Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice 2012 (Cth)

Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Section 274

Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice 2012

I, Bill Shorten, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations:

1.revoke the Codes of Practice preserved by subitem 23(1) of Schedule 2 of the Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Act 2011 that are specified in item 4 of this instrument; and

2.approve the Codes of Practice under subsection 274(1) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 attached as appendices to this instrument.

Dated: 3 December 2012

Signed

Bill Shorten

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

ARRANGEMENT

Instrument of Approval

Arrangement

Preliminary Provisions

Introduction

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace

Appendix 2 - Code of Practice: Construction Work

Appendix 3 - Code of Practice: Preventing Falls In Housing Construction

Appendix 4 - Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace

Appendix 5 - Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace

Appendix 6 - Code of Practice: Managing The Risks of Plant in the Workplace

Appendix 7 - Code of Practice: Welding Processes

Appendix 8 - Code of Practice: Excavation Work

Appendix 9 - Code of Practice: Demolition Work

Appendix 10 - Code of Practice: Safe Design of Structures

Appendix 11 – Code of Practice: Spray Painting and Powder

Coating

Appendix 12 – Code of Practice: Abrasive Blasting

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

1. Name

This Instrument is the Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice 2012.

NOTE: This Instrument is a legislative instrument within the meaning of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (see paragraph 273B(1)(d) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011) and, notwithstanding that Act, may apply, adopt or incorporate by reference, with or without modifications, any matter contained in any document as in force at a particular time or from time to time (see subsection 274(3) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011).

2. Application

These Codes of Practice have been made for the purposes of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and apply to all bodies and persons having duties under that Act or regulations made under that Act.

3. Commencement

3.1These Codes of Practice commence on the day after registration.

Revocation of Preserved Codes

4.1The preserved codes of practice, prescribed by regulation 761 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, revoked by this instrument are:

- Part 2 (First Aid)

- Part 21 (Spray Painting)

- Part 22 (Abrasive Blasting)

- Part 24 (Falls in Construction)

NOTES:

1. Regulation 761 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 prescribes the following Parts of the Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008, namely -:

Part 2 (First Aid)

Part 5 (Vibration)

Part 16 (Timber Preservatives)

Part 20 (Occupational Diving)

Part 21 (Spray Painting)

Part 22 (Abrasive Blasting)

Part 23 (Construction Induction Training)

Part 24 (Falls in Construction)

Part 25 (Cash in Transit)

2. Sub item 23 of the Schedule 2 to the Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Act 2011 provides that each prescribed Part of the Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008, as in force on 31 December 2011, is taken, on and from 1 January 2012, to be a code of practice approved under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for the purposes of that Act.

3. The Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008 is registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments as F2008L02054.

INTRODUCTION

These Codes of Practice are based on the model Codes of Practice developed by Safe Work Australia through consultation with Commonwealth, state and territory governments, unions and employer organisations and agreed by the Workplace Relations Ministers Council.

Comcare, as the regulator for the Commonwealth jurisdiction, has modified those model Codes of Practice as and to the extent required for conformity with:

· the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (‘the WHS Act’);

· the Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Act 2011;

· the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (‘the WHS Regulations’); and

· the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 and the regulations made under that Act.

These Codes of Practice:

are to be read and construed with the WHS Act and the WHS regulations;
provide guidance on meeting obligations under the WHS Act and Regulations;
are admissible in proceedings under the WHS Act and Regulations as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and what is reasonably practicable.

A reference in these Codes of Practice to these Codes of Practice includes a reference to:

the instrument of approval;
the preliminary provisions;
this introduction;
each Code of Practice;
each document adopted or applied by, or incorporated by reference (with or without modification) into, any of these Codes of Practice;
the Parts of the Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008 prescribed by regulation 761 of the WHS Regulations for the purposes of sub item 23 of Schedule 2 to the Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Act 2011 which have not been repealed by this instrument; and
all headings and notes.

In accordance with the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, these Codes of Practice (including this Introduction and any documents adopted, applied or incorporated by reference to these Codes of Practice) are to be read and construed as if these Codes of Practice were an Act and each provision of these Codes of Practice were a provision of an Act.

Copies of these Codes of Practice are available for inspection, free of charge, by members of the public, at any Comcare office during normal business hours.

NOTES:

1. Comcare offices are listed on .

2. Copies of these Codes of Practice may be accessed online at and .

APPENDIX 1 - FIRST AID IN THE WORKPLACE

Code of Practice

Table of Contents

FOREWORD

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The meaning of key terms

1.2 Who has health and safety duties in relation to first aid?

1.3 What is required in providing first aid?

2.How to determine first aid requirements for your workplace

2.1 The nature of the work and workplace hazards

2.2 Size and location of the workplace

2.3 The number and composition of workers and other people

3.FIRST AID EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES and TRAINING

3.1 First aid kits

3.2 First aid signs

3.3 Other first aid equipment

3.4 First aid facilities

3.5 First aiders

3.7 Providing first aid information

4.REVIEWING YOUR first aid REQUIREMENTS

APPENDIX A – FIRST AID AND THE RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

APPENDIX B – EXAMPLE OF A FIRST AID ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX C – Example of contents FOR A FIRST aid kit

APPENDIX D – Standard precautions for infection control

FOREWORD

This Code of Practice on first aid in the workplace is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act (the WHS Act).

An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety and welfare required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulations (the WHS Regulations).

A code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the code. In most cases, following an approved code of practice would achieve compliance with the health and safety duties in the WHS Act, in relation to the subject matter of the code. Like regulations, codes of practice deal with particular issues and do not cover all hazards or risks that may arise. The health and safety duties require duty holders to consider all risks associated with work, not only those for which regulations and codes of practice exist.

Codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings under the WHS Act and Regulations. Courts may regard a code of practice as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and may rely on the code in determining what is reasonably practicable in the circumstances to which the code relates.

Compliance with the WHS Act and Regulations may be achieved by following another method, such as a technical or an industry standard, if it provides an equivalent or higher standard of work health and safety than the code.

An inspector may refer to an approved code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice.

This Code of Practice is based on the draft developed as a model code of practice under the Council of Australian Governments’ Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety for adoption by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This Code of Practice provides practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking on how to comply with duties under the WHS Act and Regulations to provide adequate first aid facilities in the workplace. It includes information on first aid kits, procedures, facilities and training for first aiders.

This Code applies to all types of work and all workplaces covered by the WHS Act, including workplaces that are outdoors, mobile or remote.

How to use this Code of Practice

In providing guidance, the word ‘should’ is used in this Code to indicate a recommended course of action, while ‘may’ is used to indicate an optional course of action.

This Code also includes various references to provisions of the WHS Act and Regulations which set out the legal requirements. These references are not exhaustive. The words ‘must’, ‘requires’ or ‘mandatory’ indicate that a legal requirement exists and must be complied with.

1. INTRODUCTION

Providing immediate and effective first aid to workers or others who have been injured or become ill at the workplace may reduce the severity of the injury or illness and promote recovery. In some cases it could mean the difference between life and death.

1.1 The meaning of key terms

First aid is the immediate treatment or care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is provided or the person recovers.

First aider is a person who has successfully completed a nationally accredited training course or an equivalent level of training that has given them the competencies required to administer first aid.

First aid equipment includes first aid kits and other equipment used to treat injuries and illnesses.

First aid facilities include first aid rooms, health centres, clean water supplies and other facilities needed for administering first aid.

High risk workplace means a workplace where workers are exposed to hazards that could result in serious injury or illness and would require first aid. Examples of workplaces that may be considered high risk are ones in which workers:

· use hazardous machinery (for example, mobile plant, chainsaws, power presses and lathes)

· use hazardous substances (for example, chemical manufacture, laboratories, horticulture, petrol stations and food manufacturing)

· are at risk of falls that could result in serious injury (for example, construction and stevedoring)

· carry out hazardous forms of work (for example, working in confined spaces, welding, demolition, electrical work and abrasive blasting)

· are exposed to the risk of physical violence (for example, working alone at night, cash handling or having customers who are frequently physically aggressive)

· work in or around extreme heat or cold (for example, foundries and prolonged outdoor work in extreme temperatures).

Low risk workplace means a workplace where workers are not exposed to hazards that could result in serious injury or illness such as offices, shops or libraries. Potential work-related injuries and illnesses requiring first aid would be minor in nature.

1.2 Who has health and safety duties in relation to first aid?

A person conducting a business or undertaking has the primary duty under the WHS Act to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.

The WHS Regulations place specific obligations on a person conducting a business or undertaking in relation to first aid, including requirements to:

· provide first aid equipment and ensure each worker at the workplace has access to the equipment

· ensure access to facilities for the administration of first aid

· ensure that an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace or that workers have access to an adequate number of other people who have been trained to administer first aid.

A person conducting a business or undertaking may not need to provide first aid equipment or facilities if these are already provided by another duty holder at the workplace and they are adequate and easily accessible at the times that the workers carry out work.

Officers, such as company directors, have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the business or undertaking complies with the WHS Act and Regulations. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure that the business or undertaking has and uses appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety.

Workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and must not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons. Workers must comply with any reasonable instruction and cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health and safety at the workplace, such as procedures for first aid and for reporting injuries and illnesses.

1.3 What is required in providing first aid?

First aid requirements will vary from one workplace to the next, depending on the nature of the work, the type of hazards, the workplace size and location, as well as the number of people at the workplace. These factors must be taken into account when deciding what first aid arrangements need to be provided.

This Code provides information on using a risk management approach to tailor first aid that suits the circumstances of your workplace, while also providing guidance on the number of first aid kits, their contents and the number of trained first aiders that are appropriate for some types of workplaces.

The risk management approach involves the following four steps (summarised in Appendix A):

· identifying hazards that could result in work-related injury or illness

· assessing the type, severity and likelihood of injuries and illness

· providing the appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and training

· reviewing your first aid requirements on a regular basis or as circumstances change.

Guidance on the general risk management process is available in the Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.

Consulting your workers

Consultation involves sharing of information, giving workers a reasonable opportunity to express views and taking those views into account before making decisions on health and safety matters.

Section 47: A person conducting a business or undertaking must consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with workers who carry out work for the business or undertaking who are (or likely to be) directly affected by a work health and safety matter.

Section 48: If the workers are represented by a health and safety representative, the consultation must involve that representative.

You must consult your workers when making decisions about what facilities are needed, including those required for administering first aid.

