Symmetrical Group

Policies and Procedures

OHS&E\SAFETY PROCEDURES


SG-PR-33-18 Scaffolding Control


1.0        IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES


1.1        Introduction

This standard procedure is to provide a uniform approach for all scaffold erected on a particular site by Personnel, Contractors or Subcontractors under Symmetrical Group control.


All scaffolds defined as such by AS/NZS 4576:1995 Guidelines for scaffolding and AS/NZS 1576 parts 1,2 and 3 (Scaffolding - General requirements, Scaffolding - Couplers and accessories, Scaffolding - Prefabricated and tube-and-coupler scaffolding). Including the access to the work platform shall be covered by this standard procedure.


1.2        Requirements For End Users

·        The relevant state OH&S Regulations, ASNZS 1576 parts 1,2 & 3 and AS/NZS 4576 shall be consulted at all times to determine the requirements for scaffolds.


·        In order to satisfy the requirement of personnel intending to work from the working platform, the scaffolder will need to liaise with those personnel. The maximum load likely to be placed on the working platform, the area of working platform necessary to carry out the work, positioning of access ladders and a comfortable working height for the working platform will all need to be discussed.


·        Any hazards involved with the erection shall be identified at the planning stage and appropriate precautions taken.


·        Proximity to live electrical equipment or interface problems with special consideration to accessibility to fire fighting equipment, emergency exits and critical equipment may need to be a consideration.


1.3        General Requirements (Mandatory)

It is the responsibility of the scaffolder to ensure that all scaffolding work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner, adhering to the approved Australian/New Zealand standards, state regulations and the requirements of this safe work standard.


All scaffolds and patented access systems shall comply with the following:


·        All scaffolds shall be inspected and tagged (scafftag) by a certificated scaffolder.


·        All scaffolds shall be entered into a scaffolding register.

·        Scaffold inspections shall be conducted at a minimum of every thirty (30) days for all scaffolds, and records of the inspections maintained.

·        All scaffolds shall be clearly marked with the structures load capacity (scafftag).

-        A top rail between 900 and 1100mm, a mid-rail at 600mm, and a 100mm (minimum) kickboard, or

-        A top rail at a minimum of 900mm and infill mesh panels to prevent tools or equipment from falling.


1.4        Erection Requirements





The minimum general PPE requirements to be worn by scaffolders shall consist of the following:



The following additional PPE shall also be used:



The failure to wear a safety harness and be attached to a solid structure at all times whilst working aloft (2 metres) shall be considered as a serious breach of Symmetrical Group’s and their Clients safety requirements and persons found to be undertaking this activity shall be subject to “Safety Non Compliance and disciplinary action”.


·        All ladder access shall be internal and intermediate, not exceeding 2 metres i.e. there should be a landing or reversal platform at each 2 metre lift (wherever practicable)

·        Where the only option is an external access exceeding 2 metres, a secondary means of fall protection shall be used, e.g. side rail on the ladder, or fall arrester attached to the top of the staging, secured in an approved manner.

·        No ladder used for access shall exceed 6 metres.

·        No extension ladders are to be used.

·        Where any scaffold cannot be built to meet the requirements of the above, a Job Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment shall be undertaken to determine the acceptable means of construction and approved by the site Engineer prior to erection.


1.5        Engineer Designed Scaffolds

As a minimum the following scaffolds shall require a certified engineer’s approval of the design before construction; however all Contractors and Subcontractors must comply with relevant local or state legislation requirements.


Free Standing Tower Scaffolds - where the height exceeds three (3) times its base width and guy ropes are used.


Suspended scaffold - includes any structure supported from needles and includes boatswains chairs.




Each type of cradle and boatswains chair shall be tested by a competent person. A copy of the test report shall be retained for the design life of the equipment.


1.6        Damaged Equipment

Any damaged scaffolding component shall be tagged “Out of Service” and reported to the scaffolding relevant supervisor/foreman.


Under no circumstances shall damaged or substandard scaffolding components be used at any time.


1.7        Cutting Scaffolding Tubes

Where scaffold tubes are required to be cut, they shall be cut by means of drop saws or other abrasive cutting mediums.  The cutting of tubes by the use of flame cutting (oxy / acetylene) is not acceptable.


1.8        Scafftag Procedure

Stage 1

When a scaffold or suspended stage has a high degree of difficulty, a JHA shall be carried-out by the Scaffolding Supervisor.


Stage 2

When a scaffold or suspended stage is being erected, a scafftag shall be attached in clear view near the ladder or access point.  (In this uncommissioned state, the scafftag shall show the red international symbol for "no entry" and the words "do not use scaffold" applying to all workers not involved in the process of building the scaffold or suspended stage).


Stage 3


Stage 4


2.0        DEFINITIONS


Scaffold - means a temporary structure, stage or platform specifically erected to support access or working platforms, persons, plant or other material but does not include a gantry.

Scaffolder - personnel who are holders of State or National certification to erect scaffolds.

Cantilevered scaffold - means a scaffold which is supported by cantilevered load-bearing members.

Hung scaffold - means a scaffold which is hung from another structure and which is not capable of being raised or lowered when in use.

Spur scaffold - means a scaffold which is partially supported by inclined load bearing members.

Suspended scaffold - means a scaffold incorporating a suspended platform which is capable of being raised or lowered when in use and includes a boatswains chair.

Scafftag - Patented system for the recording, inspection and tagging of scaffolds.

Competent Person – Means a person who through a combination of training, education and experience has acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform correctly a specific task.







Exhibit A

Scafftags        Page 1 of 1



STAGE 1 “RED”

STAGE 2 “GREEN”

STAGE 3 “YELLOW”


Exhibit B - Relevant Forms

F-S-18- Scaffold Inspection Report

F-S-19- Scaffold Register


Date published: 25/07/2013


Document ID:

411

Last reviewed:

14/03/2009

Revision No:

12

Approved by:

..


* -25/07/2013 12:27:06 PM