Safe Working at Height Major Hazard Standard

Transcription

1 WMC Environment, Health & Safety Management System Safe Working at Height Major Hazard Standard MHS-08 Site Standard Owner : Maintenance Manager - KNSC DocsOpen Ref: 57087, 14/04/2005 Uncontrolled copy check web for latest revision Revision Reviewed Description of Changes Date Approved 3 D Batchler Major Review and Rewrite 15/04/2005 M Webb 2 A Barfield Revised 16/10/2001 P Plavina 1 First Issue 19/06/2000 K Thomas WMC Resources Ltd WMC has developed this document for internal use, specific to circumstances and conditions within its operations. It is intended to provide general information and its applicability to external parties may therefore be limited. WMC makes no representations as to the applicability of the information for use by any party other than WMC and should not be relied upon as such. WMC provides no representation or warranty as to safety or business outcomes arising from application of this document and its requirements by third parties.

2 CONTENTS 1 PURPOSE SCOPE INTRODUCTION DEFINITIONS RESPONSIBILITIES Registered Manager Department Managers Superintendent Supervisor / Team Leader Planner / Scheduler Emergency Response Coordinator Employees TRAINING AND COMPETENCY Requirements RISK ASSESSMENT FALL PROTECTION PPE FALL INJURY PREVENTION SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT WORK PLATFORMS, SCAFFOLD AND ACCESS EQUIPMENT ROOFS, CEILING SPACES AND OPEN HOLES DESIGN DROPPED OBJECTS APPENDICES...10 Hierarchy of Controls...11 Training and Competency...12 Fall Injury Prevention Systems...14 Personal Protective Equipment...17 Mobile Work Platforms...20 Scaffold...22 Fixed Platforms and Walkways...25 Access Equipment...26 Barricades...29 Workbox...30 Roofs...32 Ceiling Spaces...33 Material Falling From Height...34 Open Holes...35 General Requirements For Rope Systems...36 Approval To Work At Height...38 DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 2 of 39

3 1 PURPOSE The purpose of this standard is to eliminate potential harm to all employees, contractors and visitors on all WMC sites resulting from persons falling from one level to another or being affected by falling objects. 2 SCOPE This standard applies to: All WMC operating sites and offices. All employees, contractors and visitors. This standard sets out minimum requirements. Where a local regulatory or industry standard gives more stringent requirements, then that standard shall be used. 3 INTRODUCTION This standard requires that a system of work for prevention of falls from height is established and maintained. This can be achieved through: where practicable, the elimination of the need to work where there is the risk of a fall. conducting Risk Assessments before the commencement of work and at any time the scope of work changes or the risk of a fall increases. selection of appropriate control measures using the hierarchy of controls. ensuring all equipment used is fit-for-purpose. ensuring all persons responsible for, or performing work, where there is a risk of falling, are competent in the correct use of the site management systems for the prevention of falls. development of procedures for the design, construction, use and disposal of all equipment that supports or lifts a person at height. the use of fall arrest equipment as the last option for a control measure (after all other control measures have been explored and deemed to be inappropriate) where it is not practicable to eliminate the risk of a fall. 4 DEFINITIONS Work at Height Work at Height is defined as whenever people are at risk of falling from, into or through one level to another. Fall Injury Prevention Systems (FIPS) A system designed to arrest or prevent a persons fall from one level to another whilst minimising the risk of injuries or harm during the fall. FIPS include fall restraint systems, fall arrest systems, catch platforms, scaffolding, safety nets and safety mesh. Total Restraint DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 3 of 39

4 A situation where a fall is not possible achieved through control of a persons movement by means of a combination of a belt or harness, a line and a line anchorage which will physically prevent the person from reaching a position at which there is a risk of a free or limited free fall. Restrained Fall A fall or the arrest of a fall where the person falling is partially restrained by a device such as a pole strap, or is sliding down a slope on which it is normally possible to walk without the assistance of a handrail or handline. Limited free fall A fall or the arrest of a fall where the fall distance before the fall arrest system begins to take any loading, does not exceed 600mm either vertically or on a slope on which it is not possible to walk without the assistance of a handrail or handline. Free Fall A fall or the arrest of a fall where the distance before the fall arrest system begins to take any loading, is in excess of 600mm either vertically or on a slope on which it is not possible to walk without assistance of a handrail or handline. Anchorage Point A secure point of attachment on a structure to which an approved safety harness or fall restraint / fall arrest device, or lanyard, or lanyard assembly or static line may be secured. Approved Safety Harness A full body harness of the parachute style with as a minimum a fall arrest attachment point at the top dorsal position, which was manufactured and complies with AS1891. Lanyard A lanyard is used to connect an approved safety harness to an anchorage point or static line in situations where there is a risk of a fall or when used in restraint mode to prevent a fall. Lanyards can be either adjustable or fixed length and incorporate the use of a shock absorber. Static Line (Permanent or Temporary) A horizontal safety line or rail system to which a lanyard may be attached and which is designed to arrest a free fall. (as per AS ) Approval to work at height A document authorising a person to perform a task where it has been deemed necessary to work in a fall arrest harness and lanyard in a situation where there is a potential for free fall. The Authority is completed by the individual doing the work, reviewed by the Emergency Response Coordinator and is authorised by the relevant Superintendent. 5 RESPONSIBILITIES 5.1 Registered Manager The Registered Manager is accountable for: DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 4 of 39