Consultation should include:

· the number, location and contents of first aid kits and other equipment

· the type of first aid facilities that may be needed

· first aid procedures

· the number of first aiders.

Consulting, co-operating and co-ordinating activities with other duty holders

Section 46: A person conducting a business or undertaking must consult, co-operate and co-ordinate activities with all other persons who have a work health or safety duty in relation to the same matter, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Sometimes you may have responsibility for health and safety together with other business operators who are involved in the same activities or who share the same workplace. In these situations, you should communicate with each other to find out who is doing what and work together in a co-operative and co-ordinated way so that all risks are eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

For example, if you provide labour hire workers as part of your business you have a duty of care as well as the host business. In these situations, you must discuss the hazards and risks associated with the work and ensure the host business has appropriate first aid arrangements that your workers can access.

If you share your workplace with other businesses that have workers trained in administering first aid, you may be able to ensure that your workers have access to them instead of training your own workers. In these circumstances, it will be necessary to:

· consult the other business operators to work out what first aid arrangements are needed

· co-operate with each other in sharing first aid equipment and facilities

· co-ordinate access to the first aiders.

Further guidance on consultation is available in the Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Co-operation and Co-ordination.

2. How to determine first aid requirements for your workplace

Regulation 42: When considering how to provide first aid, a person conducting a business or undertaking must consider all relevant matters including:

the nature of the work being carried out at the workplace

the nature of the hazards at the workplace

the size, location and nature of the workplace

the number and composition of the workers at the workplace.

2.1 The nature of the work and workplace hazards

Certain work environments have greater risks of injury and illness due to the nature of work being carried out and the nature of the hazards at the workplace. For example, factories, motor vehicle workshops and forestry operations have a greater risk of injury that would require immediate medical treatment than offices or libraries. These workplaces will therefore require different first aid arrangements.

Table 1: Injuries associated with common workplace hazards that may require first aid

Hazard	Potential harm
Manual tasks	Overexertion can cause muscular strain.
Working at height	Slips, trips and falls can cause fractures, bruises, lacerations, dislocations, concussion.
Electricity	Potential ignition source could cause injuries from fire. Exposure to live electrical wires can cause shock, burns and cardiac arrest.
Machinery and equipment	Being hit by moving vehicles, or being caught by moving parts of machinery can cause fractures, amputation, bruises, lacerations, dislocations.
Hazardous chemicals	Toxic or corrosive chemicals may be inhaled, contact skin or eyes causing poisoning, chemical burns, irritation. Flammable chemicals could result in injuries from fire or explosion.
Extreme temperatures	Hot surfaces and materials can cause burns. Exposure to heat can cause heat stress and fatigue. Exposure to extreme cold can cause hypothermia and frost bite.
Radiation	Welding arc flashes, ionizing radiation and lasers can cause burns
Violence	Behaviours including intimidation and physical assault can cause nausea, shock and physical injuries
Biological	Infection, allergic reactions
Animals	Bites, stings, kicks, scratches

Records of injuries, illnesses, ‘near miss’ incidents and other information that has already been obtained to assist in controlling risks at the workplace will be useful to make appropriate decisions about first aid.

You should check the safety data sheets (SDS) for any hazardous chemicals that are handled, used or stored at your workplace. The SDS provides information about the chemical, possible health effects, controls that may be used to reduce exposure and first aid requirements.

Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of hazardous chemicals have a duty under the WHS Regulations to ensure that the current SDS is provided to a person at the workplace if the person asks for it.

2.2 Size and location of the workplace

In relation to the size and location of the workplace, you should take into account:

· the distance between different work areas

· the response times for emergency services.

First aid equipment and facilities should be located at convenient points and in areas where there is a higher risk of an injury or illness occurring.

A large workplace may require first aid to be available in more than one location if:

· work is being carried out a long distance from emergency services

· small numbers of workers are dispersed over a wide area

· access to a part of the workplace is difficult

· the workplace has more than one floor level.

Where there are separate work areas (for example, a number of buildings on a site or multiple floors in an office building), it may be appropriate to locate first aid facilities centrally and provide first aid kits in each work area. This may include portable first aid kits in motor vehicles and other separate work areas.

The distance of the workplace from ambulance services, hospital and medical centres should be taken into account when determining your first aid requirements. For example, if life-threatening injuries or illnesses could occur and timely access to emergency services cannot be assured, a person trained in more advanced first aid techniques (such as the provision of oxygen) will be needed.

Additional first aid considerations may be necessary for workers in remote or isolated areas. For example, where access is difficult due to poor roads or weather conditions, arrangements may need to include aerial evacuation.

In minimising the risks to health and safety associated with remote or isolated work, you must provide a system of work that includes effective communication with the worker. This will assist in enabling an immediate response in an emergency. Further guidance about working in remote or isolated areas is available in the Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

2.3 The number and composition of workers and other people

When considering the size of your workforce, you should include any contractors, subcontractors, and volunteers you engage. This may mean the size of your workforce may vary over time. For the purposes of deciding who requires access to first aid, you should consider the maximum number of workers that you may engage at any one time. Generally, a larger workforce requires more first aid resources.

You should also consider:

· the particular needs of workers who have a disability or a known health concern

· others at your workplace who are not your workers, for example, students in workplaces such as schools, members of the public in places of entertainment, fairgrounds and shopping centres.

Appendix B provides an example of how to determine first aid requirements.

3. FIRST AID EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES and TRAINING

The information provided in this chapter may be used as a guide to determine the appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, first aiders and procedures needed in various workplaces.

First aid equipment, facilities and first aiders must be accessible to workers whenever they work, including those working night shifts or overtime.

3.1 First aid kits

All workers must be able to access a first aid kit. This will require at least one first aid kit to be provided at their workplace.

Contents

The first aid kit should provide basic equipment for administering first aid for injuries including:

· cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters

· muscular sprains and strains

· minor burns

· amputations and/or major bleeding wounds

· broken bones

· eye injuries

· shock.

The contents of first aid kits should be based on a risk assessment. For example, there may be higher risk of eye injuries and a need for additional eye pads in a workplace where:

· chemical liquids or powders are handled in open containers

· spraying, hosing or abrasive blasting operations are carried out

· there is any possibility of flying particles causing eye injuries

· there is a risk of splashing or spraying of infectious materials

· welding, cutting or machining operations are carried out.

Additional equipment may be needed for serious burns and remote workplaces.

The recommended content of a typical first aid kit and information on additional equipment is provided in Appendix C.

Design of kits

First aid kits can be any size, shape or type to suit your workplace, but each kit should:

· be large enough to contain all the necessary items

· be immediately identifiable with a white cross on green background that is prominently displayed on the outside

· contain a list of the contents for that kit

· be made of material that will protect the contents from dust, moisture and contamination.

Location

In the event of a serious injury or illness, quick access to the kit is vital. First aid kits should be kept in a prominent, accessible location and able to be retrieved promptly. Access should also be ensured in security-controlled workplaces. First aid kits should be located close to areas where there is a higher risk of injury or illness. For example, a school with a science laboratory or carpentry workshop should have first aid kits located in these areas. If the workplace occupies several floors in a multi-storey building, at least one kit should be located on every second floor. Emergency floor plans displayed in the workplace should include the location of first aid kits.

A portable first aid kit should be provided in the vehicles of mobile workers if that is their workplace (for example, couriers, taxi drivers, sales representatives, bus drivers and inspectors). These kits should be safely located so as not to become a projectile in the event of an accident.

Restocking and maintaining kits

A person in the workplace should be nominated to maintain the first aid kit (usually a first aider) and should:

· monitor access to the first aid kit and ensure any items used are replaced as soon as practicable after use

· undertake regular checks (after each use or, if the kit is not used, at least once every 12 months) to ensure the kit contains a complete set of the required items (an inventory list in the kit should be signed and dated after each check)

· ensure that items are in good working order, have not deteriorated and are within their expiry dates and that sterile products are sealed and have not been tampered with.

3.2 First aid signs

Displaying well-recognised, standardised first aid signs will assist in easily locating first aid equipment and facilities. First aid signs may be constructed to suit individual requirements but should comply with AS 1319: 1994 - Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment.

3.3 Other first aid equipment

In addition to first aid kits, you should consider whether any other first aid equipment is necessary to treat the injuries or illnesses that could occur as a result of a hazard at your workplace.

Automatic defibrillators

Providing an automatic defibrillator can reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest and is a useful addition for workplaces where there is a risk of electrocution or where there are large numbers of members of the public.

Automatic defibrillators are designed to be used by trained or untrained persons. They should be located in an area that is clearly visible, accessible and not exposed to extreme temperatures. They should be clearly signed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Eye wash and shower equipment

Eye wash and shower equipment may be permanently fixed or portable, depending on the workplace. Eye wash equipment should be provided where there is a risk of hazardous chemicals or infectious substances causing eye injuries.

Immediate access should be provided to shower equipment in workplaces where there is a risk of:

· exposure to hazardous chemicals resulting in skin absorption or contamination from infectious substances

· serious burns to a large area of the face or body (including chemical or electrical burns or burns that are deep, in sensitive areas or greater than a 20 cent piece).

Shower facilities can consist of:

· an appropriate deluge facility

· a permanently rigged hand-held shower hose

· a portable plastic or rubber shower hose that is designed to be easily attached to a tap spout—for small, relatively low risk workplaces where a fixed deluge facility would not be reasonably practicable but the risk of serious burns is still foreseeable (for example, a fish and chip shop).

Portable, self-contained eye wash or shower units have their own flushing fluid which needs to be refilled or replaced after use. Further guidance is available in AS 4775 – Emergency eyewash and shower equipment.

3.4 First aid facilities

A risk assessment will help determine the type of first aid facilities needed. For example, a clean, quiet area within the workplace that affords privacy to an injured or ill person may be suitable and practicable for some workplaces.

Access to a telephone for contacting emergency services or an emergency call system should be provided as part of all first aid facilities.

First aid rooms

A first aid room should be established at the workplace if a risk assessment indicates that it would be difficult to administer appropriate first aid unless a first aid room is provided.

For example, workers who carry out work at workplaces where there is a higher risk of serious injury or illness occurring that would not only require immediate first aid, but also further treatment by an emergency service, may benefit from having access to a dedicated first aid room.

A first aid room is recommended for:

· low risk workplaces with 200 workers or more

· high risk workplaces with 100 workers or more.

The contents of a first aid room should suit the hazards that are specific to the workplace. The location and size of the room should allow easy access and movement of injured people who may need to be supported or moved by stretcher or wheelchair.

