Working at heights/ roof procedure

• 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. The preferred method will be fall restraint and edge protection, where possible. Fall arrest is to be used where restraint is not possible.
• Any PCBUs performing work above 2 metres must supply a SWMS to PEER Construction before commencing work on site.
• The SWMS must be developed in consultation with workers involved in the work, implemented, and monitored. If the SWMS is not adequate, stop the work, review the SWMS, adjust as required and re-brief the team before recommencing work.
• 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.
• Ensure all workplace work health and safety requirements are identified and understood. A risk assessment of the work area must be completed and approved by PEER Construction before commencing work.
• Authorisation to access any risk area must be obtained from the person in control of the workplace.
• Persons must not be allowed to work alone in fall arrest situations in case emergency rescue assistance or first aid is required.
• All applicable Australian Standards, acts, regulations, and codes of practice and guidelines must be read and complied with when working at heights.
• Ensure all operating procedures have been read and properly understood before using fall protection equipment.
• Fall arrest systems must only be used by competent persons who have experience and training in the safe use of the system and associated equipment. Training must be undertaken by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
• Only approved full body harness, gear and equipment with an energy absorber certified to Australian Standards AS/NZS 1891 is to be used with any fall arrest system.
• Visually inspect the system for damage prior to use. The system must not be used if there is any deterioration or deformation of components or the structure to which the system is attached. Any damaged or faulty equipment must be reported to the supervisor immediately.
• If the safety system is damaged or has arrested a fall, discontinue use until it has been fully inspected and recertified by a competent height safety equipment inspector.
• Ensure all fixings, fittings and components are securely attached. Any tightening, adjustment or replacement of components must be carried out by a competent height safety inspector.
• Access and fall protection systems require periodic inspection and maintenance by a qualified height safety inspector. The system must not be used if the service date is overdue.
• A rescue plan must be formulated and ready to implement before using any fall arrest system.

Fall prevention equipment available in the PEER Construction roofer’s kit:

• rope safety line – 15 metres Kernmantle rope fitted with double action self-locking hook at one end and manual rope adjuster
• 2m heavy duty adjustable webbing shock absorbing lanyard with snap hooks – 160kg rated
• 2m attachment strap – 25mm web rated for 1 person
• fall arrest harness
• suspension trauma straps
• alloy steel twist lock karabiner.

Fall arrest systems, incorporating a lanyard, should be installed so that the maximum distance a person would free fall before the fall arrest system takes effect is 2 metres. There should be sufficient distance between the work surface and any surface below to enable the system, including the action of any shock absorber to fully deploy before the worker impacts any surface.

To establish the free fall distance for a work activity, consider:

• the worker’s height
• the height and position of the anchorage point
• the length of the lanyard
• slack in the horizontal lifeline
• stretching of the lanyard or horizontal lifeline when extended by a fall
• the length of the energy absorber when extended by a fall.

If a person using an individual fall arrest system falls, the system may act as a pendulum, and in some situations the user may hit the ground, swing down or swing back onto the building or structure.

Swing down can occur if the lanyard slides back along the perimeter edge of the roof until it is vertical. When this happens, the person may hit the ground, or the lanyard may break because of its contact with the edge of the roof.

To address swing down:

• install guard rails
• place the anchorage point at a right angle to the position of the lanyard at the perimeter edge (e.g. by using a mobile anchorage)
• install a second anchorage point and belay.

A working at height rescue plan must be prepared before starting any work at height. Persons conducting the work must be involved in the development of the rescue plan, so they are aware of potential risks.

A generic rescue plan can be used provided there are no unique circumstances with the task that require the plan to be modified.

The rescue plan shall include:

• Method to be employed for rescue from heights.
• Identification of emergency response resources, competent persons, and equipment (which must be readily available). In situations where complex rescue processes may be required it may be necessary to advise rescue services before and after the work.
• The identification of access and egress points to be used in the event of an emergency evacuation.
• Communications are to be tested and proven to work before starting any work.
• Information for reducing the potential for suspension trauma.

Recovery of persons from heights must only be undertaken by competent persons. Rescue can only be carried out if it is safe and where the rescue will not place the rescuer and other persons at risk of injury.

Scaffolding can be very effective protection in preventing falls. There are specific requirements that apply to some types of scaffolding under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA).

PEER Construction and contractors who manage or control a scaffold must not allow the use of a scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres unless a competent person provides written confirmation that the scaffold has been completed.

PEER Construction and contractors must also ensure the scaffold and its supporting structure:

• is inspected by a competent person before use, after any incident that could affect its stability (such as a severe storm), after any repairs, and at least every 30 days.
• has danger tags and warning signs attached at appropriate locations to prevent unauthorised access on scaffolding that is incomplete and left unattended.
• has a current tag that shows inspection date and loading capabilities.
• includes handrails, mid-rails and toe boards to prevent falls of personnel, plant, material and equipment.
• has a safe means of access and egress.
• is assembled on surfaces with sufficient stability and resistance to withstand the weight of the scaffolding and all other associated loads.

