Approval: EO People & Culture

Transcription

1 Clean Green and Safe Management System SP Process Authority: OH&S Manager Safe Work at Height Approval: EO People & Culture Version Date: 22/02/12 Revision: G 1 Purpose The purpose of this procedure is to outline the requirements for working at height and to provide guidance for work where there is potential to fall. 2 Scope This procedure applies to all Snowy Hydro Limited sites, personnel and contractors. In the context of this procedure, this is any area where a person can fall from a height more than 1.8 meters. Working above 1.8 meters without effective controls in place to prevent falling is a breach of the Life saving Rules. 3 Process 3.1 Working at Height Whenever work is to be carried out at height all hazards that any person (including members of the public) could be exposed to must be identified, risk assessed and appropriate control measures implemented. Particular attention is required for those tasks carried out: on any structure or plant being constructed or installed, demolished or dismantled, inspected, maintained, cleaned or repaired. on a fragile surface i.e. brittle roofs on a potentially unstable surface i.e. The top of an excavation using equipment to complete work at an elevated level i.e use of EWP S, Workboxes, scaffolds etc near any unprotected edge near any hole, penetration or shaft Each of these tasks needs to be examined to ensure the appropriate measures are in place to eliminate or minimise the requirement to work at height. Any worker that is required to use fall arrest equipment including Harnesses, Static Lines, inertia reels etc shall complete Safe Working at Height training (Nationally recognised course code RIIOHS204A) prior to undertaking any work involving the use of this equipment. Communications workers have additional Safe Work at Height requirements that are outlined in section 4 of this procedure. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 1 of 12

2 3.2 Working at Height Hierarchy of Controls Where there is a potential for a worker to fall from height the supervisor and work team must ensure the highest control possible is implemented for the task. The primary duty is to eliminate the risk. If this is not reasonably practicable it must be reduced to the minimum level possible using the hierarchy of control measures ranging from most effective to least effective. Level 1 Controls: Undertake work from the ground or solid construction The most effective way to ensure the safety of workers is to eliminate the need for work to be conducted at height. Consideration of work at height early in the design stage can often reduce the need to work at height. Where it is not possible to eliminate height completely, fall prevention systems should be incorporated in the design phase. This improves safety during the construction phase and the subsequent maintenance tasks. Examples of elimination include: Pre fabrication of materials and equipment at ground level. The installation of permanent edge protection systems to protect workers from falling. Level 2 Controls: Undertake the work using a passive fall prevention device Examples of passive fall prevention devices include: Temporary Guard railing Roof safety mesh Fall protection covers Temporary platforms i.e. Scaffolds, EWP s, workboxes Level 3 Controls: Undertake the work using a work positioning system Examples of work positioning systems are: Travel Restraint systems Industrial rope access systems Level 4 Controls: Undertake work using a fall injury minimisation system; Examples of fall injury minimisation systems are: Catch platforms Fall arrest systems Level 5 Controls: Undertake work from a ladder Ladders shall only be used where the use of alternate work platforms is not reasonably practicable. Ladders shall only be used for light weight tasks of short duration. It must be clearly stated why higher order controls cannot be used in the WMS for the task. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 2 of 12

3 3.3 Fall Protection Covers All workers have a responsibility to ensure any penetrations in the work area are covered to prevent workers falling through. The person responsible for the works to ensure materials is available for penetration to be securely covered over. Penetrations can be covered over with mesh or timber as long as they can withstand the impact of a person falling on it (minimum 15 KN) and are securely fastened so they do not move. The installation of the following sign is also recommended. 3.4 Scaffolding Scaffolds shall be designed, erected, altered and dismantled in accordance with the following Australian and Industry Standards: AS/NZS :2010 Scaffolding Part 1: General Requirements AS/NZS 4576:1995 Guidelines for Scaffolding Erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolding Part 1: Prefabricated steel modular scaffolding 2010 (NSW) (TRIM record L00967) Erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolding Part 2: Aluminium tower-frame scaffolding 2011 (NSW) (TRIM record L00968) Compliance Code: Prevention of falls in General Construction 2008 (VIC) (TRIM record L00966) Workers involved in the erection and dismantling of scaffold shall hold the appropriate National Certificate of competence for Scaffolding (SB Scaffolding Basic, SI - Scaffolding Intermediate, SA - Scaffolding Advanced). Workers, who are assisting in the erection or dismantling of scaffolding i.e. handling materials only, are not required to be trained scaffolders. A scafftag system shall be utilised to indicate the scaffold is ready for use and shall be installed at each access to the scaffold. Scaffolds used for work or access must be fully completed before use. Where scaffolds are incomplete the scafftag shall be removed, a hard barricade installed and the below signage installed to prevent unauthorised workers into the entering the work area. The scaffolding supervisor shall ensure a scaffolding handover certificate is issued to the person responsible for the works for any scaffold over 4 metres high to verify the scaffolding is ready for use and constructed in accordance with AS/NZS 4576:1995 Guidelines for scaffolding. A Snowy Hydro scaffolding handover certificate template has been developed and is available on the intranet in the OHS forms section for SHL scaffolders. Scaffolds shall be inspected by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 30 days. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 3 of 12

