20 EASYSCAF t TM The Next Level 1300 MR SCAFFOLD (1300 677 223) 12 Lagana Place Wetherill Park NSW 2164 Fax: (02)9725 5214 ABN: 65 088 652 144 Re: Workcover Update Feb 2011 Thankyou for purchasing your EASYSCAF scaffold. The following information is an update from WorkCover New South Wales on erecting, altering and dismantling Aluminium scaffolding tower frames and we highly recommend you read this update in conjunction with this EASYSCAF Information Pack. As a scaffold user, Mr Scaffold recommends Method 1, but both options are suitable. Mr Scaffold can sell/hire components to help you achieve full safety compliance on your work site. Feel free to call us for any height access advice you may require on 1300 MR SCAFFOLD (1300 677 223) or visit us online at www.mrscaffold.com.au. Kind Regards, John Micallef General Manager MR SCAFFOLD PTY LTD FOLDSCAF Member TM EASYSCAF TM SUPASCAF TM LOCKSCAF KWIKSCAF TM
TM Erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolding Part 2: Aluminium tower-frame scaffolding A guide on health and safety standards February 2011 Proudly provided by
Disclaimer This publication may contain occupational health and safety and workers compensation information. It may include some of your obligations under the various legislations that WorkCover NSW administers. To ensure you comply with your legal obligations you must refer to the appropriate legislation. Information on the latest laws can be checked by visiting the NSW legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au). This publication does not represent a comprehensive statement of the law as it applies to particular problems or to individuals or as a substitute for legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice if you need assistance on the application of the law to your situation.
CONTENTS PAGE 1. INTRODUCTION 2 2. SCOPE 3 3. DEFINITIONS AND COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION 3 4. PLANNING AND PREPARATION 4 5. GENERIC WORK SEQUENCE 5 6. DIAGRAMMATIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF METHOD 1 AND METHOD 2 10 APPENDIX A CHECKLIST 17 APPENDIX B FURTHER INFORMATION 18
1. INTRODUCTION The Industry Solutions Program is a research and development initiative undertaken by WorkCover NSW which has worked with industry to devise practical solutions to problematic issues in an industry. It recognises the need for assistance in some industry sectors to overcome particular difficulties or challenges in order to improve workplace safety. Solutions to safety issues are developed in partnership with industry within a three-month period and released for industry-wide implementation. Within 12 months, an evaluation is conducted to determine the effectiveness and practicality of the solutions. If necessary, further refinements, including additional solutions, are included after the evaluation. The Industry Solutions Program identified that there have been a number of incidents where lack of fall prevention systems have contributed to worker injuries and there is limited practical guidance material to assist workers on erecting, altering and dismantling aluminium tower-frame scaffolding hence this guide was developed. This guide provides practical guidance for those involved in erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolding. Occupational health and safety legislation requires the control of risk to health and safety. Following this guide is a means to achieve such compliance. 2
2. SCOPE This guide covers mobile and fixed, prefabricated, frame-type tower scaffolds (tower-frame), constructed from aluminium or other lightweight components, such as fibreglass and stainless steel. 3. DEFINITIONS AND COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION Competent person Platform unit for any task, means a person who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of them, the knowledge and skills to carry out that task. frame assembly of one bay length incorporating a working surface that is capable of connecting to its support structure in such a way as not to be inadvertently dislodged. One or more platforms may be required to suit the bay width. 2 4 7 13 6 10 3 1 12 8 11 9 5 8 Diagram showing the use of temporary platforms 1. temporary platform (used during erection and dismantling) 2. temporary edge protection frame (used during erection and dismantling) 3. full bay working platform 4. ladder access platform (a working platform with opening section for ladder access) 5. castors Diagram showing the use of temporary edge protection frames 6. end frame 7. guardrail 8. ledger (horizontal braces) 9. plan brace 10. diagonal (face) brace 11. outriggers/stabilisers 12. ladder 13. midrail 3
4. PLANNING AND PREPARATION Tower-frame scaffolding is used by a variety of trades in various industries not just construction sites. Risk assessments and safe work method statements must be completed prior to erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolding and are the joint responsibility of the principal contractor, persons erecting scaffolding and their employer. These should consider the site specific issues and the intended use of the scaffold. Safe erection methods should be supplied by the manufacturer or supplier. Information provided by the manufacturer or supplier should detail the scaffold components, the duty rating, other limitations and instructions for the erecting, dismantling, use, inspection and maintenance. This information, together with relevant information from the site management, should be used when planning, erecting, altering and dismantling tower-frame scaffolding. The height of tower-frame scaffolding manufactured from lightweight components should not exceed 9 m, unless specifically stated in the manufacturer s or supplier s information. Scaffold should be erected, altered or dismantled by competent people. Also, if the potential fall from the scaffold, including through a penetration or over the edge of a floor, is 4 m or more, certificated scaffolders are required to erect, alter or dismantle scaffold (see illustration below). 4m or less N o t e : C e r t i fi c a t e d scaffolder not required 4m or less over 4m Note: Certificated scaffolder required 4