5 providing a safe system of work where persons are not exposed to the hazards of falling from any height or from being affected by falling objects by ensuring that where practicable, the requirement to work where there is the risk of a fall or a falling object is eliminated. ensuring emergency response persons are trained and competent to perform emergency rescue from height. 5.2 Department Managers Department Managers or equivalent are responsible for: ensuring that (where the requirement to work where there is a risk of a fall cannot be eliminated), the work shall not be undertaken without there being adequate fall prevention or fall protection measures in place. ensuring compliance with this standard to control the purchase and/or hire of plant, equipment and PPE used for fall prevention or fall protection. ensuring compliance with all applicable current statutory requirements. 5.3 Superintendent Superintendents or equivalent are responsible for: ensuring that information, instruction, training and supervision of all personnel is provided to enable them to perform their work in such a manner that they are not exposed to the hazards of falling from height or falling objects. ensuring risk assessments are conducted by competent personnel before the commencement of work and appropriate control measures are selected when there is a requirement to work at height. ensuring that there is a system to regularly inspect and maintain in proper working condition all plant, equipment & PPE used for fall prevention or fall protection (as per AS1891) ensuring that fall arrest harnesses are inspected, preferably by the manufacturer, after any fall before being placed back in service (unless the fall was a free fall in which case the harness shall be destroyed after consultation with the manufacturer. Note: only after the incident investigation has been completed). ensuring that as far as practicable, persons are never exposed to free fall conditions. Authorising an Approval to Work at Height before the commencement of work where it has been deemed necessary to work in a fall arrest harness and lanyard in a situation where there is a potential for free fall. auditing the work at height systems on a regular basis. 5.4 Supervisor / Team Leader Supervisors / Team Leaders are responsible for: establishing where practicable, systems of work which eliminate the requirement to work at height. Ensuring all personnel know and follow established procedures for work at height Ensuring THA s are developed and approved prior to the commencement of work and checking that required controls are in place when work is being undertaken. ensuring risk assessments are re-validated at any time the scope of work changes or the risk of a fall or falling object increases. ensuring only trained, competent personnel deploy fall restraint or fall protection controls where these have been identified as the appropriate control measures. ensuring an Approval to Work at Height is completed and approved by the relevant superintendent prior to work commencing. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 5 of 39

6 ensuring that fall protection equipment is: tested and certified for use inspected by the user before use re-tested & certified for use following a fall or where inspection has shown evidence of excessive wear or mechanical malfunction and that testing & inspection are only be carried out by competent persons. 5.5 Planner / Scheduler Planners or Schedulers are responsible for: ensuring that the requirements of this standard are included during the planning of the task (including maintenance shutdown s) by considering the hierarchy of control for the work being planned and making provision for appropriate controls to be available. (eg. Elevated Work Platform, Scaffolding) 5.6 Emergency Response Coordinator Emergency Response Coordinators or equivalent are responsible for: ensuring emergency services personnel are trained in rescue from height techniques specific to their site. ensuring appropriate rescue equipment is available for performing a rescue at height co-authorising the Authority to work at height, including the task specific rescue plan 5.7 Employees All employees are responsible for ensuring they: Participate in the development of the Task Hazard Analysis (THA) and comply fully with its requirements prepare / review the Approval to Work at Height (as required) review the rescue plan (as required) inspect all equipment intended to be used as a component of a Fall Injury Prevention System prior to use. do not commence work unless all control measures identified in the Approval to Work at Height and THA are in place re-sign the THA if the scope of work or conditions change or the task ceases for any reason for an extended period of time and recommences. 6 TRAINING AND COMPETENCY 6.1 Requirements All persons responsible for work carried out where there is a risk of falling shall be competent in the correct use of the systems for the prevention of falls. Persons who are exposed to the risk of falling shall: be able to participate in the risk assessment of the work know and understand the control measures for fall prevention be competent in the correct use of those control measures. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 6 of 39