The following items should be provided in the room:

· a first aid kit appropriate for the workplace

· hygienic hand cleanser and disposable paper towels

· an examination couch with waterproof surface and disposable sheets

· an examination lamp with magnifier

· a cupboard for storage

· a container with disposable lining for soiled waste

· a container for the safe disposal of sharps

· a bowl or bucket (minimum two litres capacity)

· electric power points

· a chair and a table or desk

· a telephone and/or emergency call system

· the names and contact details of first aiders and emergency organisations.

A first aid room should:

· be located within easy access to a sink with hot and cold water (where this is not provided in the room) and toilet facilities

· offer privacy via screening or a door

· be easily accessible to emergency services (minimum door width of 1 metre for stretcher access)

· be well lit and ventilated

· have an appropriate floor area (14 square metres as a guide)

· have an entrance that is clearly marked with first aid signage.

Maintaining a first aid room should be allocated to a trained occupational first aider, except where this room is part of a health centre or hospital.

Health centres

Health centres staffed by a registered health practitioner (a doctor or nurse) or paramedic can provide emergency medical treatment and cater to the types of hazards in high risk workplaces. A health centre may be established in the workplace (e.g. at a large mine site) or, if readily available, external emergency services may be used.

If a health centre is located at the workplace, the facility should:

· be self-contained

· be located at ground level where possible in a quiet, clean area that is a safe distance from hazardous operations and clear of any general thoroughfare

· be convenient and accessible to workers at the times that they work and have an entrance clearly marked with health centre signage

· have walls, floors and ceilings that are made of impervious materials and are easy to clean

· have enough space to accommodate first aid equipment.

3.5 First aiders

Regulation 42: A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace or that workers have access to an adequate number of other people who have been trained to administer first aid.

First aid in the workplace can be provided in a number of ways:

· training one or more of your own workers to administer first aid

· arranging for a person who does not work for you to administer first aid to your workers provided they have been trained to do so. These may be first aiders of other businesses who share your workplace or other persons who are qualified to administer first aid. This will involve consulting, co-operating and co-ordinating the access arrangements with the other persons and ensuring that access is available at the times when your workers carry out work (e.g. taking into account any shift work).

Types of first aid training

First aiders should hold nationally recognised Statement/s of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit/s of competency.

Apply First Aid provides competencies required to recognise and respond to common life-threatening injuries or illnesses, including life-support using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to manage the casualty and incident until the arrival of medical or other assistance.

In low risk workplaces, first aiders are sufficiently trained if they can perform CPR and treat minor illnesses and injuries.

Apply Advanced First Aid – provides additional competencies required to apply advanced first aid procedures. This type of training is suitable for some high risk workplaces.

Manage First Aid in the Workplace (Occupational First Aid) – provides competencies required to apply advanced first aid procedures and to manage a first aid room.

Provide First Aid in Remote Situations – provides the competencies required to administer first aid in a remote and/or isolated situation, including preparing for aero-medical evacuation. This type of training is suitable for high risk workplaces that are likely to have a major delay in accessing emergency services.

Additional training for first aiders

First aiders should attend training on a regular basis to refresh their first aid knowledge and skills and to confirm their competence to provide first aid. Refresher training in CPR should be undertaken annually and first aid qualifications should be renewed every three years.

First aiders may also need to undertake additional first aid training to respond to specific situations at their workplace. For example, where workers have severe allergies, first aiders should be trained to respond to anaphylaxis if this topic has not been covered in previous first aid training.

Number of trained first aiders

The following ratios are recommended:

· low risk workplaces – one first aider for every 50 workers

· high risk workplaces – one first aider for every 25 workers.

The number and type of trained first aiders can be further refined by following the five-step guide below:

Step 1:

Identify the maximum number of workers at the workplace at any one time.

Step 2:

Consider the nature of the work being carried out at the workplace and determine if your workers are at a high risk of being exposed to hazards that could require immediate first aid treatment.

Step 3:

Determine if the workplace is remote or if access to emergency services is difficult. High risk workplaces that do not have timely access to medical and ambulance services should have at least one first aider for every 10 workers.

Step 4:

Consider the variety of ways that your workers carry out work, for example:

· if a worker spends most, if not all, of their time working alone and in transit i.e. their workplace is their vehicle and the places they visit in the course of their work (for example, couriers, taxi drivers, sales representatives, door-to-door charity collectors and inspectors)

· if a worker’s location varies on a regular basis and they often work without supervision (for example, tradespeople, construction workers in the housing industry, farm hands and cleaners)

· if a worker sometimes works alone for relatively short periods of time (for example, when opening or closing a business for trade or working back late to meet a deadline).

In these situations, it may not be practicable to have a first aider available at all times at the workplace. However, these workers must be able to access first aid assistance, for example by ensuring they are provided with:

· an effective means of contacting emergency services or first aiders

· information, instruction and training on how to respond if a serious injury or illness occurs.

Step 5:

Before finalising the number of first aiders your workers require access to, consider if there are any other factors that indicate that your workplace needs additional first aiders, for example:

· the arrangement of work (multiple shifts or overtime)

· seasonal work, where there may be a sudden and significant increase or decrease in the number of workers

· where there are large numbers of other persons present on a regular basis (e.g. schools, shopping centres, hotels and function centres)

· workplaces that have unique hazards such as fitness centres, amusement rides and dive schools

· access during times when a first aider is absent (e.g. annual leave).

3.6 First aid procedures

You should develop and implement first aid procedures to ensure that workers have a clear understanding of first aid in their workplace. The procedure should cover:

· the type of first aid kits and where they are located

· the location of first aid facilities such as first aid rooms

· who is responsible for the first aid kits and facilities and how frequently they should be checked and maintained

· how to establish and maintain appropriate communication systems (including equipment and procedures) to ensure rapid emergency communication with first aiders

· the communication equipment and systems to be used when first aid is required (especially for remote and isolated workers). These procedures should contain information about how to locate the communication equipment, who is responsible for the equipment and how it should be maintained

· the work areas and shifts that have been allocated to each first aider. These procedures should contain the names and contact details of each first aider

· arrangements to ensure first aiders receive appropriate training

· arrangements for ensuring that workers receive appropriate information, instruction and training in relation to first aid

· seeking information when a worker commences work about any first aid needs that may require specific treatment in a medical emergency, such as severe allergies. Information about a worker’s health must be kept confidential and only provided to first aiders with the worker’s consent

· how to report injuries and illnesses that may occur in the workplace

· practices to avoid exposure to blood and body substances – refer to Appendix D

· what to do when a worker or other person is too injured or ill to stay at work, for example if they require assistance with transport to a medical service, home or somewhere else where they can rest and recover

· access to debriefing or counselling services to support first aiders and workers after a serious workplace incident.

Record-keeping

A record of any first aid treatment given should be kept by the first aider and reported to managers on a regular basis to assist reviewing first aid arrangements. First aid treatment records are subject to requirements under Health Records legislation.

Procedures and plans for managing an emergency

Regulation 43: A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that an emergency plan is prepared for the workplace that provides procedures to respond effectively in an emergency.

The emergency procedures must include:

an effective response to an emergency situation

procedures for evacuating the workplace

notification of emergency services at the earliest opportunity

medical treatment and assistance, and

effective communication between the person authorised by the person conducting the business or undertaking to co-ordinate the emergency response and all persons at the workplace.

You may incorporate your first aid procedures into your emergency planning procedures.

Emergency procedures should specify the role of first aiders according to their level of qualification and competence. In particular, first aiders should be instructed not to exceed their training and expertise in first aid. Other staff, including supervisors, should be instructed not to direct first aiders to exceed their first aid training and expertise.

Further guidance on emergency plans and preparing emergency procedures is available in the Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

3.7 Providing first aid information

You must provide information about first aid to your workers so that they know what to do and who to contact if they are sick or injured.

Information should be easy to understand, accessible and should take into account the language and literacy levels of your workers. Information may be given using verbal methods (for example, explanations and demonstrations) or visual methods (for example, videos and posters).

The information and instruction on first aid should include:

· the location of first aid equipment and facilities

· the names and location of persons trained to administer first aid

· the procedures to be followed when first aid is required.

The information and instruction should be provided as part of workers’ induction training and when there are any changes, for example in the location of first aid facilities or in the names, locations or contact details of first aiders.

4. REVIEWING YOUR first aid REQUIREMENTS

You should regularly review your first aid arrangements in consultation with your workers to ensure they remain adequate and effective.

· Check that the people who have responsibilities under your first aid procedures are familiar with them.

· If the way work is performed is changed, or new work practices introduced, review first aid against a risk assessment to ensure the arrangements are still adequate.

· Organise a mock first aid emergency to check that first aid is effective. Check that kits and first aid rooms are accessible and suit the hazards that are unique to your workplace.

· If an incident has occurred that required first aid, evaluate the effectiveness of the first aid that was provided and make changes if necessary.

· If new information is obtained about a previously unidentified hazard, review the first aid measures you have put in place.

The following questions can assist you to review first aid and assess whether improvement is needed:

· Do the first aid kits and modules suit the hazards at your workplace?

· Are more first aid kits required?

· Are first aid kits accessible to workers?

· Are first aid kits well maintained and identifiable to workers?

· Is a first aid room or health centre required?

· Are first aid facilities well maintained?

· Do first aiders have the skills and competencies required of them and are their skills up-to-date?

· Do workers know how to access first aiders?

· Are more first aiders needed?

· Do workers have access to first aiders at all times?

· Do workers and other people know what to in an emergency situation?

· Is there easy access for emergency services, such as parking for an ambulance?

APPENDIX A – FIRST AID AND THE RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

APPENDIX B – EXAMPLE OF A FIRST AID ASSESSMENT

This assessment of first aid requirements is included as an example only. It does not reflect the consultative processes that must occur or detail the assessment of each identified hazard.