4 3.5 Mobile Elevated Work Platforms including Scissor Lifts. When using EWP s on structures the following conditions shall be met: All workers in the EWP shall wear an appropriate harness and be attached to the anchor point whilst in the EWP. All EWP s shall be fitted with a manual lowering device In the event of an emergency or breakdown, workers shall use the manual lowering device or request another EWP. Use of a rope descent device is restricted to those that have been trained in this rescue procedure and this shall only be utilised when there is no other means of retrieval. All operators of EWP s over 11m in reach shall have a national certificate of competence (Elevated Work Platform - WP) A comprehensive pre-start inspection shall be completed and documented using the checklist located within the EWP In relation to scissor lifts The manufacturer s operation manual must be followed. Scissor lifts do not require a national certificate of competence (Elevated Work Platform - WP), however all operators must have their competence verified by a competent person prior to use. A comprehensive pre-start inspection shall be completed Note: Special provisions exist for the operation of EWP s near live power lines and electrical apparatus. SAP 26 should be consulted to determine these requirements when planning this work. 3.6 Work Boxes Work Boxes are designed to be suspended from a crane and provide a safe working platform for workers working at Height. A crane fitted with a Man Box shall: Have a hook or accessory that is fitted with a safety latch (also known as a moused hook) Be fitted with controls that return to the neutral position when released and this causes the motion to stop Be equipped with power lowering Be equipped with positive free fall lock out control so inadvertent disengagement of the lock out is not possible Be fitted with an up-limit switch on the hoist motion Be fitted with a down limit switch, if the workbox is to be lowered below the crane supporting surface Be such that at the maximum radius of the task to be performed, the crane has a minimum rated capacity of 1000kg Be such that when the jib or boom of the crane is at its maximum radius for the task to be performed, the rated capacity for the crane in this condition is at least twice the load workbox and its contents. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 4 of 12

5 A workbox must: Be designed and certified and compliant with AS Design and Construction of work boxes Be fitted with at least one safety harness anchor point that is at a rated at a minimum of : 15kN for a one person attachment 21kN for a two person attachment Have inward opening, self closing and self locking access gates that are at least 500mm in width. When personnel are suspended from a crane, the following operating requirements apply: The rated capacity of the work box shall not be exceeded Work box load restrictions (including persons, equipment and material) are to be assessed prior to use. No more than two attachments per anchor point The Work Box as a minimum must have a rigger or dogman with appropriate communication to the crane operator within the work box The workbox and lifting attachments and records shall be inspected by a competent person prior to use. Personnel and materials shall be securely confined within the workbox The work box shall only be used to carry personnel and materials necessary to carry out the work The crane shall not be used to simultaneously raise, lower or suspend any other load The crane operator shall remain at the controls of the crane All movements of the crane shall be carried out under power and freefall lock out shall be applied Effective means of communication between any person in the workbox and the operator shall be established Mobile cranes shall not travel while people are in the work box. Movements of the workbox shall be at slow speeds with minimum acceleration and deceleration The work box shall not be secured to any structure except the designated landings. Note: Workboxes should not be used in winds in excess of 7m/s (25km/h), electrical storms, ice, snow or other adverse weather conditions which could affect the safety of personnel. Flammable liquids, oxygen and acetylene cylinders, and the like, shall be correctly secured and housed in a separate compartment from the personnel and only minimum quantities to carry out the work shall be carried. Personnel in the work box shall wear a fall arrest harness with the lanyard attached to the safety harness points Personnel shall not enter or leave the work box when elevated except in an emergency unless each of the following conditions are met: A risk analysis demonstrates this means of access is safer than all other means The structural access of the landing is established and the landing area is clear. Where the landing is at the edge of a structure, the maximum gap between the work box and the landing shall not exceed 100mm, the workbox shall be secured to a suitable point on the landing and access and egress shall not take place unless a harness is fitted to the individual and attached to a suitable anchorage point on the structure. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 5 of 12