7 have a current license, ticket or certificate of competency for the equipment being used as a control measure Refer to Appendix B for the detailed requirements. 7 RISK ASSESSMENT All persons required to perform work at height must understand and actively participate in the WMC risk management processes. Controls shall be implemented as per the hierarchy of controls listed in appendix A 8 FALL PROTECTION PPE Personal protective equipment must only be considered as a last resort and only if all other control measures are impracticable, unavailable or will introduce further hazards to the work. The use of fall prevention PPE must be as indicated in Appendix D of this Standard. Free fall fall arrest situations can only be considered if all other control measures have been considered first and prove to be impractical, and only if there is a minimum of 6m clearance below the anchor point (or a minimum of 7m clearance in the case of securing to a static line). Where these minimum clearances cannot be achieved, alternative fall prevention or fall protection controls shall be implemented There shall be a system to ensure that any fall-arrest system used comprises of items that are compatible with one another In all cases of a free fall situation being determined as the only available control measure, the Superintendent in charge of the work area is to be contacted prior to work commencing to gain his/her express permission via the issue of a work at height authority to allow the work to commence using free fall arrest systems (excluding working from an elevating work platform). Appendix P contains details on approvals to work at height Persons shall not use fall protection PPE unless they have been trained and deemed competent to do so. refer to appendix B An Emergency Rescue plan shall be developed PRIOR to any work being conducted at height when using a free fall, fall-arrest system. Emergency Services personnel shall be contacted PRIOR to each situation requiring work at height using free fall, fall-arrest systems to ensure that they are aware that there is a risk of a fall and to assist with the development of the rescue plan. The rescue plan must have emergency recovery procedures that mitigate the hazards associated with harness hang syndrome sometimes known as suspension trauma. Emergency Services personnel shall plan, establish and rehearse emergency height rescue procedures. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 7 of 39

8 9 FALL INJURY PREVENTION SYSTEMS See Appendix 3 Regulation Each site shall have suitable Fall Injury Prevention Systems designed to arrest a person s fall from one level to another whilst minimising the risk of injuries or harm during the fall. Specific requirements for Fall Injury Prevention Systems are given in Appendix C. 10 EQUIPMENT There shall be a system to ensure that all equipment that lifts or supports a person working at height is recorded on a register that contains the following details: Identification Number Maintenance History Inspection Results Modification made since purchase / commissioning Purchase and disposal dates Corrective actions 11 WORK PLATFORMS, SCAFFOLD AND ACCESS EQUIPMENT Work platforms position persons and equipment so that those persons can work safely. Platforms may be either permanent or temporary. Appendix G provides details and specific requirements for work platforms. Appendix F provides details and specific requirements for scaffold Access equipment is used to access work platforms and may be either temporary or permanent. Access equipment should not be used as work platforms. Appendix H provides details and specific requirements on Access equipment. Work Boxes are specifically designed to enable persons to be transported and perform work whilst suspended at height from a crane. Appendix J provides guidance and detailed requirements for work boxes Elevated Work Platforms shall be designed, operated and maintained as per the requirements of appendix E 12 ROOFS, CEILING SPACES AND OPEN HOLES Working on roofs, in ceilings and around open holes present risk to the safety or persons performing such work. Appendix K, L and N provide guidance and detailed requirements on these activities respectively. 13 DESIGN New facilities shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of WMC Group Projects Standard Engineering Specification for Fabrication and Erection of Steelwork (SES105). DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 8 of 39

9 14 DROPPED OBJECTS Control measures shall be in place to prevent objects from falling and causing injury or damage. Such controls include, but are not limited to: Containment sheeting toeboards tool lanyards lift boxes loads secured to cranes and hoists catch platforms gantries The use of dedicated barricades shall be in accordance with the requirements of Appendix I. Further guidance on preventing materials falling from height is provided in appendix M DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 9 of 39

10 15 APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L Appendix M Appendix N Appendix O Appendix P Hierarchy of Controls Training and Competency Fall Injury Prevention Systems Personal Protective Equipment Elevated Work Platforms Scaffold Fixed Platforms / Walkways Access Equipment Barricades Work Box Roofs Ceiling Spaces Material Falling from Height Open Holes General Requirements for Rope Systems Approval to Work at Height DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 10 of 39

11 APPENDIX A Hierarchy of Controls WORKING AT HEIGHTS Users of fall prevention equipment need to be aware how these systems are placed within the hierarchy of control for fall prevention, so that an assessment can be made as to whether the highest practicable level of protection is being applied in a particular case. The following explains this hierarchy of control. Elimination - Eliminate the need to access the fall-risk area, e.g. by locating or relocating items requiring inspection, maintenance or other attention, elsewhere. Substitution - Provide alternative means of access to the point or item to which access must be made which avoids the risk of a fall e.g. walkways. Engineering/Isolation - Barricade or enclose the fall-risk so that it cannot be reached hard bunting, handrail scaffolding. Administrative controls are required for all steps; Take Time Take Charge, THA, SWP, Approval to Work at Height, training etc. Fall Prevention PPE - Must only be considered as a last resort and only if all other control measures are impracticable, unavailable or will introduce further hazards to the work. Provide PPE which either prevents a fall or reduces risk or severity of a fall (the hierarchy of fall prevention options are described below). FALL PREVENTION When identifying personal fall prevention equipment as a control it shall be considered using the hierarchy below. 1) Fall Restraint Equip operators with personal restraint equipment designed to allow access to work areas without encountering risk of a fall. 2) Work Positioning Enclose or encapsulate operators in work positioning devices such as EWP, workboxes or support them by means of industrial rope access 3) Limited Free Fall Equip operators with personal fall-arrest equipment which will not prevent a fall but will limit the distance and severity of the fall; inertia reels, retracting lanyards fall distance is < 600mm 4) Free Fall LAST RESORT Equip operators with personal fall arrest equipment which will not prevent a fall but minimise the risk of injury in the event of a fall maximum 2 metre free fall. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 11 of 39