ABC Company - Office and manufacturing operation
*The size and location of the workplace*
Number of floors	2
Access between floors	Lifts and stairs
Nearest hospital	6 kilometres
Nearest medical or occupational health service	2 kilometres
Maximum time to medical service	15 minutes
*The number and composition of the workers and other persons at the workplace*
Number of workers	80 (15 office / 65 factory)
Number of other persons	2 to 5 visitors per day
Shifts	3
Overtime worked	Yes – regularly
Remote or isolated workers	None
*Injuries, illnesses and incidents*
Last 12 months’ claims data	5 × abrasions 3 × falls
Incidents not resulting in injury	Incident where a trolley carrying disinfectants overturned
Other	Worker handling a solvent reported symptoms of eye irritation and dizziness

*Nature of the work being carried out and the nature of the hazards at the workplace*
Hazards	How the hazard could cause harm		Likelihood of occurrence and degree of harm
· Hazardous chemicals: Solvents Disinfectants · Noise · Manual handling	· Respiratory illnesses, cancers and dermatitis · Hearing damage · Muscular strain		· Possible risk of daily exposure to hazardous chemicals for 2 cleaners. Good ventilation is provided. Protective equipment such as gloves and aprons are used by workers. · Possible risk of daily exposure to noise for 65 factory workers. Low noise emitting machines have been purchased. Protective equipment such as ear plugs is used by workers. · Low risk of daily exposure to manual handling risks. Mechanical aids, work station alterations and systems of work significantly eliminate and reduce risk.
Do safety data sheets and labels specify a first aid response?			Yes – seek medical assistance if chemicals are inhaled or ingested
*Required first aid*
Number of first aiders needed		9 – minimum 3 per shift (1 for office and 2 for the plant)
Training and competencies for first aiders		Applied First Aid: providing competencies to recognise and respond to common life-threatening injuries or illnesses using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid procedures, and provide appropriate first aid for a range of injuries and illnesses.
Number and location of kits		5 kits: one on the office floor and four on the factory floor
Contents of first aid kits and modules		Standard workplace kit, with burns module and eye module
Kit maintenance		Tasked to 6 first aiders

APPENDIX C – Example of contents FOR A FIRST aid kit

For most workplaces, a first aid kit should include the following items:

Item	Kit contents
Item	Quantity
Instructions for providing first aid – including Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) flow chart	1
Note book and pen	1
Resuscitation face mask or face shield	1
Disposable nitrile examination gloves	5 pairs
Gauze pieces 7.5 x 7.5 cm, sterile (3 per pack)	5 packs
Saline (15 ml)	8
Wound cleaning wipe (single 1% Cetrimide BP)	10
Adhesive dressing strips – plastic or fabric (packet of 50)	1
Splinter probes (single use, disposable)	10
Tweezers/forceps	1
Antiseptic liquid/spray (50 ml)	1
Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 5 x 5 cm (small)	6
Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 7.5 x 10 cm (medium)	3
Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 10 x 10 cm (large)	1
Conforming cotton bandage, 5 cm width	3
Conforming cotton bandage, 7.5 cm width	3
Crepe bandage 10 cm (for serious bleeding and pressure application)	1
Scissors	1
Non-stretch, hypoallergenic adhesive tape – 2.5 cm wide roll	1
Safety pins (packet of 6)	1
BPC wound dressings No. 14, medium	1
BPC wound dressings No. 15, large	1
Dressing – Combine Pad 9 x 20 cm	1
Plastic bags - clip seal	1
Triangular bandage (calico or cotton minimum width 90 cm)	2
Emergency rescue blanket (for shock or hypothermia)	1
Eye pad (single use)	4
Access to 20 minutes of clean running water or (if this is not available) hydro gel (3.5 gm sachets)	5
Instant ice pack (e.g. for treatment of soft tissue injuries and some stings).	1

Medication, including analgesics such as paracetamol and aspirin, should not be included in first aid kits because of their potential to cause adverse health effects in some people including asthmatics, pregnant women and people with medical conditions. The supply of these medications may also be controlled by drugs and poisons laws. Workers requiring prescribed and over-the-counter medications should carry their own medication for their personal use as necessary.

Some types of workplaces may require additional items to treat specific types of injuries or illnesses.

Outdoor work

If work is performed outside and there is a risk of insect or plant stings or snake bites, assess whether the following items should also be included in the first aid kit:

a heavy duty crepe bandage

sting relief cream, gel or spray.

Remote work

Where people work in remote locations, a first aid kit should include:

a heavy duty crepe bandage 10 cm (for snake bites)

large clean sheeting (for covering burns)

thermal blanket (for treating shock)

whistle (for attracting attention)

torch/flashlight.

The appropriate contents will vary according to the nature of the work and its associated risks.

Burn injuries

If your workers are at risk of receiving burns, you should include the following items:

burn treatment instructions on two water-proof instruction cards: one for the first aid kit and the other to be located on the wall next to the emergency shower or water supply

hydro gel (8 × 3.5 gram sachets)

hydro gel dressings

clean polythene sheets (small, medium and large)

7.5cm cotton conforming bandage.

APPENDIX D – Standard precautions for infection control

First aiders should take standard precautions to avoid becoming ill and exposing others to illness when handling blood or body substances. Standard precautions are work practices that are applied to all patients and their blood and body substances, regardless of their infectious status, to ensure a basic level of infection prevention and control. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, appropriate handling and disposal of sharps and waste, cleaning techniques and managing spills of blood and body substances.

Providing first aid safely

Before providing first aid to an injured or ill person, first aiders should assume they could be exposed to infection. First aiders should wash their hands with soap and water or apply alcohol-based hand rub before and after administering first aid. First aiders should also wear personal protective equipment to prevent contact with blood and body substances, including disposable gloves. Eye protection, a mask and protective clothing may also be necessary if splashes of blood or body substances are likely to occur.

You should establish procedures to avoid workers becoming ill and exposing others to illness when handling blood or body substances. Procedures could include:

proper hand hygiene practices

how to handle and dispose of sharps

how to clean surfaces and reusable equipment

how to manage spills and handle and clean soiled laundry

how to handle and dispose of waste

when to use personal protective equipment, for example, using resuscitation masks for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

First aiders should be aware of what to do if they have accidental contact with blood or body substances, a sharps injury or contact with a person known to have a contagious illness. Any part of the body that comes in contact with blood or body substances should be washed with soap and water immediately. Prompt medical advice should be obtained.

All first aiders should be offered hepatitis B virus vaccination.

Contaminated items

All items that are soiled with blood or body substances should be placed in plastic bags and tied securely. Waste disposal should comply with any state or local government requirements.

Sharps, including scissors and tweezers, that have become contaminated with blood or body substances should be disposed of in a rigid-walled, puncture-resistant sharps container by the person that used them. The materials, design, construction, colour and markings of sharps containers should comply with:

AS 4031-1992 – Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharp medical items used in health care areas

AS/NZS 4261 – Reusable containers for the collection of sharp items used in human and animal medical applications.

If a first aider sustains a sharps injury or thinks they are at risk of infection from blood or bodily fluid contamination, they should seek prompt medical advice.

Cleaning spills

Cleaning should commence as soon as possible after an incident involving blood or body substances has occurred. First aiders should wear disposable gloves when cleaning spills and if splashes of blood or body substances may occur, additional protective equipment such as eye protection, plastic aprons and masks should be worn. Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood or body substances should be wiped with paper towelling and cleaned with warm soapy water. It is generally unnecessary to use sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) for managing spills but it may be used in specific circumstances, for example if the surface is hard to clean.

APPENDIX 2 -CONSTRUCTION WORK

Code of Practice

Table of Contents

FOReWORD

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Key terms used in this Code

1.2 Who has health and safety duties relating to construction work?

2. DUTIES RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION WORK

2.1 Specific duties

2.2 What is required to manage risks in construction work?

3. MANAGING RISKS WITH CONSTRUCTION WORK

3.1 Identifying hazards

3.2 Assessing the risks

3.3 Controlling the risks

3.4 Reviewing control measures

4. SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENTS (SWMS)

4.1 What is a SWMS?

4.2 Preparing a SWMS

4.3 Implementing a SWMS

4.4 Reviewing a SWMS

5. WHS MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

5.1 What is a WHS management plan?

5.2 Preparing a WHS management plan

5.3 Implementing the WHS management plan

5.4 Reviewing and revising a WHS management plan

6. INFORMATION, TRAINING, INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION

6.1 General construction induction training

6.2 Workplace specific training

6.3 Other training

6.4 Supervision

7. GENERAL WORKPLACE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

7.1 The work environment

7.2 Facilities at a construction workplace

7.3 First aid

7.4 Emergency planning

7.5 Personal protective equipment

7.6 Falling objects

APPENDIX a – SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT TEMPLATE

APPENDIX b – SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT EXAMPLE

APPENDIX d – HOUSING CONSTRUCTION WORKPLACE FACILITIES

FOReWORD

This Code of Practice for construction work is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act (the WHS Act).

An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety and welfare required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulations (the WHS Regulations).

An inspector may refer to an approved code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice.

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This Code provides guidance to principal contractors and other persons conducting a business or undertaking who carry out construction work on how to meet the health and safety requirements under the WHS Act and Regulations relating to construction work.

This Code should be read in conjunction with other codes of practice on specific hazards and control measures relevant to the construction industry including:

Demolition Work

Excavation Work

Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces

Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work

Preventing Falls in Housing Construction

Confined Spaces

Hazardous Manual Tasks

How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace,

How to Safely Remove Asbestos.

How to use this Code of Practice

In providing guidance, the word ‘should’ is used in this Code to indicate a recommended course of action, while ‘may’ is used to indicate an optional course of action.

This Code also includes various references to sections of the WHS Act and Regulations which set out the legal requirements. These references are not exhaustive. The words ‘must’, ‘requires’ or ‘mandatory’ indicate that a legal requirement exists and must be complied with.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Key terms used in this Code

To understand what construction work is and what the related duties are, there are a number of key terms specified in the WHS Act and Regulations and within this Code. Some of the key terms include:

construction work

structure

high risk construction work,

construction project.

What is construction work?

Regulation 289: Construction work is defined as any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure.

Construction work includes the following:

any installation or testing carried out in connection with an activity referred to in the above definition

the removal from the workplace of any product or waste resulting from demolition

the prefabrication or testing of elements, at a place specifically established for the construction work, for use in construction work

the assembly of prefabricated elements to form a structure, or the disassembly of prefabricated elements forming part of a structure

the installation, testing or maintenance of an essential service in relation to a structure

any work connected with an excavation

any work connected with any preparatory work or site preparation (including landscaping as part of site preparation) carried out in connection with an activity referred to in the above definition

an activity referred to in the above definition that is carried out on, under or near water, including work on buoys and obstructions to navigation.

