Safety Factors

AWMA will supply task specific JSA/ SWMS for the detailed risk assessment & control measures implemented.

AWMA revise their procedures as the AS/NZS, COP, and relative legislation is amended.

Abseiling/ Rope Access

Rope access is a cost-effective way of completing high & difficult to access work. With the added advantages of quick deployment and setup, minimal disruption to surrounding traffic, versatile access capabilities and most importantly- a comparatively safe method of reaching work areas.

Using specialist equipment, training and innovative methods - our rope access team can provide a solution to your hard-access job site, and the skilled tradesmen and experience to undertake the task to the highest standards.

• Personnel must be adequately trained in Rope Access methods meeting AS/NZ 4488 & AS/NZ 1891.1-4 and to be IRATA trained or equivalent with a Level 3 accompanying a Level 1 & 2.
• The supervising Person must be formally trained and certified.
• The support technicians must be adequately supervised and competent and be able to demonstrate competency.
• Technicians must not work alone and work in a minimum of pairs.
• All technicians are responsible along with the supervisor to inspect their own equipment and inspected according to manufacturer’s guidelines and AS/NZ 1891.1-4.
• The supervisor prior to attaching ropes must inspect all anchor point(s).
• All installed anchors to pass the 6 monthly inspection testing and be recertified prior to using the anchors. Structural anchors to be selected based on the facilities manager, supervisors’ and teams decision.
• Anchors to be distinguished between fall arrest and rope access and be rated to a minimum of 12Kn and rope access approved.
• Each technician to have 2 independent ropes with 2 independent anchors per rope.
• Rope protectors must be used on sharp abrasive edges etc.
• All technicians are to wear appropriate harnesses and specific PPE, PPC and task specific equipment.
• Barricades and signage must be erected at landing zone. Cordoned off appropriately to ensure pedestrian access is restricted and alternative access provided for the public. Site policy may require barricading and signage erected on rooftop to avoid being tampered and also a ground spotter.
• Mobile phones and/ or 2-way radios on hand for emergency contact. Refer to attachment for rescue plan.
• Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) to be reviewed, understood, signed off by all employees undertaking task and complied with.

BMU/Cradle/Boat

Most high-rise buildings have Building Maintenance Units (BMU), which are also known as a Cradle or Boat. Where there is no existing BMU, AWMA will provide abseiling/ rope access services.

There is no known training program for the use of these BMUs and the main reason for this is that most BMU’s are different to some degree as they are purposely built for the building they service and are provided by different manufacturers. However the AS/NZ2550.13:1997references the operator’s responsibilities and AWMA ensure all staff wears a fall arrest harness and an attached lanyard to the appropriate anchor point in the BMU.

Where the BMU is either new or new to AWMA personnel, it is part of our safety procedure to:

• Check all Service Records
• Liaise with the company that services the BMU to provide our personnel with a thorough orientation of the unit.
• Obtain the contact details for the service mechanics should the unit have a failure or if a safety issue is raised.

Ladders

• Inspect all ladders prior to use and liaise with Project Manager regarding site-specific policy on ladder use.
• Ladder must be secured against any movement in any direction.
• Staff member to be at the foot of the ladder holding the ladder at all times while securing the top of the ladder.
• The ladder is to be mounted on firm leveled ground at a 4:1 pitch/ 75 degrees with no less than 1m extending from landing.
• The worker is to be harnessed and utilizing a pole strap allowing 3 points of contact to be maintained at all times.
• Alternatively utilizing a retractable Type 2 lanyard attached to a rated anchor above head to prevent falls.
• Remain within the vertical supports.
• Do not stand on the top 3 rungs.
• Clear and unobstructed access and egress.
• If neither fall prevention system is practical then a ladder platform is utilized to perform the task.
• Ladders shall not be used in access ways or doorways.
• Appropriate signage and redirection implemented where necessary.
• Ladders shall not be used on top of scaffold for additional height.

Ledge work & EWP

Many buildings have suitable ledges to be used as a platform to work off. However suitable fall arrest systems are required to undertake such projects involving ledge work to minimize risk and comply with site procedure and the AS/NZ 1891.1-4. However AWMA prefer all working at heights to be performed where all workers are in fall factor 1 and have no ability to fall. We achieve this by installing overhead temporary static lines (if permanent systems don’t exist) or utilize rope access methods and maintain tension in the ropes while working on the ledges. AWMA have a ‘No fall Policy’ and ensure the safest method and procedures are followed at ALL times.

• Ledge work follows the same procedures and SWMS as the Rope Access procedures.
• Specific attention is focused on the type, nature and purpose of any permanent fall arrest systems installed to ensure they are suitable, certified and safe to access prior to undertaking the task.

Where there are no anchors, either constructed or structural, on the rooftop or if the façade has difficult architectural overhangs and designs then AWMA utilizes machinery such as scissor lifts, cherry pickers – truck mounted or mobile. We comply with AS2550.1: 2011and refer to http://www.ewpa.com.au/resources/information-sheets.

• AWMA ensures all staff are qualified and competent to operate the EWP.
• A visual inspection is carried out according to the machines operation/ service log.
• The EWP logbook is completed daily.
• Safety harness and lanyard attached correctly at all times.
• JSA/ SWMS to be reviewed, understood, signed off by all employees undertaking task and complied with. Controls are put in place for hazards such as:
  • Overhead structures and power lines – correct distances maintained
  • Ground condition – density, penetrations etc
  • Weather conditions – high winds etc
  • The machines working load
• Ensure the job has been authorized.
• Traffic management permits and procedures in place – barricading, signage.
• Ensuring there is communication with the spotter and all have knowledge of the EDD (emergency descent device) and the spotter is aware of the override manual ground controls.

Permits

The majority of sites have a permit system in place, which AWMA comply to. Whether working at heights, hot works, confined spaces or EWP operation – AWMA reinforce the permit procedures to all staff members.

When required (by some local or city councils) AWMA will inform the relevant council of our intentions to set up equipment on or around a building and permits will be purchased to enable us to safely carry out our work eg obstruction and/or gantry permits.

Traffic Management

We use the following traffic management and safety equipment as required:

• Safety Cones/ Bollards
• Barricades – hard/ soft
• Tape – Danger/ caution
• Signage – workers above/ below/ redirecting

When the job requires an EWP or other ‘on road’ equipment, we rely on the expertise of the EWP hire company for the traffic management procedures which we cooperate with to plan a suitable traffic management procedure to complete the project whilst maintaining pedestrian and road traffic flow.

Please request the below attachments from a AWMA staff member. The attachments outline:

• Rescue and Emergency Procedures
• Equipment checklists and Equipment Registers
  • Tagging of equipment
  • Harness Inspection forms
• SWMS
• HSE Policy
• Incident & Hazard Report forms
• Site Pre-commencement Checklists
• Tool Box meeting forms
• Induction training records & Induction Process internal forms

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