6 3.7 Personal Fall Protection Equipment Personal fall arrest equipment shall consist of a full body harness connected to a suitable fixed anchor or static line by a lanyard or inertia reel. Employees using personal fall arrest equipment must be trained and deemed competent Equipment inspections are to be conducted by the worker prior to use and at six monthly intervals by a competent person; and Six monthly inspections shall be documented and recorded on a register which will be recorded onto the trim database under the search heading Work at Heights equipment register so it can be located easily when required. All fall arrest equipment shall comply with the relevant Australian Standards: AS/NZS :2007 Industrial fall arrest equipment - Harnesses and Ancillary equipment AS/NZS :2001 Industrial fall arrest equipment Horizontal life lines and rail systems AS/NZS :1997 Industrial fall arrest equipment Fall arrest devices AS/NZS :2009 Industrial fall arrest equipment Selection, use and maintenance 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 two 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. Lanyards must not be used in conjunction with inertia reels as this can result in an excessive amount of free fall prior to the fall being arrested. It is important fall protection equipment is cleaned regularly and stored in a clean dry location away from direct sunlight, chemical or corrosive fumes. Care should be taken not to store equipment on the ground. Fall arrest equipment shall only be used with approval of the supervisor of the work and a work method statement for the task must be developed prior to work commencing. 3.8 Full Body Harnesses A full body harness and a lanyard assembly are required where a fall hazard of two metres or more exists. When forming part of a fall arrest system users of this equipment must ensure the lanyard or inertia reel is connected to the harness in a way which ensures the maximum amount of freefall does not exceed two metres. 3.9 Lanyards Lanyards should preferably be from the same manufacturer as the harness to ensure compatibility between components. Lanyard hooks must not be connected directly to the static line. A karabiner should be used. The lanyard, when passed around an anchor point must not be hooked back onto it self. A karabiner must be used. Where a lanyard assembly is in use the energy absorber shall be attached to the harness. The harnesses and lanyard must be rated to support the weight of a person during a fall. Harnesses must support a minimum body weight of 120kg. The harness and lanyard weight specifications must be checked against the individual intending to use the items prior to working at height. If they exceed the weight rating of the equipment they shall not use it. Workers must attach one end of the lanyard (energy absorber) or the line of the inertia reel to the top D ring at the back of the harness and the other to a secure anchorage point. If the harness has a front - chest D ring or a front waist D ring these can also be used to attach the lanyard (energy absorber) or inertia reel. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 6 of 12