12 APPENDIX B Training and Competency No persons shall use any Fall Injury Prevention System unless they have completed appropriate training and been assessed as competent to do so. Training in the use of personal protective equipment for working at heights within WMC shall be delivered in three components AWARENESS All personnel will receive Work at Heights awareness training. This training shall cover the safe access and egress of established ladders, scaffold or other such installed work platform that does not require the use of any personal protective equipment to eliminate the chance of a fall. SAFE WORK AT HEIGHTS - THEORY This training is the approved Safe Work at Heights package developed by the WMC approved provider. All personnel who may have a need to use any fall injury prevention system shall complete this training. All supervisors who supervise personnel using any fall injury prevention system shall also complete the theory component of this training. SAFE WORK AT HEIGHTS - PRACTICAL All personnel who may have a need to use any fall injury prevention system shall successfully complete a practical assessment to demonstrate competence in the safe use of the equipment. Participants must have successfully completed the theory component of the program prior to attending the practical component. ASSESSMENT Competence shall be assessed and confirmed by a person qualified and authorised for the purpose as detailed below. When assessing competence consideration should be given to an individual s psychological and physical capacity to perform work at heights. All personnel must be re-assessed at a maximum of 2- yearly intervals. TRAINER QUALIFICATIONS The above training must be provided by a qualified workplace trainer and assessor who is competent in the use of fall injury prevention systems and authorised by the WMC approved Safe Work at Heights training provider. Alternatively the training may be delivered by the WMC approved Safe Work at Heights training provider. OTHER TRAINING RELATED TO SAFE WORK AT HEIGHTS Mobile Work Platforms No person shall operate any mobile work platform such as an EWP or Scissorlift, without having undertaken the appropriate training and been assessed as competent to use. Personnel operating EWP s must be in possession of a certificate of competency as described in the national certification standards. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 12 of 39

13 WP Boom type elevating work platform In the event a basket is fitted to an Integrated Tool carrier (IT) for use as a work platform, the training and assessment for the operator of the IT shall include the correct fitting and operation of the basket. Scaffolding Scaffolders must be in possession of a certificate of competency of the appropriate class for the scaffold work they are to perform as described in the national certification standards. These classes are listed below. SB SI SA Basic scaffolding Intermediate scaffolding Advanced scaffolding Rigging Personnel performing dogging and rigging duties shall be in possession of a certificate of competency of the appropriate class for the work they undertake as described in the national certification standards. These classes are listed below: DG RB RI RA Dogging Basic rigging Intermediate rigging Advanced Rigging DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 13 of 39

14 APPENDIX C Fall Injury Prevention Systems ANCHOR POINTS Anchor points are used to attach Fall Arrest harness worn by a person via a connecting lanyard. Anchor points used in Fall injury prevention systems shall meet the following specifications (minimum): Total restraint - capable of withstanding a minimum of 6kN. Restrained fall - capable of withstanding a minimum of 6kN Limited free fall - capable of withstanding a minimum of 12kN Free Fall - capable of withstanding a minimum of 15kN, or Capable of withstanding a minimum of 21kN if two people are attached to the same anchor point. Anchors for limited or total free fall shall be located above head height of the person and located in a central location (within 30 degrees from vertical) that prevents a pendulum swing. Anchor points shall also have the required clearance below the worker for the type of system being employed. (Eg length of lanyard, + tear out distance, height of user + safety margin.) Fall arrest anchor points that will be in place for a period of longer than one month shall be signposted in accordance with the requirements of AS section Ladder rungs shall not be used as anchor points. Handrail components shall not be used as anchor points. Note: When considering the strength requirements for static lines, the anchor attachments to the structure shall also be considered. The maintenance of anchor points shall be: Pre-use inspection by the user. For permanent anchors in any surface plant in general areas a 12 monthly integrity check via proof testing. For permanent anchors in either the underground or an aggressive surface environment a 3 monthly integrity check via proof testing. STATIC LINES Static lines are used where a range of movement is required in one longitudinal direction. A typical example being whilst repairing or painting a roof where free movement along the roof is required but persons need to be prevented from falling off the edge of the roof. Static lines can be used as anchor points for either fall restraint or fall arrest equipment. They shall be either: Permanent 12mm diameter steel (generally stainless steel) cable attached to permanent anchors or; Temporary systems that use 20mm diameter flexible rope that is suitable for such use. Ordinary rope shall not be used. Anchor points for static lines shall be: Designed, approved and checked after installation by a structural engineer DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 14 of 39