However, construction work does not include any of the following:

the manufacture of plant

the prefabrication of elements, other than at a place specifically established for the construction work for use in the construction work, for example making precast concrete panels or roof trusses at a workshop of a person conducting a business or undertaking

who is not involved in the construction work

the construction or assembly of a structure that, once constructed or assembled, is intended to be transported to another place, for example mobile or prefabricated homes

testing, maintenance or repair work of a minor nature carried out in connection with a structure, for example:

o undertaking regular inspections of a building’s fire equipment or lifts

o replacing or repairing a sprinkler or smoke detector

o replacing carpet in an office

o servicing or minor repair of an air-conditioning system or solar panel unit

o regular testing and repair of pressure piping

mining or the exploration for or extraction of minerals, for example:

o extracting sand or rock from a quarry or an open-cut mine

o removing overburden at an open-cut mine.

Examples of construction work may include:

removing an internal office wall

building, fitting out or refitting an office building

building a driveway crossover

repointing a tile roof.

Construction work also includes the following activities as listed in the table below:

Activity	Examples
Any installation or testing carried out in connection with an activity referred to in the above definition of construction work	· Installing an alarm system in a building during the fit-out phase of its construction · Testing an electrical installation in a high-rise building under construction (but testing, maintenance and repair work is not covered if the floor has been completed and handed over to the building owner with a certificate of occupancy, unless it is fixing defects arising from the construction work)
The removal from the workplace of any product or waste resulting from demolition	· Loading trucks, waste bins and rubbish skips with demolition waste.
The prefabrication or testing of elements, at a place specifically established for the construction work, for use in construction work	· Making concrete panels or roof trusses at the construction site · Preparing bitumen at a bitumen plant specifically established for road construction work · Undertaking on-site concrete batch testing.
The assembly or disassembly of prefabricated elements to form a structure or part of a structure	· Constructing a factory using precast concrete panels · Dismantling a prefabricated building · Installing prefabricated power poles · Installing bridge beams.
Any work connected with an excavation Any work connected with any preparatory work or site preparation (including landscaping as part of site preparation) carried out in connection with an activity referred to in the above definition of construction work	· Preparatory site clearing, benching or levelling done before construction · Soil-testing the ground for design purposes before construction of a structure · Installing an in-ground swimming pool or spa · Doing excavations while constructing a golf course · Assembling temporary fencing for a building site · Carrying out remediation excavation work on a contaminated site.
The installation, testing or maintenance of an essential service in relation to a structure	· Roughing-in telephone, television and internet cables · Major drainage repair works · Installing a grey water recycling system · Installing solar heating units.
An activity referred to in the above definition of construction work that is carried out on, under or near water, including work on buoys and obstructions to navigation	· Dredging to prepare for the erection of a structure · Re-piling jetties and piers · Driving navigation markers into the seabed.

‘In connection with’ means related to or associated with construction. Contracts covering a project are a good guide to what activities are done in connection with construction. Examples may include:

work by architects or engineers in on-site offices or conducting on-site inspections, but not architects or engineers working in offices away from the construction site

work by a mechanic on an excavator on-site and not in an isolated service area

delivering building materials to different points on the site, but not making deliveries to a single designated delivery area

excavating for a basement garage

testing fire equipment on the construction site

supervisors and manager moving around the site to monitor work

surveying a site after construction has started, but not surveying a Greenfield site before construction has started

traffic control on a construction site.

What is a structure?

The WHS Act defines a structure as anything that is constructed, whether fixed or moveable, temporary or permanent. A structure includes:

buildings, masts, towers, framework, pipelines, transport infrastructure and underground works (shafts or tunnels), for example noise reduction barriers on a freeway, communications masts or towers, electricity transmission towers and associated cables, flying cables and supports, guyed towers such as a ski-lift tower

any component of a structure

part of a structure.

Examples of a structure include the following:

a roadway or pathway

a ship or submarine

foundations, earth retention works and other earthworks, including river works and sea defence works

formwork, falsework or any other structure designed or used to provide support, access or containment during construction work, for example a prop or formwork system

an airfield

a dock, harbour, channel, bridge, viaduct, lagoon or dam

a sewer or sewerage or drainage works, for example storm water drains, sheet piling to divert the course of a river or to build a cofferdam, underground storage tanks for an irrigation system, road tunnels, ventilation or access shaft for underground services.

Chapter 6 of the WHS Regulations (i.e. the Construction Work chapter) does not apply to plant unless:

the plant is:

o a ship or submarine

o a pipe or pipeline

o an underground tank

o designed or used to provide support, access or containment during work in connection with construction work

work on the plant relates to work that is carried out in connection with construction work

the plant is fixed plant on which outage work or overhaul work that involves or may involve work being carried out by five or more persons conducting businesses or undertakings at any point in time.

What is high risk construction work?

Regulation 291: High risk construction work is defined as construction work that:

involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, for example installing an evaporative cooler on the roof of a double-storey building.

is carried out on a telecommunication tower, for example installing equipment on a telecommunications tower

involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure, for example knocking down load-bearing walls as part of a warehouse conversion.

involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos, for example removing floor tiles containing asbestos as part of a building refurbishment or cutting or drilling into an asbestos cement sheet wall

involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse, for example using props to support a ceiling where a load-bearing wall will be removed

is carried out in or near a confined space

is carried out in or near a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres or is carried out in or near a tunnel, for example laying or repairing pipes and conduits in a 2-metre trench, testing drainage pipes in a 2-metre trench, building a tunnel in the course of constructing an underground railway or road

involves the use of explosives, for example blasting in preparation for the construction of a building or road, breaking up rock during construction of foundations

is carried out on or near:

o pressurised gas distribution mains or piping

o chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines

o energised electrical installations or services

‘Near’ in the above circumstances means close enough that there is a risk of hitting or puncturing the mains, piping, electrical installation or service. High-risk construction work
is not limited to electrical safety ‘no-go zones’. Electrical installations do not include power leads and electrically powered tools. Some examples of high-risk construction work include working near overhead or underground power lines and construction work that involves drilling into a wall where live electrical wiring may be present.

is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere, for example demolishing a petrol station and removing old tanks, decommissioning plant and removing pipework that may contain residue of hazardous chemicals

involves tilt-up or precast concrete, for example building a factory using tilt-up panels or installing a precast drainage pit

is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians, for example building an additional lane on a road or installing drainage that involves digging up part of the road

is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant, for example working in an area of a construction site that is not isolated from the movement of skid steer loaders, telehandlers, backhoes, mobile cranes or trucks

is carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature, for example construction work in an operating cool room or freezer or construction work alongside an operating boiler

is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning, for example constructing a bridge over a river or restoring a wharf, or

involves diving work, for example divers undertaking structural repairs to jetties, piers or marinas.

What is a construction project?

Regulation 292: A construction project is a project that involves construction work where the cost of the construction work is $250,000 or more.

Valuing construction work

A construction project covers all the activities involved in the construction work. The cost of construction work can be determined by the contract price for carrying out the work. The kinds of costs that would be included are:

project management costs associated with the work

the costs of fittings and furnishings, including any refitting or refurbishing associated with the work (except where the work involves an enlargement, expansion or intensification of a current use of land)

any taxes, levies or charges (other than GST) paid or payable in connection with the work by or under any law.

The cost of the construction work would not include:

the cost of the land on which the development is to be carried out

the costs associated with marketing or financing the development (including interest on any loans)

the costs associated with legal work carried out or to be carried out in connection with the development.

1.2 Who has health and safety duties relating to construction work?

Everyone involved in construction work has health and safety duties when carrying out the work.

The primary duty under the WHS Act requires a person conducting a business or undertaking to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.

The complexity of construction work, however, means that there are a number of businesses or undertakings with duties relating to construction work, ranging from a person conducting a business or undertaking who:

designs the building or structure

commissions the construction work

is a principal contractor

has management or control of a workplace at which construction work is carried out

carries out high risk construction work.

There are also other duty holders that have responsibilities under the WHS Act and Regulations including:

officers (e.g. company directors)

workers

other persons (e.g visitors to construction sites).

It is common in the construction industry for a person to have dual roles. For example, contractors and subcontractors can be persons conducting a business or undertaking but they may also be workers.

This is recognised in the WHS Act, which provides that a person can have more than one duty by virtue of being in more than one class of duty holder.

The WHS Act provides that more than one person can have the same duty and requires that such persons comply with those duties to the standard required, even if another duty holder has the same duty. This is, however, qualified by the extent to which the person has the capacity to influence and control the matter or would have had that capacity but for an agreement or arrangement purporting to limit or remove that capacity.

The WHS Act requires such duty holders to consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with all other persons who have a duty in relation to the same matter, so far as is reasonably practicable. While this is a specific obligation under the WHS Act, it can also be seen as a practical way in which dual duty holders can ensure that they each fulfil their obligations under the WHS Act

and Regulations.

At any one time there is generally a number of business operators working at a construction site. Some of these people will have the same duties under the WHS Act and Regulations. For example, each contractor or subcontractor at the site who is a person conducting a business or undertaking will have the same duties under the WHS Act and Regulations.

2. DUTIES RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION WORK

2.1 Specific duties

Designers

The WHS Act defines a designer as a person conducting a business or undertaking that designs a structure that is to be used as, or could reasonably be expected to be used as or at, a workplace. There may be multiple designers who are involved in the design of a structure and have the same duties, for example architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, structural engineers and hydraulic engineers. A builder could also be considered to be a designer if they are involved in altering the design for a building, even after construction work has commenced.

The WHS Act requires a designer to:

so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that the structure is designed to be without risks to the health and safety of persons who:

o at a workplace, use the structure for a purpose for which it was designed

o construct the structure at a workplace

o carry out any reasonably foreseeable activity at the workplace in relation to the manufacture, assembly or use of the structure for a purpose for which it was designed or the proper demolition or disposal of the structure

o are at or in the vicinity of a workplace and who are exposed to the structure at the workplace or whose health may be affected by a use or activity referred to in the preceding dot points

carry out, or arrange for the carrying out of, any calculations, analysis, testing or examination that may be necessary for the performance of their duties

give adequate information to each person who is provided with the design for the purpose of giving effect to it concerning:

o each purpose for which the structure was designed

o the results of any calculations, analysis, testing or examination

o any conditions necessary to ensure that the structure is without risks to health and safety when used for a purpose for which it was designed or when carrying out any activity referred to above

on request, so far as is reasonably practicable, give current relevant information on the matters referred to above to a person who carries out or is to carry out any of the activities referred to above.