7 Where an anchor point is being used as part of a fall arrest system the anchor point must not be below the level of the work to be carried out in order to limit possible free fall to 1.8 metres wearing a full harness. Lanyards must not be connected together to increase their length. All workers shall be connected 100% of the time when working at height. If required a second or twin lanyard shall be utilised to ensure 100% attachment Inertia Reels An inertia reel can be attached to a suitable anchor or to a static line using a karabiner or a shackle. An inertia reel should only be used within a maximum of 30 degree variation from the vertical. When using an inertia reel a safe working zone shall be calculated to eliminate a potential fall Static Lines Static lines are horizontal, near horizontal or vertical lines (for a ladder fall-arrest device) to which a lanyard may be attached and is designed to arrest a free fall. Each end of the line is connected to a fixed anchorage point. The line may be made of metal tubes, metal rods, steel wire rope, synthetic webbing or synthetic rope. Such systems shall be designed and installed by a competent person. The cable and clamps shall be visually checked prior to each use. Generally static lines are only suitable to support one to two workers. Controls must be in place to ensure the static line is not over loaded. Static lines are generally inspected by a competent person at twelve monthly intervals unless otherwise stipulated by the manufacturer. These twelve monthly inspections shall be recorded on a register which will be recorded onto the trim database under the search heading Work at Heights equipment register so it can be located easily when required Anchorage Points All anchorages must be visually checked prior to use. Anchorage points must be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufactures instructions and checked by a competent person, at no less than twelve monthly intervals. Where the load bearing capacity of anchor points is impaired, the anchor point shall be taken out of service to prevent its use. The anchorage shall be tagged out of service until it is repaired by a competent person who can confirm the anchorage point is back in service and safe to use. The following colour coding schedule should be adopted for anchorage points: Yellow rated for personnel safety (15 to 22kN) Red NOT rated for personnel safety. To be used as lifting points only up to their specified limit. Blue Diversion anchors. These are installed to change the angle at which the load is applied to the anchor. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 7 of 12

8 3.13 Ladders Generally ladders should only be used for access and egress to a work area. When ascending and descending ladders it is important to maintain three points of contact with the ladder. Ladders shall be visually inspected prior to use and at a minimum of Six monthly intervals by a competent person. These six monthly inspections shall be recorded on both the ladder inspection tag, which all ladders must have, and on a register which will be recorded onto the trim database under the search heading Ladder register so it can be located easily when required. Step platform ladders provide a safer alternative than the stepladder, as it is extremely stable and has a much larger work surface. Step platform ladders should be used particularly where work is going to take an extended period of time to complete. The following criteria must be met prior to any worker undertaking a task from a ladder: The correct ladder for the task must be selected and inspected prior to use i.e. insulated ladders where there is any electrical hazards identified The ladder must extend at least 1m past the point of egress and the top two rungs shall not be used as per the instructions on the top rung of the ladder. All ladders must be rated for industrial purposes and comply with AS/NZS 1892 Portable Ladders Ladders are only suitable for use on surfaces that are solid and stable, and set up to prevent the ladder slipping i.e. set up single and extension ladders at a slope of 4:1 and secure the ladder by tying it off at both the bottom and the top and setting step and step platform ladders up in the fully opened position ensuring the bracing is locked into position. Ladders should not be used in the following circumstances: Where there is the potential for contact with electrical conductors Use of metal or metal reinforced ladders for electrical work At the edge of an open penetration, excavation or on the edge of a scaffold to gain extra height Overreach (as a general rule the workers belt buckle should be within the stiles of the ladder) Use any tools (power or hand) that are designed to be used with two hands or require a high degree of leverage type force Use of welders or oxy-cutters Where more than one worker is required on the ladder SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 8 of 12

9 4 Communications Structures, Towers and Equipment Mechanical means (work box, EWP) of access shall be used to access structures, towers and equipment where ever possible in accordance with the hierarchy of controls. Work on communications structures and equipment has some specific additional elements to consider when working at height. 4.1 Climbing of Communications Structures Climbing of communications structures is prohibited in the following circumstances: The employee is unfit due to a medical condition (taking prescribed medication that may impair the workers ability to climb or rescue or has failed their periodic medical assessment). In excessively windy conditions During electrical storms Where the structure is covered with ice During wet weather (EWP must be used in emergency situations) At night when there is inadequate lighting Where application for access has not been completed or there is a potential to impact other communication services without notification. i.e. Police, DECCW 4.2 Medical Examinations All workers who are required to climb communication structures or perform a rescue must undergo a medical assessment every two years. 4.3 Tower Rescue In addition to Safe Working at Height training (Nationally recognised course code RIIOHS204A) all workers who work on communications structures must complete the following units on tower rescue: PAUSAR004A Undertake Vertical Rescue PAUSAR001A Participate in a rescue operation PAUOHS001B Follow defined OHS policies and procedures Tower Rescue training must be refreshed at a maximum of two yearly intervals. A fully maintained tower rescue kit shall be located with the work team at all times. If any of the workers climbing are not trained in tower rescue procedures a trained person shall be stationed with the rescue kit at the base of tower. 4.4 Rope Access Users of rope access systems must be trained in industrial rope access techniques. Rope access training shall be completed at a minimum of two yearly intervals and must be supplied by an Industrial Rope Access training company that has been accredited by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) or the Australian Rope Access Association (ARAA). 5 Protection from Falling Objects Where the potential exists for tools and equipment to fall from the work area, the following methods must be considered to prevent falling objects: The use of tool straps attached to the wrist of workers when using hand tools Area below workers shall be sign posted and barricaded and controlled by a spotter if required The use of buckets and containers for materials such as nuts and bolts etc Flooring which does not permit tools or equipment to fall through openings SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 9 of 12