15 Designed in accordance with line anchor requirements of AS Horizontal life lines and rail systems. A number of commercial temporary static line systems are available which include attachment and tensioning devices. Only those systems that comply with AS1891 shall be used. Maintenance of static lines will depend on its frequency of use and where it is used. However: For permanent static lines the minimum maintenance shall incorporate integrity checking of the cable and proof testing of the anchors every six months. Greater inspection frequency shall occur in aggressive environmental conditions. For temporary static lines, all components shall be checked prior to use, paying particular attention to any fraying, cracking or cuts in the rope. The attachments shall be checked for distortion, cracks or sharp edges where the rope contact occurs. Emergency response coordinators shall be consulted and involved in the installation and use of all static line systems. LANYARDS Lanyards are used to connect persons who are wearing either fall restraint or arrest equipment to an anchor point. There are several types, being fixed length, shock absorbing and inertia reel retractable, which are detailed in the section below. All lanyards shall comply with the relevant Australian Standard for their type. Those using a lanyard shall ensure that it is suitable for the proposed use and that it will provide the required fall restraint or arrest. Fixed length lanyards are used in either fall restraint or arrest situations. For fall restraint, the length needs to be such that at maximum length it prevents the person getting too close to any edge where the person could fall. For fall arrest, the summed length of the lanyard, the expanded shock absorber, the person and a 1 metre safety margin, does not exceed the height that the person can fall. Shock absorbing lanyards can be used in either total restraint or free fall arrest situations. If used in free fall arrest mode the above calculation for sufficient clearances must be accounted for. Endless loop lanyards (snake slings) are used to wrap around structural beams etc. in order to provide an anchor point for either fall restraint or arrest. An endless loop lanyard shall not be choked (one end threaded through the other) rather both ends shall be placed in the attachment device of the attaching lanyard. Lanyards must be checked for compatibility of all components including the harness attachment point and anchor attachment point to prevent the potential for either crush out or roll out occurring. All lanyards, with the exception of the endless loop, shall be fitted with either double acting snap lock hooks or screw gate karabiners. It is important to inspect the work area where the lanyards will be used to ensure that they will not be damaged by sharp edge on beams or sheet steel, dangle in pools of water, oils or chemicals or that the hooks or karabiners do not become jammed up with dust or crushed rock. The maintenance on these items shall be: Pre-use visual inspection for cuts, abrasion, heat or oil or chemical damage and currency of operating life, which shall not exceed ten years from manufacture. Pre-use check of the condition of the hook or karabiner to ensure that they operate freely, do not jamb open and are not bent or damaged in any manner. For shock absorbing lanyards, a pre-use check that the shock absorber has not opened in any manner indicating that it has arrested a fall. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 15 of 39

16 INERTIA REEL ARREST DEVICES Inertia reel arrest lanyards range in size and type from the short fibre to the longer retracting wire type. All retracting lanyards shall comply with their relevant Australian Standard. They are particularly suitable where good flexibility in a working area is required whilst still achieving the maximum of 30 degrees (from the vertical) angle for the mounting of fall arrest above a person wearing a fall arrest harness. They are advantageous where persons climb up and down a structure as part of their work tasks. Inertia reels can only be used for fall restraint when the maximum reeled out length of the device does not exceed the distance to the edge where a person can fall. It is not acceptable to rely on the auto-locking mechanism to restrict a person in a fall restraint mode (eg Do not lock off and lean on the device). Persons using an inertia reel device shall: Conduct a pre-use inspection of the whole length of the inertia reel, checking for cuts and tears on fibre type and damaged, bird caged or broken wires on wire type devices. Check the inspection tag to ensure that a formal inspection has occurred within the last 3 months. Check for damage on the housing and cable or fibre entry point. Check for the correct and immediate operation of the locking devise when a quick pull is applied to it. The maintenance required on these items includes: A formal and documented inspection each 3 months conducted by a competent person. Each fourth, 3 monthly inspection (i.e. annually) shall also involve an internal inspection of the device, again conducted by a competent person. Tagging of the device to indicate that the inspection has occurred. SAFETY CLIMBING SYSTEMS Safety climbing systems are essentially a vertical static line that runs up the middle of the ladder. They must comply with AS1891. They are generally used on long fixed ladders on items such as stacks, drill rigs, radio towers etc. A person wearing a suitable harness connects to the static line via a short lanyard and a running attachment device. In the event of the person losing their footing, the attachment device grabs the wire and stops the person falling. Persons using such devices shall be: Trained and deemed competent in the use of them paying particular attention to installing the running attachment device correctly. Carry out a pre-use inspection of the running static line and continuous inspection as they climb. The required maintenance on the system is the same as for static lines detailed above. BELAY SYSTEMS Belay systems are used either for emergency purposes or for specialised maintenance inspections. Whenever they are used for emergency purposes, their use is controlled by relevant emergency rescue procedures. When used for specialised maintenance activities, competent and experienced contracting organisations are used to perform the required tasks after consultation with site emergency response coordinator to establish safe systems of work. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 16 of 39

