Common workplace hazards Shown here are some common workplace hazards. 1. Plan Job Weather Powerlines Hazardous materials Falling objects Vehicles/other mobile plant Pedestrians Open trenches/ excavations Underground services Ground conditions Tripping hazards Hazard Risk Assessment Related Topics: start

Identify scaffold and associated equipment For basic scaffolding, you need to know a wide range of scaffold and associated equipment. The diagram below, for example, shows the basic parts of a modular scaffold. 1. Plan Job Parts used in a basic modular scaffold: Working platform Standard Guardrail Midrail Toeboard Longitudinal brace Transverse brace Ledger Transom Base plate Sole plate start

1. Plan Job Plan Job - Summary Check for hazards before you start the scaffolding work. The hierarchy of hazard control is a range of control measures used to reduce the risk of workplace hazards. It includes: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, safe work practices and PPE. Make sure you are aware of the powerline distances for your state or territory. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the scaffold is suitable for the work. Consult with appropriate personnel when planning the scaffold work. Different scaffolds have different capacities. Always check that the scaffold meets the requirement of the job. Make sure you are wearing the necessary safety equipment for the work you are performing. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you are not clear about instructions or directions. start

2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment Base plates The spindle of an adjustable base plate should extend 150mm above the maximum nut extension. The maximum extension on an adjustable base plate is 600mm. 150mm 2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment 600mm The maximum load allowed on an adjustable base plate is 3030kg. The minimum width of timber used as a sole plate is 225mm. 225mm start

Metal scaffold plank defects 2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment DO NOT a metal scaffold plank if it has any of the following defects. Marking not in compliance with AS 1577. AS 1577 Plank Marking Standard: 2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment Manufacturer’s name or mark Rivets broken or missing End cap missing. Twisting Heavy corrosion. Distortion ACME TIMBER AS1577 WLL 200kg MAX SPAN 2m This tells you it is a genuine scaffold plank Working Load Limit in kg 180mm Maximum allowable span (spacing between supporting brackets) in metres Crushing Splitting Bending • Welds cracked, broken or missing • Broken weld reinforcing strap Width of less than 220mm Risk Assessment Risk Management Related Topics: start

Hazard prevention and control measures Before you start to erect a scaffold, you need to put in place ways to prevent and control hazards. You could: • Restrict access to an area • Remove any hazards • Move equipment and vehicles that are not part of the scaffolding • Set up warning signs and barricades • Put up overhead protection • Create pedestrian exclusion zones • Perform any control measures listed on the JSA or SWMS. 3. Set Up Task Hazard Risk Management Related Topics: start

Soil types Check the type of soil Check if the soil can support the scaffold. Different types of soil have different load-bearing pressures. Below are different soil types from soft to hard (gravel). • Soft clay • Stiff clay • Dry sand • Granite • Shale • Gravel (road base) 3. Set Up Task Check the type of soil Check to see if the soil can support a scaffold. Different types of soils can take light or heavy scaffold. Soft soil Hard soil Gravel (road base) Ground Stability Risk Assessment Related Topics: start

4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment Containment sheeting Sheeting is used to help protect workers and pedestrians from wind, rain, dust and direct sunlight. The design of a sheeted scaffold should be checked by an engineer. When installing sheeting you should consider: • The weight of the sheeting • The wind load created by the sheeting • Strength and suitability of fixings • Sheeting should be on the outside of a scaffold (unless otherwise allowed by the design) • Avoid gaps between the sheeting and the platform edge. 4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment start

4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment Unsafe incidents WRONG If an unsafe incident or event occurs while you are doing scaffolding work you should: • Stop • Resolve the issue if you can • Seek assistance and advice if needed • Report the event (as per state/territory requirements). Seek assistance and advice if needed 4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment start

5. Dismantle Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment Work safely at heights To work safely at heights: • Wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job • Ensure you anchor your lanyard correctly • Use clear, simple words and hand signals with other workers. Communicate clearly with workmates when you dismantle (take down) a scaffold. 5. Dismantle Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment start

Inspect equipment after use Check the scaffold parts and equipment after you have finished using it, including: • Scaffold tubes • Base plates • Ladders • Scaffold planks (timber and metal) • Flexible steel wire rope (FSWR) • Fibre rope • Materials hoists • Gin wheels • Scaffold tools • Right-angle couplers 5. Dismantle Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for information on what defects to check for. start

Question 28. What do you need to check when you use a mobile scaffold? Element 3–Set Up Task Question 28. What do you need to check when you use a mobile scaffold? click for answer Answer may include: The scaffold should be set up on level ground The castors should not have pneumatic tyres The wheels have wheel locks Mobile scaffold should have castors (wheels) Scaffolding Quiz start

Element 4–Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment Question 35. What sorts of things would damage a safety net or make it unsafe for you to use? click for answer Having the net dragged over rough surfaces People jumping on it Rubbish or building materials stored on it Hot gases from blow torches, chimneys and furnaces or sparks and flames from welding equipment or oxy cutting equipment Sharp edges Being hit by a moving load Scaffolding Quiz Chemicals end