All scaffolding must conform to AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding and the AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding.

The hierarchy of controls must be adopted when implementing falling object control measures. When moving a load, a safe means of raising and lowering plant, material and equipment must be provided.

A safe means of lowering debris must be provided.

Where there is a risk of falling objects during construction, the working platform will have controls to prevent falling objects, for example, kickboards, mesh or hoarding, or the use of lanyards for loose tools and equipment.

Tools or materials must not be carried while climbing or descending a ladder. Tools must be carried in a tool belt or side pouch and equipment is to be passed up by an assistant.

A clear fall zone will be implemented around the area where the work is taking place. If a clear fall zone is not possible additional controls must be implemented considering site conditions. Control/s must be listed in the relevant SWMS for the task.

When the job is complete, make sure that all tools and equipment have been removed from where they can fall onto people, before removing the barricades and signs.

The barricade shall be placed so that the whole area affected by the hazard is appropriately identified, considering:

• distance to and from the hazard
• possible movement of an object inside the barricade if it falls
• access and egress
• sparks or slag generated from hot work activities.

An appropriate sign must be affixed to barricades at all access points, indicating the:

• hazards present within the barricaded area
• name and contact details of the person in charge of the barricaded area.

Fall arrest systems must comply with AS/NZS 1891 series Industrial fall arrest systems and devices, safety belts and harnesses.

A local register must be established to record and schedule inspections of harnesses, lanyard assembly, body belts and any other relevant documentation.

Persons conducting review inspections on harness, lanyard assemblies, fall arrest devices and static lines must be competent in inspection procedures.  Inspections must comply with manufacturer’s requirements.

Always inspect the work area before using any fall arrest system, to make sure the potential fall path is clear. A suitable rescue procedure must be established should a person become suspended by a fall arrest system due to risk of suspension trauma.

Persons using fall arrest equipment must:

• never work alone while using a safety harness
• inspect the work area before starting
• check equipment before use and report any damage or wear
• check labels, inspection tags
• adjust for correct and comfortable fit.

Never use fall arrest equipment that you believe is unsafe or not right for the job. If in doubt, check with your supervisor.

• Locate roof access door.
• Climb onto the roof.
• Walk to the anchor point you wish to connect to.
• Connect the free end of rope to the anchor point via the karabiner.
• Walk to the high side of the anchor point ensuring you are greater than 2 metres away from the edge.
• If the roof slope is greater than 15 degrees, you must always remain connected to an anchor point.
• Detach yourself from the anchor point only when you are in position (i.e. more than 2 metres from the edge).
• To attach to the other anchor points, repeat the above steps.
• Always attach to the anchor point that is directly behind you. Do not pass another anchor without being attached to it. Using an anchor that is not directly behind you will cause a pendulum effect.
• Once all work is complete, return to the roof access and disconnect from anchor point.

• Identify all aboveground, overhead, and underground services during the work planning stage. This includes power lines and other utilities suspended on bridges and other similar structures.
• Consult with the owner of the service about their requirements for preventing injury and damage to property.
• Complete a written risk assessment of all foreseeable risks associated with carrying out the work and develop control measures, e.g. relocate or de-energise the apparatus prior to work, use movement inhibitors and/or machinery that will not enter the 3 metre No Go Zone.
• Verify the position of all services before work begins and make sure all required warning signs and devices are in place.
• The SWMS must be developed in consultation with employees involved in the work, implemented, and followed when the site is released from any SafeWork SA restrictions.
• Issues involving emergency conditions and overhead utilities must be included in your emergency evacuation plan.
• If services have been de-activated, de-energised or disconnected, make sure that the supply authority is advised at the end of the work.
• When services are reinstated, make sure that all warning signs and devices have been removed.

Injuries can occur when doing hazardous manual tasks such as manually lifting plant and equipment, for example extractor fans need to be mounted on a roof. Workers can be injured by overbalancing and falling from the roof or ladder or being struck by falling equipment. Workers can trip and fall if carrying loads that obstruct their view or if there are obstacles left in traffic areas, for example building materials or electrical cords.

When using, installing, or removing mechanical lifting equipment, effective roof-edge protection should be implemented. If parts of the edge protection are removed, alternative protection measures should be provided, and the removed components should be replaced as soon as the equipment is installed.

Workers have responsibility to:

• perform work at heights in a manner which is safe to themselves and others.
• report any matter which may affect the safety of these operations.
• assist in the development of a safe work method statement.