The WHS Regulations require a designer of a structure, or any part of a structure that is to be constructed, to give the person conducting a business or undertaking who commissioned the design a written report that specifies the hazards relating to the design of the structure that, so far as the designer is reasonably aware:

create a risk to the health or safety of persons who are to carry out any construction work on the structure or plant

are associated only with the particular design and not with other designs of the same type of structure.

Person conducting a business or undertaking who commissions construction work

Under the WHS Regulations, the person conducting a business or undertaking who commissions construction work will usually be the principal contractor. An owner-builder who is a person conducting a business or undertaking may also be the person who commissions construction work.

While there may be persons who represent the person who commissions the construction work or a construction project and coordinate the commissioning (e.g project managers, construction managers, architects or engineers), the person who actually commissions the work will remain the duty holder.

The WHS Regulations require a person conducting a business or undertaking who commissions construction work in relation to a structure to:

consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the designer of the whole or any part of the structure about how to ensure that risks to health and safety arising from the design during the construction work are eliminated, so far as is reasonably practicable, or if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risks, minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. Such consultation must include giving the designer any information that the person has in relation to the hazards and risks at the workplace where the construction work is to be carried out

take all reasonable steps to obtain a copy of the designer’s safety report if they did not themselves commission the design of the construction project

if they engage another person as principal contractor, give the principal contractor any information they have in relation to hazards and risks at or in the vicinity of the workplace where the construction work is to be carried out.

Principal contractor

Under the WHS Regulations, each construction project (i.e. construction work valued at $250,000 or more) must have a principal contractor appointed. There can only be one principal contractor for a construction project at any one time.

The person conducting a business or undertaking that commissions a construction project is the principal contractor, unless the person appoints another person conducting a business or undertaking to be the principal contractor and authorises such person to have management or control of the workplace and discharges the duties of the principal contractor.

A principal contractor can be a sole proprietor of a business or undertaking (e.g. an owner-builder), a company or a partnership. In the case of a company, the company has the duties of the principal contractor rather than the individual managers who are employed by the company. In the case

of a partnership, each partner is responsible for the duties of the principal contractor.

An individual person, for example the owner of residential premises who wishes to have construction work carried out in relation to the premises, will not be a principal contractor unless they are conducting a business or undertaking. They can engage a person conducting a business or undertaking to carry out a construction project in relation to the residential premises and that person will be the principal contractor.

Figure 2: Blasting chamber

Temporary enclosures

Temporary enclosures should be used when the object or structure to be blasted is unable to be transported or too large for a blasting chamber. Temporary enclosure should also be used for fixed structures such as bridges or water tanks.

Where monitoring indicates that persons in surrounding areas may be exposed to dust levels in excess of the exposure standards, they should be excluded from the area where possible by warning signs and barricading, or provided with PPE.

Regardless of the control measures chosen, you must ensure that no-one at the workplace is exposed to dust levels in an airborne concentration that exceeds the relevant exposure standard.

Further information on blasting cabinets, blasting chambers and temporary enclosures can be found in Section 3.4 of this Code.

Administrative controls

Exclusion zones

Although open air blasting activities are not recommended, there may be occasions when there is no alternative. In these circumstances, exclusion zones (also known as buffer zones) should be used to protect workers and other persons in the vicinity from exposure to hazardous dust (see Figure 3). Exclusion zones may also be used in conjunction with blasting chambers and temporary enclosures.

The size of the exclusion zone should be determined after assessing the risk to all unprotected people. The prevailing conditions at the time of blasting should be taken into account, for example, the exclusion zone may need to be extended down-wind.

An exclusion zone should be established and maintained to exclude workers and other persons who are not wearing respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Warning signs should be located

so that they are clearly visible before entering the area.

Signs should warn that:

abrasive blasting is in progress and that there is a dust hazard
access to the area is restricted to authorised persons
RPE should be worn in the exclusion zone.

Where an exclusion zone interferes with other activities at a workplace, other workers should only work within the exclusion zone after being provided with RPE.

Figure 3: Exclusion Zone

Scheduling abrasive blasting activities

The number of people who will be exposed to dust should be reduced by:

shifting the site of abrasive blasting away from other workers

scheduling blasting outside normal working hours

ceasing blasting in windy conditions

stopping other work on a site and clearing people while blasting is taking place.

Housekeeping

Drift from abrasive blasting can be harmful not only to workers but also to members of the public. Good housekeeping can minimise the risk of exposure.

While other control measures should prevent dust escaping from the area where blasting is being done, any dust or residue that does make its way into the workplace should be removed as soon as practicable after blasting has finished. This includes the surfaces in an exclusion zone.

Where practicable, accumulated dust should be removed using wet cleaning methods, or High Efficiency filter vacuum methods.

Because workers undertaking cleaning work may be exposed to dust levels that exceed the exposure standard, they should wear PPE.

Facilities

Decontamination facilities should be provided to allow workers to shower and change clothes after the completion of blasting. Many types of dust (particularly lead dust) may enter the body by ingestion. It is therefore important that workers take care with personal hygiene by washing hands and face prior to eating or drinking. A clean area, separated from the blast site, should be provided for consuming food.

Further guidance on the type of facilities that should be provided is available in the Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

Personal protective equipment

PPE should include:

an airline respirator of the hood or helmet type, fitted with an inner bib and a high visibility shoulder cape

protective clothing (a jacket or protective suit)

protective gloves (canvas or leather)protective footwear

personal hearing protectors.

Regulation 44: If personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be used at the workplace, the person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure that the equipment is selected to minimise risk to health and safety including by ensuring that the equipment is:

suitable for the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work

a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the person wearing it

maintained, repaired or replaced so it continues to minimise the risk

used or worn by the worker, so far as is reasonably practicable.

A person conducting a business or undertaking who directs the carrying out of work must provide the worker with information, training and instruction in the proper use and wearing of personal protective equipment; and the storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

A worker must, so far as reasonably able, wear the PPE in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction and must not intentionally misuse or damage the equipment.

As abrasive blasting is a high hazard activity, some PPE should always be worn regardless of other control measures in place.

Respiratory protection

Workers engaged in abrasive blasting should be supplied with and wear an airline positive pressure hood or helmet fitted with an inner bib and a high visibility shoulder cape, jacket or protective suit.

Respirator helmets must be supplied with breathing air of an adequate quality. If the air is supplied from compressed air cylinders, the source should be fitted with an alarm device that warns the wearer or an attendant when the cylinder pressure falls below a predetermined level. For information on air quality refer to AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

Any air-fed respirator should have an alarm that warns and logs the incidence of carbon monoxide gas.

An air purifying respirator should also be worn by the pot attendant and any other person within the work area while abrasive blasting is in progress, during maintenance or repair work or during the clean-up of dust. For further information refer to AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices.

Care should be taken to ensure breathing air lines cannot be run over by vehicles or damaged by the blasting process. Air intakes to breathing air compressors should be situated well away from sources of contaminants, particularly exhaust gases from mobile liquid fuel engines, or areas where exhaust fumes may accumulate.

Respirators should be fitted for each person individually and if one is to be used by another operator, it should be disinfected and refitted before use. The tightness of all connections and the condition of the face piece, headbands and valves should be checked before each use.

Respirators should be selected, fitted, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. For further information also refer to AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

Protective clothing

To keep out dust and abrasive grit, protective suits or clothing should be worn and should have leather or elastic straps at the wrist and ankles and overlapping flaps at all suit closures.

Protective gloves should be industrial safety gloves or mittens of an appropriate material to reduce penetration of particulate matter. For further information refer to AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves.

Protective footwear should be made of material which reduces penetration from particulate matter, and where appropriate, should be waterproof. For further information refer to AS/NZS 2210: Occupational protective footwear.

If disposable clothing is worn, the clothing should be appropriately disposed of after use, without risk to the safety and health of others.

Helmets and eye protection

Helmets will provide protection from flying fragments to the eyes, head and neck.

Helmets should not be held or hung up by the air feed hose, dropped or left in areas where they might be exposed to dust and dirt or be subject to distortion. After removing the helmet, dust should be vacuumed and the cleaned helmet placed in an airtight plastic bag. It should be stored in a dust-free area, away from direct sunlight. At least once a week, the inside of the helmet should be washed with warm water and mild detergent.

The helmet cape requires frequent inspection, periodic cleaning and immediate replacement if damaged. You should never use tape to repair holes or worn areas. The inner collar should be replaced when the elastic becomes stretched out of shape.

For further information on the selection, use and maintenance of helmets refer to AS/NZS 1800: Occupational protective helmets – selection, care and use.

Protective eye equipment includes safety glasses, goggles, face shields, hoods or helmets with lenses designed to withstand medium to high velocity impact by flying objects. For further information refer to AS/NZS 1336 Recommended practices for occupational eye protection and AS/NZS 1337: Eye protectors for industrial applications.

Maintenance of PPE

The WHS Regulations require that PPE is maintained, repaired or replaced so as to ensure that it continues to be effective. A maintenance program should include procedures for:

daily cleaning and inspection of PPE by the worker for wear and damage

identification and repair or replacement of any worn or defective components of equipment

regular periodic inspection, maintenance and testing of respiratory protective equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

regular periodic testing of breathing air quality, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or, where manufacturer’s instructions are not available, the instructions of a competent person.

3.3 Particulate matter

Identifying particulate matter

Particulate matter is small particles or pieces of the substrate being blasted, or of the blasting medium which are generated during abrasive blasting. Particulate matter can also include water.

Workers carrying out abrasive blasting can be struck by particulate matter. Serious injuries or death can result from being struck by particulate matter discharged under high pressure.

Common injuries include:

eye damage

severe lacerations

burns

skin penetration.

Assessing the risks

You should observe workers undertaking abrasive blasting. This will allow you to see if they are following correct procedures and using the PPE provided. The risk of sustaining a serious injury from particulate matter is increased when:

blasting in a confined space

working in an elevated position

the operator is out of the line of sight of a pot tender or there is no dedicated pot tender who can provide assistance if required.

Controlling the risks

Isolation

Abrasive blasting activities should be isolated from other workplace activities to minimise the possibility of workers being struck by particulate matter. This can be done by using blasting chambers, blasting cabinets, temporary enclosures and exclusion zones.

Abrasive blasting plant can also incorporate guards to reduce the possibility of particulate matter striking the operator.

Engineering controls

Abrasive blasting equipment should be fitted with a fast acting self-actuating cut-off device under the direct control of the nozzle operator that will immediately stop the flow of abrasive material.

The device most commonly used is called a ‘dead man control’ (see Figure 4).