17 APPENDIX D Personal Protective Equipment PERSONAL FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT (TOTAL RESTRAINT) Personal fall restraint equipment shall: Comply with AS and shall not be greater than ten years old Be inspected prior to each and every use Have a formal documented inspection performed by an authorised, competent person at intervals not exceeding 3 months Only be attached to an anchor point meeting the requirements of Appendix C. Typical uses include: Fall restraint of underground miners inspecting an open stope edge Persons working on a low angle pitched (not greater than 5 degrees) roof or within 2 metres of an open edge or opening Any other location where persons are working within 2 metres of an edge where the fall from the height could result in an injury. Persons using fall restraint equipment shall: Have been trained and assessed as a competent user of such equipment Perform a visual check on the fall restraint equipment prior to fitting it. Ensure that it has been fully inspected and tagged within the previous 3 months. Perform a visual check on the lanyard for any cuts, abrasions or heat damage and if any faults are found tagged Out of Service and arrangements made for a competent person to conduct a formal inspection. Perform a visual check on the attachment point that will be used and if found unsuitable, not use it as an anchor point. Connect to the attachment point prior to undertaking any work activity. Ensure that the diameter of the D hook on the belt exceeds the throat depth of the attachment hook on the lanyard to prevent roll out. Only use a retractable lanyard where its maximum length does not allow the person to be in a position where a fall is possible. Alternatively use a length of flexible rope fitted with a self-locking rope grab and karabiner. Ensure that all components of the fall restraint system are compatible. Ensure that all components of the fall restraint system are stored in a suitable location to prevent damage or early deterioration. PERSONAL FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT (LIMITED FREE FALL / FREE FALL) Persons wear personal fall arrest equipment in order to arrest their fall should they fall from their working area. This type of equipment shall only be used when all other control measures have been explored and deemed to be inappropriate. The equipment typically consists of a full body harness connected to an anchor point via either a retractable or fixed length lanyard fitted with a shock absorber. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 17 of 39

18 Fall arrest equipment can only be effective if the free space below the level at which the person is working is greater than the summed length of the person plus the lanyard, plus the expanded length of the shock absorber plus a safety margin of 1 metre. The minimum distance being 6 metres (7 metres if the anchor point is a static line). Persons shall calculate the actual distance based on the equipment they will use prior to its use. Personal fall arrest equipment shall: Comply with AS and shall not be greater than ten years old. Be inspected prior to each an every use. Have a formal documented inspection performed by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 3 months. Only be attached to an anchor point having the following features: Be located above the wearer s head and be within a maximum of 30 degrees from the vertical of the working area of the person. Be of sufficient strength to withstand a breaking force of 15kN. (15kN equals 1.5 tonne in static load applied to one point) Where permanent, anchor points shall be designed by a suitably qualified engineer and comply with AS They shall be identified as an anchor point with a sign and have their SWL detailed on that sign. Where mounted with chemical or friction anchor bolts they shall be proof tested in compliance with AS part (g). Where rock anchors are used, they shall consist of two offset eyebolts with a combined strength of 21kN and must not have been used for any other purpose. A vehicle that has a mass in excess of 2 tonnes, and is properly parked, with a Personal Danger tag and lock attached to the battery isolator which has been switched off. The attachment shall be to a main structural member of the vehicle and NOT to the tow ball or tie down hook. Consist of a closed loop hook eye and must allow for the direct attachment of the safety device. Alternately, an endless loop lanyard can be wrapped around a suitable size steel structure (capable of holding 1500Kg) and the lanyard directly connected to both ends of the endless loop lanyard. Do not choke the endless loop lanyard. Be a Static Line as long as it has been correctly designed and installed. NOT be ladder rungs, handrails, cable tray support etc. If scaffold is used as an anchor point: Double scaffold tubes to be installed on the horizontal (ledger or transom) Additional safety scaffold clips to be installed under the normal standard/ledger clip on the vertical upright (standard) to prevent slipping Additional bracing to be installed The distance between standards is not to exceed 1.8mtrs Be the hook of a certified crane that is rated appropriately for the job and has been isolated so that it cannot be operated or moved. Persons using fall arrest equipment shall: Have been trained and assessed as a competent user of such equipment. Ensure that there is sufficient height to allow the fall arrest system to function correctly, by not allowing the person to hit the ground or other structure, should a fall occur. As a minimum this requires 6 metres of clearance. Obtain a formal documented Approval to Work at Height from their line superintendent or equivalent. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 18 of 39

19 Develop and have approved by site emergency response coordinator an appropriate task specific emergency rescue plan. A person whose fall has been arrested by fall arrest equipment must be rescued quickly and efficiently otherwise serious injury can occur. Perform a visual check on the lanyard for any cuts, abrasions or heat damage. For retractable lanyards, pull out its entire length and check it. If any faults are found then the equipment shall be tagged Out of Service and arrangements made for a competent person to conduct a formal inspection. Perform a visual check on the full body harness prior to fitting it. Check that the harness complies with AS and that it is within 10 years from manufacture. If any faults are found then the equipment shall be tagged Out of Service and arrangements made for a competent person to conduct a formal inspection. Ensure that it has been fully inspected and tagged within the previous 3 months. Perform a visual condition check on the anchor point that will be used and if found unsuitable, not use it as an anchor point. Connect to the attachment point prior to undertaking any work activity. Ensure that they only use the attachment point positioned between the shoulder blades on the back of the harness. All other D hooks on the harness are either for rescue or for use in fall restraint. Ensure the diameter of the D hook on the harness exceeds the throat depth of the attachment hook on the lanyard to prevent roll out. Ensure that all components of the fall arrest system are stored in a suitable location to prevent damage or early deterioration. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 19 of 39

