3. Background
• 466 accidents were reported involving Falls
from heights in the period 1 January 2000 to
30 June 2000
• 544 accidents involving being hit by falling
objects during the same period
• Working at Heights will be a priority for
Workplace Services reactive work over a
4 Month period
4. Project Objectives
• reduce injuries within all industries related to
working at and falls from heights
• target working at heights across all industries
• raise awareness of OHSW obligations and our
Workplace Services profile in the Industry
• a co-ordinated approach by teams in the
method of addressing identified hazards
• measure improvement by comparison of WCA
data
5. Height safety
• Have areas been identified
where workers are at risk
of falling?
• Are safety lines and
Harnesses provided?
• Are safety lines and
harnesses Inspected on a
regular basis?
Working at Heights Inspections
6. Fixed walkways
• Do fixed platforms,
walkways, Stairways,
Ladders and Handrails
Comply with AS 1657?
• Platforms, Walkways not
less than 600mm in width
• Is guardrailing provided
on sides, ends, edges and
openings?
• Are toeboards provided at
the edges of platforms,
walkways or landings?
Working at Heights Inspections
7. STAIRS
• Do the treads extend the full
width of the stairway?
• Are treads slip resistant?
• Do all exposed sides have
guardrails fitted?
• Do all stairways have
handrails fitted on at least
one side?
Working at Heights Inspections
8. FIXED LADDERS
• Are clearances maintained
between ladders and all
permanent objects?
• Do handrails extend not less
than 900mm through
horizontal openings?
• Do the feet of ladders rest
on the platforms or
landings?
Working at Heights Inspections
9. STEP LADDERS
• Is the angle of slope on all
step ladders no less than
60 degrees or more than
70 degrees?
• Are treads no less than
100mm wide?
Working at Heights Inspections
10. RUNG LADDERS
• Is the angle of slope no less
than 70 degrees to the
horizontal?
• Does the distance between
landings exceed 6.0metres?
• Are ladder cages provided
where a person can fall
more than 6.0metres
irrespective of landing?
Working at Heights Inspections
11. Vehicles
• Is provision made to prevent
falls from vehicles?
Working at Heights Inspections
• Are staff trained in the use
of falls protection
equipment?
12. FORKLIFTS
• Are appropriate personnel
cages used to lift people?
• Are operators appropriately
trained and assessed?
Working at Heights Inspections
13. ELEVATING OPERATOR
TYPE TRUCKS
• Is the vehicle fitted with an
upper limit of elevation device?
• Is the machine fitted with an
emergency lowering? control at
ground level
• Is the machine fitted with a
means of securing any pallet or
platform attached to it?
• Is the operator platform of
adequate size to accommodate
an operator and trainer?
Working at Heights Inspections
14. ELEVATED WORK
PLATFORMS
• Are personnel prevented
from entering or leaving
the platform while it is in
use?
• Are personnel prevented
from using ladders etc on
the platform?
• Are log books used and
retained in the unit?
• Have pre-operational
checks been carried out?
Working at Heights Inspections
15. PUBLIC SAFETY
• Have adequate measures
been taken to prevent
access to the workplace by
the public?
• Are all toe-boards and
hoardings in place to
prevent objects falling?
• Is the area directly below
where a person is working
accessible to the public?
Working at Heights Inspections
16. OHS&W Act (1986)
Section 19 - Duties of Employers,
(1) (a) shall provide...
(i) a safe work environment
(ii) safe systems of work
(iii) plant…in a safe condition..
Section 21 - Duties of Workers,
(1) (a) to protect …own health and safety..
(b) avoid affecting the health and safety of
any other person..
(c) use any equipment provided..
(d) obey any reasonable instructions..
Relevant Legislation
17. OHS&W Regulations (1995)
Control of Risk
3.3.3 (1) .. to eliminate or... minimise any risk to health or safety:
(a) firstly, the application ... of engineering controls ..
(b) secondly, if steps taken … do not minimise the risk
… administrative controls,
(c) thirdly, if steps taken under ... (a) and (b) do not
minimise the risk, the provision of appropriate personal
protective equipment.
Relevant Legislation
18. OHS&W Regulations (1995) - continued
Prevention of Falls
2.13.1(1) The purpose of this regulation is—
(a) to guard against falls that cause injuries due to the distances fallen; and
(b) to guard against persons falling into enclosures or containers that contain a
source of danger; and
(c) to ensure safe access to elevated workplaces;and
(d) to prescribe standards that must be observed in relation to the construction,
maintenance and use of ladders; and
(e) to prescribe standards that must be observed in relation to the performance of
maintenance work carried out above ground level on permanent structures.
(2) If-(a) a person must work—
(i) in an elevated workplace from which he or she could fall; or
(ii) in the vicinity of an opening through which he or she could fall; or
(iii) in any other place from which he or she could fall, and it is reasonably foreseeable
that the person would be injured in such a fall due to the distance of the fall; or
(b) a person must work in the vicinity of an enclosure or container into which he or she
could fall and there is a reasonable likelihood that the person would be injured in such
a fall, reasonable protection against a fall must be provided—
Relevant Legislation
19. OHS&W Regulations (1995) - continued
(c) by the provision of a safe means of access to the workplace; and
(d) by the provision of secure fences, covers or other forms of safeguarding or, if that is not
reasonably practicable due to the nature of the work, by the provision and maintenance of
safe systems of work.
(3) If a person at work must gain access to a place that cannot be reached conveniently from
floor or ground level, and no appropriate means of mechanical access or fixed stairway is
available, a suitable ladder or steps must be provided.