When working near overhead powerlines make sure electrical wires and apparatus are de-energised and, if this is not possible, either isolate or shield with a non-conductive material. The movement of powerlines in strong wind is a consideration. If the electrical wires are not de-energised or isolated, then make sure the standard 4 m approach distance is maintained for metallic scaffolding. If there is a risk that the 4 m approach distance cannot be maintained near energised electrical wires, make sure the electricity network operator is contacted and comply with any conditions imposed by the network operator for the duration of the work. Implement precautions to prevent scaffold being impacted by moving vehicles and plant during erection, altering or dismantling, eg provide barriers, rerouting of traffic or traffic management. When erecting, altering or dismantling scaffold on or adjacent to a public thoroughfare, implement measures to separate the public from the scaffold activity, eg barriers, rerouting of pedestrian ways. In the absence of manufacturer s or supplier s information, a competent person should be used to develop safe erection instructions. 5. GENERIC WORK SEQUENCE Where work methods differ from the generic work sequence below, alternative methods must provide an equivalent level of safety to those specified in this guide. Where instructions are referred to in this section, they are instructions provided by manufacturers, suppliers or competent persons. Task Risk assessment, planning and preparation Activity Obtain, read and understand manufacturer s, supplier s or competent person s instructions. Determine if certified scaffolders are required. Assess whether the surface is adequate to support the scaffold. Assess travel path for safe movement of mobile scaffold. Identify any overhead powerlines, openings and other hazards that will impact on the scaffold. When moving plant is in operation nearby, develop controls to prevent the scaffold being struck. Assess the likely wind conditions at location and develop controls to secure scaffold against unintended movement and overturning. Inspect all components prior to erecting the scaffold and, where required, replace damaged components. Sort and separate like components. Prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the area where scaffold is to be erected. 5
Task Base out scaffold and erect first full bay working platform Activity For mobile scaffolds, insert castors into two base end frames and lock (castors may be adjustable). For fixed scaffolds, insert adjustable base plates into two base end frames. Attach two ledgers (horizontal braces) to the standards of one base end frame as per instructions, eg claw facing outwards. The frame is now self supporting. Stand up the opposite end frame and attach the ledgers to it as above. Install plan brace to diagonally opposite standards. Check scaffold base is square. Note: Some instructions may require the next frame to be installed at this stage to achieve a nominal 2 m height. Secure frames as required, eg locking pins or have the diagonal (face) braces connected to rungs above the join on one side and below the join on the other side. Install diagonal (face) bracing as per instructions. Level the base in both vertical and horizontal directions by adjusting the castors or base plates and check using a spirit level. Method 1 When using temporary platforms Install one platform unit as a temporary platform 1 m (approximately) from ground between both frames. Erect the ladder access platform unit nominally 1 m above the temporary platform (staggered). Install a temporary ledger at platform level opposite the ladder access platform unit. This will act as fall prevention. Erect ledgers as guardrails and midrails for the first working platform whilst standing on the temporary platform. Note: If required, a temporary ledger may be installed above the platform unit on the transom to reduce required reach and the permanent ledger installed once working platform has been accessed. Note: Working platforms should be nominally at 2 m vertical intervals. Note: Some instructions may require the next frame to be installed at this stage. This is to be done whilst standing on the first temporary working platform before completing the first complete working platform. Secure frames as required, eg locking pins. 6