20 APPENDIX E Mobile Work Platforms Purpose designed mobile work platforms such as: Elevated Work Platform (EWP) sometimes called a cherry picker; Scissor lifts. Engineered additions to mobile equipment such as: Baskets for Integrated Tool (IT) carriers; Work platforms for Forklift trucks. The design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of the above equipment are regulated by a number of different statutory requirements and compliance with these is essential. Persons using such equipment shall: Be trained and assessed as competent to use it. Refer Appendix B. Conduct a daily pre-start inspection of the machine and log the results in either the machine logbook or equipment pre-start book. If the machine is found to be faulty, then it shall be tagged Out of Service. Use it for its designated purpose and within its designed operating limits of both reach and weight carrying capacity. Where required wear either fall restraint or fall arrest equipment. For EWP (Boom type) a Fall Arrest Harness shall be worn at all times. Travel in the raised basket only allowed at creep speed. Travel in lowered basket allowed at normal speed; For a scissorlift with any side missing then Fall Restraint equipment shall be used at all times; For a scissorlift with all sides in place no Fall Restraint equipment is required and travel is permitted only at creep speed and whilst performing specific duties, not travelling between places of work. Not access or exit any platform or basket while it is in the raised position, unless no other safe access exists and then only after a safe system of work has been developed after completing and documenting a thorough risk assessment and an Approval to Work at Height obtained. Comply with specific training and site or area restrictions for the operation of the equipment. This especially applies to acceptable travel way slope and condition. Only stand within the basket or on the floor of the platform and not on handrails, ladders, scaffolding or boxes in order to gain extra height. Not work closer than 10 metres to exposed overhead power lines unless a powerline access permit has been authorised and obtained. Have a separate person operating the machine controls where the platform is attached to an item of mobile equipment. Examples include IT basket or platform on a forklift. Use an acknowledged signalling system between the person in the elevated basket or platform and the person at the controls where such a situation exists. Ensure that where attachments fit to items of mobile plant that: Only the correct machine/attachment arrangement is used. For ITs carrying work platforms, its lift cylinders are fitted with check valves. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 20 of 39

21 The attachment will not accidentally disconnect while the platform is in service. They are a correctly engineered and manufactured attachment. Whilst persons are being carried within them, they cannot be ejected from them. If any faulty item of a mobile platform cannot be repaired, then sale of either the whole machine or scrapping of the individual component involved in being a work platform shall occur. If an item is sold with a fault the fault shall be documented in order to make the potential purchaser aware of the fault. NOTE: At no time is it permissible to use either a wheeled loader bucket or a pallet on a forklift as a working platform. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 21 of 39

22 APPENDIX F Scaffold Scaffolding shall: Comply with AS1576, AS1577 and AS4576. Be constructed and maintained by a competent scaffolder who has completed a THA before commencing erection or dismantling. Be constructed and dismantled in such a manner that ensures correct lifting or lowering of sections and as far as is practicable does not place the person(s) erecting or dismantling it at a risk of falling from height or for items to fall from height. Be constructed using correct lifting stillages etc. where the scaffolding material is tied into place to prevent it falling whilst being lifted. Be modified only by a competent scaffolder. Be built to the sufficient strength rating based on the estimated weight of the persons and equipment that shall be positioned onto it. Have access ladders fitted to prevent persons accessing by climbing the structure. Be fitted with a red Scaftag during construction and a signed and dated green Scaftag on completion. Be clearly marked with its load capacity on the Scaftag. Be re-inspected every 14 days or sooner if either environmental or workplace conditions are likely to effect the condition of the scaffolding. A competent scaffolder shall perform the inspection and shall re-sign and date the yellow side of the Scaftag. If any faults are noted that cannot be immediately rectified then the Scaftag shall be removed from the holder thus leaving the red Danger do not use component of the Scafftag system. Be adequately guarded or barricaded where the scaffold has to be erected either partially or totally above or on a roadway or person access way. Not be erected or dismantled within close proximity of electrical equipment such as transformer, bus bars etc. without seeking the advice of the Electrical Supervisor. Any faulty item of scaffold equipment that cannot be effectively repaired shall be cut up and disposed of as scrap. Working Platform The working platform shall be: Free from any tripping hazards. The planks shall have no gaps greater than that required for lashing. The working surface shall be slip resistant firm and level. Planks or working surfaces shall be secured. Stairs shall be in straight flights and not less than 500 mm in width. The minimum headroom for stairs shall be 1850 mm. The minimum clearance above landings shall be 1850 mm. Every access landing shall have 450 mm clear around the landing point. The clear width of an access to the platform, measured between the guardrails shall be: DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 22 of 39

