Fall Prevention Devices

Wherever possible the need to perform work at heights should be avoided completely, however if this is not reasonably practicable, fall prevention devices provide the best protection against falls by working to minimise the chance of a fall ever occurring.

Fall prevention devices include:

• Temporary work platforms.
• Edge or perimeter protection systems.
• Fall protection covers and safety mesh.

Watch the video below

Scaffolding

When using scaffolding make sure that:

• Any scaffold from which a person could fall more than 4 m is prepared and erected by a licensed scaffolder.
• It complies with Australian Standards AS/NZS 1576 and AS/NZS 1577.
• It is equipped with guardrails and kickboards (toeboards).
• Mobile scaffolding is level, the wheels/castors are locked while in use, they are positioned safely away from any edges that may collapse under the weight of the scaffold and equipment, and they are not moved with someone on it.

Whenever you are working on a scaffold make sure you work in accordance with site procedures and the manufacturer’s specifications. Also ensure you know the duty (capacity) of the scaffold and that it is completed and ready for use.

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Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs)

Elevating work platforms (EWPs) are available in a variety of types and sizes such as boom type, scissor lifts and vertical mast.

When using an EWP it is important that:

• Operators wear a safety harness attached by a lanyard (with energy absorber) of appropriate length to a suitable anchorage point on the platform.

• The operator is adequately trained to use the EWP. A license is required for the operation of boom type EWPs where the boom length is 11 metres or more.
• The use of the EWP should comply with the Australian Standard AS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use, Part 10: Mobile elevating work platforms.
• The EWP has been checked to make sure it is in safe working order.

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Mast Climbers

Mast climbers are made up of work platforms that are raised and lowered along 1 or more masts using a hoist mechanism.

They may need to be tied to a building under circumstances prescribed by the manufacturer to make sure they remain stable during use.

Mast climbers are generally not suitable for use if the profile of a structure changes at different elevations (e.g. if the upper floors of a building ‘step’ back or balconies extend from the building).

The erection and dismantling of mast climbing work platforms must be carried out, or be directly supervised, by a person holding an appropriate high risk rigging or scaffolding licence.

Further information on mast climbing work platforms is provided in AS 2550.16 Cranes – Safe Use – Mast climbing work platforms.

Crane Lifted Personnel Boxes/Workboxes

Personnel boxes or workboxes are used to lift workers with a crane.

Crane-lifted workboxes are often suitable for very high work or isolated parts of the project where it is difficult or impractical to provide scaffolds or EWPs.

The workbox must be specifically designed for the purpose of lifting people. Its design must be registered with a State or Territory regulatory authority and meet all the necessary requirements of the workplace, crane manufacturer and AS 2550 and AS1418.17.

The workbox and workers must be securely attached to an approved anchor point (capable of withstanding the force of the box falling). Workers should be attached via a lanyard and full body harness unless the workbox is enclosed.

The workbox must be stamped or be provided with a stamped metal data plate, securely and permanently attached to it in a prominent position, and providing the following information:

• The maximum hoisted load (kilograms).
• The safe working load (kilograms).
• The tare mass (kilograms).
• Minimum allowable (rated) crane capacity (kilograms).

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Forklifts And Forklift Work Platforms

Order picking forklift trucks are most commonly used for stock picking.

They are designed to be operated on flat level surfaces and must not be used on rough terrain.

A safety harness with lanyard is required to reduce the risk of a fall from height.

Forklift work platforms are designed to lift people with a forklift. Make sure when using a forklift work platform that:

• Workers NEVER stand on forklift tynes, pallets or in unsuitable lifting cages.
• The work platform is designed and operated in line with the Australian Standards AS 2359.1 and AS 2358.2.
• The work platform is securely attached to the forklift.
• The forklift operator always remains seated at the controls of the forklift while someone is elevated in the work platform.
• The forklift does not travel while someone is in the work platform.
• The load capacity of the platform is never exceeded.
• No ladders or other means are used within the workbox to gain extra height.

Edge or Perimeter Protection Systems (Guard rails)

An edge or perimeter protection system is a barrier placed around the edge of a structure, building or gap to prevent people and/or objects from falling over the edge of a working surface.

It can include handrails or containment sheeting, guardrails, mid-rails, and kickboards (toe boards).

The code of practice ‘Managing the risk of falls at workplaces’ states that guard rails should be used:

• At the edges of roofs.
• At the edges of mezzanine floors, walkways, stairways, ramps, and landings.
• On top of plant and structures where access is required.
• Around openings in floor and roof structures.
• At the edges of shafts, pits, and other excavations.

Handrails, mid-rails, and kickboards (toe boards) should not be further than 100mm outside the edge of the working surface they run parallel to.

The guard rail must be placed at a height of 900mm to 1100mm above the working surface with the mid-rail secured halfway between the guardrail and the working surface. The kickboard must be fixed to the working surface and should extend at least 150 mm above it.

Fall Protection Covers and Safety Mesh

Fall protection covers are placed over openings and holes such as skylights to prevent falls. They are usually made of timber, metal, or wire mesh.

They should be securely fixed and strong enough to take the impact of a falling person.

Signage should be used in conjunction with a fall protection cover to warn people that there is an opening or hole underneath.

Watch the video below

Safety mesh

Safety mesh is designed to prevent internal falls through a roof.

When correctly installed, safety mesh provides fall protection for roof installers, maintenance, and repair workers.

It is important to note that safety mesh does not prevent falls from the edge of a roof, or through holes in a roof. Safety mesh should always be used with other fall prevention systems and equipment such as edge protection, guard rails or fall-arrest systems.

Safety mesh should comply with AS/NZS 4389 Safety mesh:

Safety mesh should be formed from 2 mm diameter wire of not less than 450 MPa tensile strength, welded into a mesh with the longitudinal wires not more than 150 mm apart and the cross wires not more than 300 mm apart.