Figure 4: Nozzle with dead man control

Using a blast machine without a dead man control (under the direct control of the operator) is dangerous and may result in serious injury or death.

The dead man control is usually attached to the nozzle. When the nozzle is dropped, the air supply shuts off and prevents the hose from whipping and injuring the worker and the abrasive material firing at the operator or other people nearby. For more information on dead man controls, refer to the following section on abrasive blasting plant and equipment.

Administrative controls

When blasting, the nozzle should only be pointed at the work. A blast nozzle should never be pointed at any person. Blast hoses should be uncoiled when in use and operators should be adequately trained in the use and maintenance of this equipment.

PPE

Workers exposed to high velocity particulate material should wear suitable PPE to protect against flying abrasive particles. The PPE should include:

eye protection

protective gloves (canvas or leather)

protective footwear

protective clothing (overalls, long trousers, blast suits, aprons)

3.4 Abrasive blasting plant and equipment

Persons conducting businesses or undertakings who have management or control of plant at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant is without risks to the health and safety of any person.

Designers of plant must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant is designed to be without risks to the health and safety of persons.

When purchasing abrasive blasting plant and equipment you should ensure that safety features have been incorporated into the design. The following information must be passed on from the designer through to the manufacturer and supplier to the end user:

the purpose for which plant was designed or manufactured

the results of any calculations, analysis, testing or examination

any conditions necessary to ensure the safe use of the plant.

A supplier must give this information to each person who receives the plant (which may be in the form of a manufacturer’s manual).

Air compressors and blast pots

All valves should be of a rating equivalent to that of the pressure vessel and be correctly attached. A safety relief valve should be fitted on the compressor or air supply system and regularly checked. Further information on the design of pressure vessels can be found in AS/NZS 1200: Pressure equipment.

Blow-down procedures (if applicable), should be developed and implemented. Never exceed the rated working pressure as this may lead to explosion.

A muffler should be attached to blast pots to minimise the noise from escaping air when the machine is depressurised.

Portable blast pots should have wheels and be ergonomically designed.

Planned inspection and routine maintenance should be carried out by a competent person. Further information can be found in AS/NZS 378: Pressure equipment – In-service inspection, and the manufacturer's instructions.

Nozzle

Where dry blasting is being conducted, an efficient means for the discharge of static electrical charge from the blast nozzle and the object being blasted should be provided.

The nozzle lining and threads should be checked for wear and damage. Use nozzle washers, and replace them when they show signs of wear.

Dead man controls (also known as fast acting automatic cut-off device)

Abrasive blasting equipment should be fitted with an automatic cut-off device (deadman control) near the blast nozzle so that it is under direct control of the nozzle operator to quickly stop the flow of abrasive material to the nozzle.

Dead man controls can be either pneumatic or electric. Pneumatic controls are only suitable for distances up to 40 metres because the response time increases with distance. Electric controls are recommended for distances over 40 metres as they respond almost instantly and response times do not increase with distance. Dead man controls are subjected to rough treatment because they are located at the nozzle which results in damage and rapid wear. Deadman controls (especially the lever and lever lock) should be inspected and tested several times each working day. Moving parts should be cleaned regularly to prevent jamming. You should also:

replace the rubber buttons and seals as necessary to prevent air escaping and abrasive from entering

inspect and clean control hose line fittings before connecting them to prevent dust and dirt clogging air passageways throughout the system which can damage control valve cylinder walls.

You should never modify, remove or substitute parts and never tape down or prevent free movement of the control handle. This defeats the safety purpose of the remote control system

and may cause serious injury if an uncontrolled nozzle is dropped.

Blast hoses, hose whips and couplings

Hoses should be constructed with anti-static rubber linings or fitted with an earth wire or similar mechanism to prevent electric shock. Static electricity may build up in dry blasting operations, from abrasive blasting equipment and/or from the surfaces being blasted. Static electricity can shock workers and create an ignition source, with the potential for explosion if there is a combustible atmosphere (for example, an atmosphere containing metal dust, organic abrasive or fine paint particles). You should ensure that:

hoses or couplings are purpose designed

the rated working pressure of a blast hose is not exceeded

the hose from the pot to the blast nozzle is kept as straight as possible.

In situations where a hose needs to be curved around an object, a long radius curve should be used. The use of sharp curves may create rapid wear on the hose, leading to the possibility of the hose malfunctioning

blasting does not take place with a coiled hose

hose whip checks or hose coupling safety locks or both are fitted to hoses

safety cables are used to support the weight of elevated hoses

pin holes are not taped in the blast hose. The hole will enlarge quickly and will cause a blow-out

blast hoses are coiled and stored away from water, oil and chemicals to prevent rotting

coupling fit is checked

screws provided by the coupling manufacturer are used

the hose end fits uniformly flush with the coupling shoulder

nozzle holders and couplings fit snugly on the blast hose. Reject those that are loose

hoses that have a damaged outer cover are replaced

all hoses or lines are positioned in locations where they are not subject to damage, fouling or restrictions

hoses, hose whips and couplings are inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Blasting cabinets

Blasting cabinets should be used for blasting small objects. The cabinets should be constructed from an abrasive resistant, non-combustible material and should also:

have a sealed window so that the operator can view the object being cleaned

be fitted with a dust extraction/collection system which has a sufficient air change rate to increase visibility and keep dust exposures less than the relevant exposure standards when the cabinet is opened

have a dust tight light fixture, and

have interlocked doors to eliminate the possibility of the machine being operated while the door is open.

In conjunction with the air change rate, a suitable clearing time should also be allowed before opening the cabinet.

Cabinets should be regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, especially in relation to gloves, gasket, door seals and structural integrity.

Blasting chambers

Blasting chambers should be constructed from an abrasive resistant, non-combustible material designed to prevent the escape of dust and minimise internal projections on which dust may settle.

Blasting chambers should have a mechanical exhaust system that effectively extracts the dust from the blasting chamber and which is arranged so as to prevent re-entry of the extracted dust into the blasting chamber and the workplace. Extracted air should be passed through a filtering or cleaning device that removes airborne contaminants before discharge. In a down-draught air flow blasting chamber, the ventilation system should produce a minimum air velocity of 0.3 linear metres per second; and in a cross-draught air flow blasting chamber, the ventilation system should produce a minimum air velocity of 0.4 linear metres per second in the direction of extraction.

The ventilation system ducts should be fitted with inspection ports and cleaning ports, ideally at locations where dust might be reasonably expected to accumulate. Bonding and grounding should be used to prevent static build-up.

Blasting chambers should also have:

easily accessible operating controls and interlocked doors to prevent the machinery being operated while the door is open

windows or inspection ports which are fixed in a metal sash and constructed of toughened safety glass, laminated safety glass or safety wired glass. Windows or inspection ports should be maintained so as to allow effective visibility

an emergency exit located at the furthermost position from the main entrance that is signposted and backlit so that it is visible if the power is cut

a ventilation system kept in continuous operation whenever blasting is being done and for at least 5 minutes after blasting has finished or when cleaning, maintenance or repair is carried out on the chamber or cabinet, except where the operation of the ventilation system may create a hazard (in which case effective alternative means of ventilation should be provided)

an illumination of at least 200 lux measured on a horizontal plane one metre above the floor of the blasting chamber or enclosure

an electrical supply which complies with relevant standards, for example AS/NZS 2381: Electrical equipment for explosive gas atmospheres and AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (known as the Australian /New Zealand Wiring Rules).

Blasting chambers should be maintained so as to prevent dust from escaping. Doors should be kept closed during blasting.

Only abrasive blasting work, work incidental to abrasive blasting, or maintenance or repairs to the blast room or its equipment should be carried out in the blasting room.

Manufacturers of blasting chambers should conduct testing to ascertain the level of ventilation required under normal operating conditions. This should assist you to select a chamber appropriate to your needs.

Testing of the ventilation should be conducted on-site when the chamber is installed to ensure that it is operating to the design specifications. Ventilation should also be tested when there is a change in blasting procedures (e.g. use of a different abrasive material), after damage or repairs and on a regular basis (e.g. every 12 months). This testing can be conducted by an occupational hygienist or other competent person.

Temporary enclosures

Where possible the object being blasted should be fully enclosed. Where full enclosure is not possible, screening should extend two metres above the structure and blasting should be conducted downwards. Where persons outside the structure may be exposed to dust, exclusion zones, signage and PPE should be used. Stringent monitoring may be necessary to ensure that people outside the structure are not exposed to dust levels greater than national exposure standards.

Temporary enclosures should have:

dust extraction/collection systems fitted, and

containment screens made of puncture- and tear-resistant materials (for example, woven polypropylene fabric or rubber) for high abrasion areas inside the enclosure. Selection should also consider fire retardancy, burst strength, and ultraviolet (UV) resistance.

Porous material like shade cloth will not prevent the escape of fine dust, and should not be used for temporary enclosures if the work generates silica, lead, or other toxic dusts.

Maintenance of plant and equipment

Regular inspection and maintenance is particularly important for abrasive blasting plant and equipment as the process is self-destructive by nature. Every blasting chamber, blasting cabinet, ventilating system duct, filtering or cleaning device and item of abrasive blasting equipment should be inspected by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

In addition, plant and equipment should be checked daily by the operator for wear and damage. You should keep log books and inspection reports containing a full history of service and repairs.

Further guidance on plant is available in the Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace.

3.5 Recycling of blast material

The recycling of blast material involves three stages - collection, cleaning and reuse of spent material that contains some useable abrasive grains. During abrasive blasting, the spent material has endured high velocity impact with the surface being cleaned, producing shattered abrasive and dust, combined with particles of the material being removed. The recycling process needs to separate these and allow the recovered abrasive to be reused efficiently and safely without an increase in dust levels. Abrasive that has become wet cannot be recycled as dust separation is not possible. It may not be possible to remove toxic chemicals such as lead paint from used abrasive and the abrasive should be disposed of in accordance with relevant environmental and waste management regulations.

Collection

Collection of the spent material from the blasting site is best done using the method that least disturbs the spent material. Vacuum recovery equipment offers the best protection for operators. Using methods that generate dust (e.g. sweeping or compressed air blowdown) should be avoided.

Cleaning

The following contaminants should be extracted before the blast material is reused:

oversized trash – all particles (e.g. rust, paint flakes and other foreign matter) that are of sufficient size to clog the blast machine metering valve or nozzle

toxic dust – any toxic contaminants that have been introduced or released into the media (e.g. lead from lead paint material)

nuisance dust – fine shattered abrasive grains

respirable dust – powdered material that is respirable and will penetrate to the lower respiratory system.