23 Not less than 675 mm for persons and material Not less than 450 mm for persons and hand tools The working platform shall be level at all times. Opening in hand railings for downward access from a platform shall be fitted with a bar or gate and these are to be self-closing. Guardrails Guardrails shall be securely fixed and parallel to the platform. The top rail should be between 900 mm and 1100 mm from the platform. The mid rail shall be at 600 mm from the platform unless fitted with in infill panel. When guardrails are omitted at the working face or adjacent to a structure/building, the gap between the structure/building and platform edge, shall be less than 100mm. Kick/Toe Boards Planks shall extend 150mm above the surface of the platform. Gap between the kick/toe boards and the platform shall not exceed 10 mm. The kick/toe board shall be secured and extend around the entire work platform, unless; Where the kick/toe board is omitted due to access requirements to the work, the gap between the working face or structure shall be less than 100 mm (to prevent object or person falling). Erection Sequence The scaffolding supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring that the sequence of erection complies with the requirements of the relevant states Safety Legislation, AS/NZS 1576, AS/NZS 4576, and AS/NZS The scaffolding crew shall lift and lower all gear and equipment in a safe manner using ropes, gin wheels, baskets etc. The throwing or dropping of anything to or from an elevated area is totally unacceptable and persons observed undertaking these dangerous activities shall be subject to disciplinary action. Scaffolders shall use approved means of access during the construction of scaffolding. Internal access should be completed at each 2 metre lift or as required to ensure safe access during construction. Access by means of climbing the scaffold externally by using the standards and stars as foot holds shall not be permitted. Only when climbing the scaffold internally and with edge rail protection in place, may the standards and stars be used for climbing, and only as a last resort. When requiring temporary planks during construction of the scaffold, a minimum of three planks shall be used to stand on, but as a general rule the following is required where practicable: For 1200mm decks, 3 planks shall be used. For 1800mm decks, 5 planks shall be used. For 2400mm decks, 8 planks shall be used. Preferred Method of Construction Where practicable, the scaffold shall be built in a manner that prevents the risk of falling at all times, thereby eliminating the need for the scaffolder to be attached to a restraint anchorage point. To achieve this during construction, the scaffold shall be fully enclosed at one metre lifts, with permanent decks every 2 metres. Temporary decks (consisting of three planks) may be used for construction purposes at the one metre lifts. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 23 of 39

24 Each deck shall be installed from below, while standing on either the ground or a deck enclosed by rail protection. Before erecting the new deck, the next level of standards and handrails shall be installed by the scaffolder who will be in a safe position one metre above the existing deck. For single bay scaffolds and internal access bays, the permanent deck shall remain in position every 2 metres. One plank may be left out of this deck to allow for equipment to be passed through to the next level. All enclosed lifts are to be left enclosed until the scaffold is stripped. Prior to approving the scaffold for use, all access decks shall have the final plank installed. For multiple bay scaffolds, the technique is the same except that planks may be retrieved from below a completed deck provided the scaffolder remains in a protected position on a deck at the adjoining bay. This also requires that an internal handrail be installed, separating the bays. All internal access bays shall be enclosed at each 0.5 metre lift for edge protection. By following this above requirement, the scaffolder will at all times be working within handrails and on a deck, and will not need to be attached to a restraint or anchorage point. If however, rail and deck protection cannot be constructed as described above, the scaffolder shall be attached to a suitable restraint anchorage point. Stair access bays shall be erected/dismantled using mechanical means wherever possible to install stairs. (Eg: crane, jenny wheel, winch) While the risk of tools and or equipment falling during the construction of a scaffold exists, the area below shall be barricaded off to prevent any pedestrian being struck by tools or equipment that could potentially fall. Scaffolders involved in the construction of the scaffold shall remain in a safe position at all times, where the risk of being struck by either falling equipment or a tool is minimised. Pedestrians and all other persons must be protected from the potential of falling equipment at all times. This may require the construction of safety nets or hoardings prior to working above the area. Tool restraints may be required at times to protect other persons, however if this is necessary consideration shall also be given to the risk of other equipment that could fall, for example tubes and / or couplers being used to construct the scaffold. If there is unacceptable risk to any person from either scaffolding equipment of tools falling, another work method shall be established. Persons working on scaffold platforms complying with the above shall: Check the Scaftag for currency prior to checking the scaffold for general condition. If any faults are noted then turn the Scaftag to the red side and request a competent scaffolder to check the scaffolding. Only access the scaffolding via its fitted ladder or stairway. Only use the scaffold to its maximum load capacity. Ensure that their work activities do not allow tools or materials to fall onto persons below. Not use the scaffold as an attachment point for lifting equipment such as chain blocks etc, unless a competent scaffolder has installed it as a lifting device. Where scaffolds are fitted with wheels, the wheels shall be locked whenever the scaffold is being used. Not use a mobile scaffold where either it or persons on it will come in close proximity to live electrical equipment such as bus bars etc. DocsOpen Ref: Last Updated: 15/04/05 WMC Resources Ltd Page 24 of 39