(4) Any safeguarding provided for the purposes of subregulation (2)(d) must be kept in good
condition and must not be removed except so far as may be necessary to allow the access
or egress of any person or the shifting of materials.
(5) In determining the appropriate system of work for the purposes of subregulation (2)(d),
consideration must be given to—
(a) if a safe working platform cannot reasonably be provided, the use of a safety harness
or a pole safety belt (if appropriate), attached to a secure structural support (either directly
or if that is not reasonably practicable, through the use of an adequate static-line system);
(b) the use of a fall-arresting device (where appropriate);
(c) the undertaking of training in relation to the hazards that may be encountered in the
performance of the work;
(d) the provision of supervision by a competent person;
(e) the provision of assistance by another person.
Relevant Legislation
20. Relevant Legislation
OHS&W Regulations (1995) - continued
(6) Without derogating from a preceding provision of this regulation, if—
(a) a person carries out maintenance work on a structure; and
(b) the person must work in an elevated workplace; and
(c) it is reasonably foreseeable that the person would be injured if he or she
fell due to the distance of the fall, reasonable protection against any fall
must be provided—
(d) by the use of a building maintenance unit installed by a competent
person; or
(e) by the use of scaffolding or another type of working platform; or
(f) if compliance with paragraph (d) or (e) is not reasonably practicable—by
the use of a safety harness attached to a safety line that is in turn attached
to an appropriate anchorage (taking into account the situation of the work
and the construction of the building).
(7) A safety harness or line supplied or used for the purposes of this regulation must
be inspected on a regular basis and a harness or line that shows wear or weakness to
an extent that may affect the integrity of the harness or line must not be used.
(8) An anchorage or system of anchorages must
be inspected on a regular basis and, in the case of an anchorage that is permanently
fixed to a structure, at least once in every six months.
21. OHS&W Regulations (1995) - continued
(9) If the load-bearing capacity of the anchorage may be impaired, the anchorage must
immediately be made inoperable so as to prevent accidental use.
(10) The following requirements must be observed in relation to the use of ladders at
work, or to gain access to or egress from a workplace—
(a) a ladder must be of sound construction and maintained in a safe condition; and
(b) a ladder must not be used in a manner that endangers the safety of any person;
and
(c) ...
(d) if a portable single ladder or extension ladder is used, the ladder must be—
(i) placed so that the horizontal distance between the top support point of the ladder
and the foot of the ladder is approximately one quarter of the supported length of the
ladder; and
(ii) located on a firm footing and effectively secured in position to prevent slipping and
sideways movement; and
(e) no ladder other than a trestle ladder may be used to support planks for a working
platform, and any such platform may only be used for light duty work.
(11) In this regulation— "structure" means a permanent structure (including a
building).
Relevant Legislation
22. OHS&W Regulations (1995) - continued
The following standards and publication are Approved Codes Of
Practice under the Act and are relevant to the subject-matter of this
Division:
• AS 1418: SAA Crane Code—
• Part 10 Elevating work platforms
• Part 13 Building maintenance units
• AS 1576: Scaffolding, Parts 1-4
• AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders
• AS 1891: Industrial safety belts and harnesses
• AS 1892: Portable ladders
• AS 2626: Industrial safety belts and harnesses—Selection, use and
maintenance
• The Approved Code of Practice for the Safe Erection of Structural Steelwork
Relevant Legislation
Editor's Notes
There has been an increase in the last few decades in the use of robots to carry out often hazardous tasks in industry thereby reducing accidents. However, in doing so they have created other hazards related to the robots.
To minimise the risks associated with these hazards, appropriate training, risk minimisation strategies, guarding and controls must be put in place otherwise the number of injuries to workers will increase.
In the time available it is not possible to cover all aspects of “Safeguarding Industrial Robots”. Therefore, in my ‘brief’ presentation I will give you a broad understanding and appreciation of the main safety and compliance issues related to operating Robots in manufacturing industries. In particular,….
There has been an increase in the last few decades in the use of robots to carry out often hazardous tasks in industry thereby reducing accidents. However, in doing so they have created other hazards related to the robots.
To minimise the risks associated with these hazards, appropriate training, risk minimisation strategies, guarding and controls must be put in place otherwise the number of injuries to workers will increase.
In the time available it is not possible to cover all aspects of “Safeguarding Industrial Robots”. Therefore, in my ‘brief’ presentation I will give you a broad understanding and appreciation of the main safety and compliance issues related to operating Robots in manufacturing industries. In particular,….
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
There has been an increase in the last few decades in the use of robots to carry out often hazardous tasks in industry thereby reducing accidents. However, in doing so they have created other hazards related to the robots.
To minimise the risks associated with these hazards, appropriate training, risk minimisation strategies, guarding and controls must be put in place otherwise the number of injuries to workers will increase.
In the time available it is not possible to cover all aspects of “Safeguarding Industrial Robots”. Therefore, in my ‘brief’ presentation I will give you a broad understanding and appreciation of the main safety and compliance issues related to operating Robots in manufacturing industries. In particular,….
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
I’ll explain and show you,
1. Types - the main types or categories of robots and what they look like (examples from Mitsubishi and Britax)
2. Operation - the basics of how robots are operated and controlled
3. Hazards - the main hazards associated with robots (one main one)
4. Safeguarding - what systems need to be put in place to protect operators and others who need to be near the robots or enter their workspace
5. Inspecting - a recommended Checklist of things an OHS Inspector should lookout for when attending a premises with robots.
So, what are Industrial Robots...