If abrasive blasting has been carried out on a substrate containing grains of sand (e.g. foundry castings, concrete), it may subsequently contain a significant amount of crystalline silicon dioxide in a particle size range similar to that of the spent abrasive material which is to be re-cycled. Abrasive materials used in this kind of work should not be recycled unless it can be established that the concentration of crystalline silicon dioxide remains below the allowed amount.

Reuse

The collected material will contain various contaminants (see above) as well as the reusable abrasive grains. The contaminants should be separated from the media by passing through engineered equipment including airwashes, cyclones and screens as required, before it can be returned to the blast machine for reuse.

3.6 Disposal of waste

To minimise risks, waste products from abrasive blasting should be covered to prevent them from becoming airborne.

The waste material resulting from abrasive blasting should be disposed of in accordance with any local laws that apply to the disposal of waste materials.

4. OTHER HAZARDS AND CONTROL MEASURES

4.1 Noise

Regulation 57: A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health and safety relating to hearing loss associated with noise. The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that the noise a worker is exposed to at the workplace does not exceed the exposure standard for noise.

Regulation 58: Audiometric testing must be provided to a worker who is frequently required to use personal protective equipment to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise.

Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Abrasive blasting equipment can generate various noise levels that may cause workers to be exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard.

The exposure standard for noise in relation to hearing loss, is defined in the WHS Regulations as an L_Aeq,8hof 85 dB(A) or an LC,peak of 140 dB(C). There are two parts to the exposure standard for noise because noise can either cause gradual hearing loss over a period of time or be so loud that it causes immediate hearing loss.

In the abrasive blasting industry, the main sources of noise for the operator are:

discharge of compressed air from the blast nozzle – 112 to 119 dB (A)

the feed air inside the protective helmet – 94 to 102 dB (A)

blast cabinets – 90 to 101 dB (A)

air compressors – 85 to 88 dB(A).

Maximum noise levels up to 137dB(A) have been measured at the operator’s position during blasting activities when the abrasive runs out.

Operators of small abrasive blasting cabinets are particularly at risk. They may not perceive the noise to be damaging because of the relatively short periods of use. However, average noise levels at the operator's ears have been measured between 90 - 101 dB (A). This means that at 101 dB(A), for instance, an exposure of unprotected ears of only 12 minutes is allowed in any eight hour shift so as not to exceed the exposure standard of L_Aeq,8h85 dB(A). Following such exposure, other work activities must not contribute to further noise exposure.

Unprotected workers and others close to the blasting process may also be exposed to excessive noise.

Control measures

Using an alternative, quieter method to clean or prepare surfaces, where possible

Isolating workers and other persons from the noise source by:

o using blast chambers

o relocating or enclosing noisy equipment - blast cabinets, air compressors, and grit pots can be located in sound proof enclosures or separate rooms away from the work area. In the open air, mobile enclosures lined internally with sound absorbent material could be used at locations where noisy work has to be carried out and other people may be affected. Such enclosures could reduce operator exposure by about five to 20 dB(A) depending on their construction.

Using engineering controls, for example:

o reducing the amount of pressure used to abrade the substrate

o improving mufflers on blast pots

o silencers on intake and exhaust systems

o baffles and muffling materials in air supply hoses for blast helmets

o sound attenuating material on walls and ceilings, and

o sound transmission barriers around compressors.

Using administrative controls, for example:

o undertaking abrasive blasting out of normal working hours to minimise noise exposure to other workers

o stopping other work and clearing people from a site while blasting is taking place

o establish a rotation system for work to be carried out in shifts

o establishing exclusion zones where noise exposure levels are in excess of the exposure standard and restricting entry to only persons with adequate hearing protectors

o regularly maintaining abrasive blasting plant and equipment

o providing quiet areas for rest breaks for workers exposed to noisy work, and

o limit the time workers spend in noisy areas by moving them to quiet work before their daily noise exposure levels exceed the exposure standard.

Providing personal hearing protectors such as ear plugs, ear canal caps, ear muffs, and hearing protective helmets. Further information on requirements relating to PPE can be found in AS/NZS 1269.3: Occupational Noise management – Hearing protector program.

Further guidance on how to identify, assess, control and monitor exposure to noise is available in the Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work.

4.2 Heat

Heat is also a common hazard associated with carrying out abrasive blasting. Workers are at risk of heat strain due to working in hot, poorly ventilated or confined spaces and the type of personal protective equipment that is worn, for example blast helmets, protective suits or leather coveralls.

Heat strain is a serious medical condition which could lead to heat exhaustion and death.

When assessing the risks associated with heat, you should consider a number of factors including the workplace temperature, humidity, air movement, exposure to sources of heat, the work demands, how much clothing is worn (including PPE), individual risk factors, and whether the worker is acclimatised to the conditions.

Control measures

fitting cooling devices to the air supply of blast helmets

providing PPE that is selected and fitted to minimise the build up of heat and wearing cotton undergarments

providing a cool, well-ventilated area where workers can take rest breaks or carry out other tasks

scheduling work so that abrasive blasting is done at cooler times and

ensuring cool drinking water is readily available.

Further guidance on controlling the risks of heat exposure is available in the Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

4.3 Vibration

The force of the abrasive moving through the blast hose transmits vibration to the hands and arms of operators holding the equipment. Prolonged use of abrasive blasting equipment may lead to a condition known as occupational Raynaud’s disease (also called white finger or dead finger).

It results from persistent microscopic damage to nerves and blood capillaries. It may also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms include:

blanching (whiteness) and numbness in the fingers

fingers are cold to touch

loss of dexterity or increased clumsiness

decreased sensitivity to touch, temperature and pain, and

loss of muscular control.

Chronic exposure may result in gangrenous and necrotic changes in the finger. The condition may take months or years to develop. There is no effective treatment to reverse the effects of white finger.

The risk of injury or disease from vibration will vary depending on the equipment being used, the intensity of the vibration, frequency and duration of exposure, the force of grip applied by the worker, maintenance of the equipment and insulation provided by protective gloves.

Further information on measuring exposure to hand/arm vibration is available in AS 2763: Vibration and shock – Hand transmitted vibration – guidelines for the measurement and assessment of human exposure.

Control measures:

Using an alternative method to clean or prepare surfaces, where possible

Using engineering controls, for example vibration-reduced equipment such as vibration isolating handles incorporated into blasting nozzles and/or supports to reduce the pressure of the hand to control the nozzle

Using administrative controls, for example reducing the amount of time an operator is required to operate a blast nozzle by job rotation or more frequent breaks. Frequent maintenance of equipment may also reduce the level of vibration

Using PPE, for example vibration absorbing gloves may assist in dampening vibration.

4.4 Manual tasks

Regulation 60: A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health and safety relating to a musculoskeletal disorder associated with a hazardous manual task.

Abrasive blasting may result in musculoskeletal disorders from performing hazardous manual tasks, for example:

back strain from lifting or pushing

muscle strain from working in awkward positions

strain from hose whip

Occupational Overuse Syndrome from controlling the blast hose.

Ways of reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders include:

appropriately designed plant and hoses which are tied to prevent hose whip

reducing the amount of force necessary to perform tasks, for example, fixing wheels to heavy equipment, and moving heavy objects into and out of blasting chambers by using specially designed equipment

ensuring workers do not have to perform manual tasks in excess of their capability

job rotation.

Further information on how to manage the risks of hazardous manual tasks can be found in the Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks.

4.5 Confined spaces

Regulation 66: A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage the risks to health and safety associated with a confined space at a workplace including risks associated with entering, working in, on or in the vicinity of a confined space (including a risk of a person inadvertently entering the confined space).

Hazards that may be encountered in a confined space include:

Flammable gases or vapours, toxic gases or vapours, flammable, combustible or toxic liquids or solids, or potentially explosive dusts

oxygen deficiency or excess

physical agents such as thermal extremes, radiation, noise or flooding

engulfment

mechanical equipment.

A wide range of injuries can be sustained from working in a confined space including:

burns

electrocution

asphyxiation and suffocation

poisoning

brain damage and death

crush injuries.

A risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person before workers enter confined spaces. Any identified risks must be eliminated or minimised and a confined space entry permit issued for the work.

Control measures

Elimination – assess the need to undertake abrasive blasting in a confined space

Isolation – the confined space should be isolated to avoid the introduction of harmful substances or activation of moving parts (e.g. isolate the confined space from power sources, lock or tag all moveable components)

Engineering – mechanical ventilation systems should be used to remove hazardous contaminants produced by the work being performed in the confined space

Administrative – develop and document a method for confined space entry.

Further information on how to work safely in confined spaces can be found in Code of Practice: Confined Spaces.

APPENDIX A – SELECTING AN ABRASIVE BLASTING MEDIUM

Do not use:

Blast material which may be used:

· Materials with any radioactive substances where the level of radiation exceeds
1 becquerels per gram, so far as is reasonably practicable

· Materials containing more than:

o 0.1% antimony

o 0.1% arsenic

o 0.1% beryllium

o 0.1% cadmium

o 0.5% chromium (except as specified for wet blasting)

o 0.1% cobalt

o 0.1% lead (or which would expose the operator to levels in excess of those set out in Part 7.2 of the Regulations)

o 0.1% nickel

o 0.1% tin

· Materials containing more than 1% free silica (crystalline silicon dioxide) including:

o River sand

o Beach sand or other white sand

o Dust from quartz rock

o Diatomaceous earth (pool filter material)

In dry abrasive blasting:

· Recycled materials which have not been treated to remove respirable dust

· Recycled materials for which treatment has not removed toxic materials to below the prescribed concentrations

· Any substance likely to harm the upper respiratory tract

In wet abrasive blasting:

· any substance that contains chromate, nitrate or nitrite

The following materials will not usually result in exposures greater than national exposure standards. However, you should check the Safety Data Sheet to ensure the composition of substances does not exceed prohibited levels

· ilmenite

· aluminium oxide

· garnet (low crystalline silica content only)

· other rocks and mineral sands which do not contain significant levels of silica

· metal shot

· steel grit

· crushed glass

· sodium bicarbonate

· plastic beads

· glass beads

· some metal slags (check content analysis before purchase)

· dry ice

Note: There are environmental requirements in relation to abrasive blasting mediums. If in doubt, seek advice from your local council.