10 6 Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment All Fall Arrest/Fall Restraint equipment must be recorded on a work at heights equipment register. This includes Harnesses, lanyards, Inertia reels, rescue equipment etc. All equipment shall be thoroughly inspected prior to each use and again after the task has finished for serviceability and must not be contaminated with paint, chemicals or marker pens. Equipment should be stored where it will not be damaged, preferably above floor level. The person responsible for the works shall ensure all equipment is inspected in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1891 series) the table below provides guidance on equipment inspection frequencies for Fall Arrest/Fall Restraint equipment. Inspected items should be tagged so the user can easily verify that the item has been inspected and assessed as suitable for use. Items Personal equipment including harnesses, lanyards, connectors, fall arrest devices including common use equipment Harnesses, lanyards, associated personnel equipment Fall-arrest devices (external inspection only) Ropes and Slings Anchorages- drilled in type or attached to timber frames Anchorages- other types Fall arrest devices Full service Horizontal or vertical life lines Steel rope or rail Horizontal or vertical life lines Fibre rope or webbing All items of personal and common use equipment All items which have been stressed as a result of a fall Inspection Frequency Inspection by operator before and after each use Six monthly inspection by a competent person Six monthly inspection by a competent person Six monthly inspection by a competent person Twelve monthly inspection by a competent person Up to five yearly if recommended by the manufacturer by a competent person Up to five yearly if recommended by the manufacturer Twelve monthly inspection in the absence of such a recommendation Six monthly inspection by a competent person Inspection by competent person on entry or re-entry to service Inspection by competent person before further use Notes: 1. Manufacturer s or supplier s recommendations where provided, take precedence over the frequencies listed. Where used in harsh conditions more frequent inspections may be required. 2. If the user or operator of the equipment is not competent to carry out the inspection it is to be undertaken by another person who is competent. SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 10 of 12

11 7 Working at Height Rescue Where Work at Height is to be conducted, a rescue plan must be completed and communicated to the relevant workplace personnel. Work at height rescue exercises should be conducted regularly to ensure readiness and a register of rescue equipment maintained. In the event of an emergency at heights, the following steps shall be taken: Identify the location of the person requiring rescue and potential access/egress points Ascertain if any person/s are injured, if yes request an ambulance Contact the internal emergency response team or Emergency Services Initiate rescue if possible and if trained Liaise with ERT or emergency services and provide support as required It is imperative that the rescue of a worker who is suspended in a full body harness should occur promptly. Suspension trauma is a condition whereby a person suspended in a harness in an upright position may experience blood pooling in the legs. Depending on the susceptibility of the individual, this may lead to a loss of consciousness, renal failure and eventually death. In an emergency a suspension trauma safety strap allows the worker to stand up in their harness to relieve the pressure being applied to the arteries and veins around the top of the legs. Suspension Trauma Safety Straps and Height Rescue Kits must be available to all personnel, but are particularly important where work at height is being conducted in remote regions where rescue services could take extended time travelling to the location. 8 Accountabilities Managers, supervisors and team leaders Suitably trained and competent personnel are deployed to undertake work at Height including tower rescue training where required A sound work method statement including emergency procedures has been implemented Rescue equipment is available and fit for use Equipment is registered and a regular inspection regime implemented Compliance with this procedure Safe Work at Height training is provided to all workers who have a requirement to work at height SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 11 of 12

12 SHL Personnel and Contractors They undertake their work in accordance with the WMS for the task Compliance with this procedure Inspection of equipment is conducted prior to use Faulty equipment is tagged out and removed from service SP24-52 Rev G THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY Page 12 of 12