifications.
- Complies with workplace instructions.
- Conforms to the customer’s contract specifications.
- The responsible supervisor must ensure that all personnel are trained and competent in procedures.
- Site area and equipment must be returned to service in a safe manner and condition.
Housekeeping
Construction sites can present many hazards to workers performing construction related activities. Keeping a construction site clean of debris can reduce these hazards.
Good housekeeping is a necessary requirement for maintaining safety at construction sites. If tools or equipment are not in use, put them away. Dispose of waste in designated bins. Keep stairways, passageways, ladders, scaffold etc. free from material, supplies and obstructions. Keep hoses, power cords, welding leads etc, from lying in heavily travelled walkways or areas.
Documentation
A Certificate of Compliance must be completed in accordance with legislative requirements and sent to the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) within 7 days of job completion.
Safety on site
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
All workers carrying out work on the site are required to wear appropriate protective footwear and clothing. All workers should use the following PPE:
- Eye protection such as goggles, shield or glasses where there is a risk of a foreign object striking the eye.
- Ear protection such as ear muffs or plugs where equipment makes excessive noise.
- Head protection such as a hard hat or helmet where there is a risk of injury to the head from a falling object or overhead moving plant.
- Safety boots with a safety toe cap, made from suitable material for the hazards present must always be worn, unless agreed otherwise.
- Suitable clothing must be worn to protect workers from injury or exposure to environment or processes.
- Designated signage may also be in place requiring PPE to be worn where a risk has been identified. These must be complied with.
- All workers operating plant equipment or power tools must follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the use of correct PPE during its operation.
- All workers must be competent in the use of the PPE and the PCBU must undertake a risk assessment to demonstrate why the PPE was chosen as a control measure.
The PCBU must be able to produce a copy of the risk assessment and training records upon request.
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
JSA is the process of identifying potential hazards, assessing their risk and recording how to eliminate, or minimise, the risk to employee safety (controls).
A JSA should be completed before commencing work on site Where job steps or site conditions will change from those planned, the JSA should be updated to reflect the way the job should be done on the specific site and how safety shall be controlled.
If any risks, hazards or unplanned events are identified then the JSA should be updated (list any unforeseen circumstances).
Always follow the Hazard management policy.
First aid kits
First aid kits should be kept in a prominent and accessible location at PEER Construction and on worksites.
First aid kit signs must be located near the first aid kit.
First aid kits should be kept inside all PEER Construction vehicles for workers travelling to sites.
Reporting requirements
- Completed toolbox and JSA must be forwarded to supervisor on site,
- Any identified faults of tools and equipment must be reported to the site supervisor or manager and removed from service.
Review
Regularly review the team performance and impact factors when tasks are completed. This is to be done with supervisor and team with a discussion on effective work practices and giving feedback to the team once a task has been completed.
Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Electricians Act 1995
Development Act 1993
Building Code of Australia
Codes of Practice
WHS policies and procedures
Hot work permit
JSA
Site induction checklist
Version 2.0 – Last updated 01/05/2023