Task Activity Remove the temporary platform and place it above to complete the working platform (ensure the platform units are pushed together centrally). Install access ladder through the opening section of the platform (if not installed earlier). Access the first working platform via internal ladder. Method 2 When using temporary edge protection frames Erect ledgers to the verticals at the 1 m level and at the 2 m level on both sides of the tower with claws facing outwards. Install additional end frames from the ground or temporary platform (ensure the uppermost rung of the end frame is at least 1 m above the next working platform). Install first working platform at nominally 2 m high from the ground (ensure the platform units are pushed together centrally). The working platform includes ladder access platform unit. Install ladder. Fit the temporary edge protection frames on the ledgers on both sides situated at nominally 1 m and 2 m levels from the ground. Access the first complete working platform via ladder and erect ledgers to the end frames to provide guardrail and midrail edge protection to both sides of the working platform. Diagonal (face) bracing Continue diagonal (face) bracing as per instructions. Install outriggers/ stabilisers If required, erect outriggers/stabilisers as per instructions. Note: If the minimum base dimension is less than 1.2 m, the scaffold height should not exceed twice that dimension unless outriggers/stabilisers are used. Otherwise, where the scaffold height is more than three times the minimum base dimension, outriggers/stabilisers are required. 7
Task Erect the second working platform Activity Method 1 When using temporary platforms Install additional end frames, diagonal bracing and ledgers up to the next work platform level. Install one platform unit as a temporary platform 1 m (approximately) above the first working platform. Erect the ladder access platform unit nominally 1 m above the temporary platform (staggered). This is part of your second working platform and will act as fall prevention. Erect ledgers as guardrails and midrails for the second working platform whilst standing on the temporary platform. Remove the temporary platform and place it above to complete the working platform (ensure the platform units are pushed together centrally). Install access ladder (if not installed earlier). Access the second working platform via ladder. Erect toeboards as per instructions. Note: The tower is now erected with a working platform nominally 4 m above its base. Method 2 When using temporary edge protection frames Erect and secure nominally 2 m high frames at each end. Erect ledgers for the next working platform. Erect diagonal braces to the end frames as per instructions if required. Install ladder access platform unit and platform unit to form the second working platform (at nominally 2 m). Lift the temporary edge protection frame on each side to fit on the working platform ledger above and the guardrail of the working platform you are standing on. Install ladder. With temporary edge protection frames in place, access next working platform via ladder and fit ledgers to the end frames to provide guardrail and midrail edge protection to both sides of the working platform. Erect toeboards as per instructions. Note: The tower is now erected with a working platform nominally 4 m above its base. Note: If the tower is not to be erected to a greater height, the temporary edge protection frames may be removed. 8
Task Erecting subsequent working platforms Complete final working platforms Activity Any further working platforms are to be erected as per above sequence. Check that guardrails, midrails and toeboards are installed on all working platforms. Note: Additional diagonal (face) bracing may be required as per instructions. Altering Ensure at all times that temporary platforms, guardrails, midrails and temporary edge protection frames are used in the same manner as the erection process. Moving and relocating the scaffold Ensure no persons or materials are on the scaffold. Where fitted, raise outriggers/stabilisers a minimal distance sufficient only to move scaffold. Unlock castors and move scaffold. Follow planned travel path maintain prescribed distance from overhead powerlines and avoid openings, penetrations or unprotected edges. Lower and secure outriggers/stabilisers and lock castors before accessing the scaffold. Dismantling This is to be carried out in the reverse sequence of erection. Ensure at all times that temporary platforms, guardrails, midrails and temporary edge protection frames are used in the same manner as the erection process. Maintain stability of scaffold during dismantling. Note: For 3 m lift full bay working platforms include in your sequence the installation of a 1 m intermediate lift full bay working platform from which you can install a 2 m lift full bay working platform above (as per steps outlined in the generic work sequence). The 1 m intermediate lift full bay working platforms may be removed on completion of final working platform. One single ladder may be install from ground level to gain access. This applies to when using either temporary platforms or temporary edge protection frames. 9
6.DIAGRAMMATIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF METHOD 1 AND METHOD 2 The diagrams are to assist in understanding the generic work sequence. The bracing illustrated may not fully represent the instructions. Diagram 1: Method 1 using temporary platform to erect guardrail for working platform. 10
Diagram 2:Method 1 placing the temporary working platform (used for erecting the guardrail for the second working platform) to complete working platform. 11
Diagram 3:Method 1 second working platform complete except for toeboards and remaining braces. 12
Diagram 4:Method 2 using temporary edge protection frame for first full bay working platform. 13
Diagram 5:Method 2 with temporary edge protection frames fitted. Adding guardrails and midrails for first working platform. 14
Diagram 6: Method 2 fitting temporary edge protection frame to second working platform. 15
16 Diagram 7: Completed scaffold.
APPENDIX A CHECKLIST The following checklist can be used by a person in control of preparing for the erection, alteration and dismantling of a scaffold to ensure the important safety features and procedures specified in this guide are in place. It should be used prior to work being undertaken. Tick yes or no against each item. If all yes answers, your scaffold should enable you to meet your legal safety obligations. If no to any question, you will need to address the issue to ensure that you comply with those obligations. PRIOR TO ERECTION YES NO COMMENT Are manufacturer s or supplier s instructions available? Does the top scaffold platform height comply with the manufacturer s or supplier s instructions? Is the fall height less that 4 m? If the answer is NO, certificated scaffolders are required. Are competent people available to erect, alter or dismantle scaffold? Where site specific risks are identified, have controls been put in place consider: adequacy of supporting surface? travel path for mobiles? distances to overhead powerlines? proximity to openings? protection from moving plant? likely wind conditions at location? protection of public? Have safe work method statements that incorporate fall prevention for the people erecting, altering and dismantling of the scaffold been prepared, eg temporary platforms or temporary edge protection frames? UPON COMPLETION YES NO COMMENT Is the tower level/plumb? Have all braces been installed, ie diagonal and plan? Is ladder access available to every platform level? Are toeboards fitted? Are outriggers or stabilisers fitted? Are midrails and guardrails installed to all platform levels? For mobiles, are castors locked? 17
APPENDIX B FURTHER INFORMATION Visit workcover.nsw.gov.au Call the WorkCover Assistance Service on 13 10 50. Call the WorkCover Publications Hotline on 1300 799 003. Visit your nearest WorkCover office. For technical specifications on scaffold, contact your local manufacturer. APPROVED INDUSTRY CODES OF PRACTICE Code of practice: Work near overhead power lines (chapter 6 scaffolding). AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS Australian Standards can be purchased from SAI Global. Contact the Customer Service Centre on 13 12 42 or visit saiglobal.com/shop Check if any updates or additions to the Australian Standards have been made. AS/NZS1576: Part 1: Scaffolding General Requirements AS/NZS1576: Part 2: Scaffolding Couplers and Accessories AS/NZS1576: Part 3: Scaffolding Prefabricated and Tube-and-coupler Scaffolding AS1577: Scaffold Planks AS/NZS1892.1: Portable Ladders Metal AS/NZS1892.3: Portable Ladders Reinforced Plastic AS/NZS4576: Guidelines for Scaffolding 18
Catalogue No. WC02826 WorkCover Publications Hotline 1300 799 003 WorkCover NSW 92 100 Donnison Street Gosford NSW 2250 Locked Bag 2906 Lisarow NSW 2252 WorkCover Assistance Service 13 10 50 Website workcover.nsw.gov.au ISBN 978 1 74218 745 7 Copyright WorkCover NSW 0211
MrS c a ffol dpt yl t d ABN: 65088652144 12L a ga napl a c e, Wet her i l l Pa r k, NS W, 2164 Phone: 1300MRS CAF F OL D( 1300677223) F a x : 0297255214 E ma i l : s a l es @mr s c a ffol d. c om. a u Web: www. mr s c a ffol d. c om. a u