Tradie Run Sheet Builder / Before you start / Work at height
Work at height
Printed on a job only when this tag is ticked or height is in its tags column. Never read from the task text.
What the sheet prints
- Work from the ground or solid platform first; ladder only when ruled out; ladder inspected and secured WHS Regs r 78, r 79; Falls Code of Practice 9, 9.1
The clauses behind it
Each clause below is our statement of it, cited to it, not the text verbatim.
the model WHS Regulations, r78
r 78 Manage fall risks; work on the ground or a solid construction; safe access and exit. The PCBU manages under Part 3.1 the risk of a fall from one level to another reasonably likely to cause injury (in or on an elevated workplace, near an opening or edge, on a surface a person could fall through, or elsewhere), ensures so far as reasonably practicable that such work is done on the ground or a solid construction (a structurally capable surface with perimeter and opening barriers, an even negotiable surface and gradient and a safe means of entry and exit), and provides safe means of access to and exit from the workplace and each area with a fall risk.
the model WHS Regulations, r79
r 79 Where a fall risk remains: fall prevention device, then work positioning, then fall arrest. Where the fall risk cannot be eliminated, the PCBU minimises it by providing and maintaining a safe system of work that provides a fall prevention device (secure fence, edge protection, working platform, cover) if reasonably practicable, otherwise a work positioning system, otherwise a fall arrest system so far as reasonably practicable, and controls may be combined. The regulation does not apply to stunt work, acrobatics, theatrical performances, sport and athletics, or horse riding (managed under r 36).
the model Code of Practice on falls, 9
9 Use ladders only after safer alternatives are ruled out. Falls from ladders cause many serious and fatal injuries even from low heights. Ladders should be considered only after safer alternatives such as EWPs or scaffolding have been found not reasonably practicable.
the model Code of Practice on falls, 9.1b
9.1 Train ladder users; inspect, set up and secure ladders before use. Workers must receive information and training on using ladders safely. Before set-up a ladder should be inspected for damage such as broken rungs, stiles or feet, and a faulty ladder must be taken out of service. Check the ladder is the right height to avoid over-reaching, locking devices are secure, and the load is not carried on the rungs against a surface. Set ladders on solid stable ground and prevent slipping with non-slip feet, a 4 to 1 slope (about 1 metre out for every 4 metres of working height), and securing at the top, bottom or both. Stepladders should be fully opened and may need a second person to foot them.
In Victoria
A Victorian sheet prints, in place of the lines above:
- Fall tasks identified; eliminate first (the ground or solid construction), then the set order of controls; a ladder fit for the task and set up correctly; administrative controls recorded before the task; controls reviewed OHS Regs (Vic) rr 43 to 48
Victoria: the lines below cite the Victorian OHS Act and OHS Regulations; the Regulations are due to sunset, so check the version in force.
Each clause below is our statement of it, cited to it, not the text verbatim.
the Victorian OHS Regulations, r43
r 43 Identify tasks that involve a fall hazard. As far as reasonably practicable, the employer must identify each task that employees are required to perform at work and that carries a fall hazard, including work: (a) on plant or a structure being built, demolished, inspected, tested, maintained, cleaned or repaired; (b) on a fragile, slippery or possibly unstable surface; (c) using equipment to reach, or work at, an elevated level; (d) on a sloping surface where balance is hard to keep; (e) near an unprotected edge (a gap of more than 300 mm with no barrier); and (f) near a hole, trench, shaft or pit big enough for a person to fall in (s 21).
the Victorian OHS Regulations, r44
r 44 Control fall risk using the prescribed order of controls. The employer must eliminate any fall risk as far as reasonably practicable, for example by having the task done at ground level or on solid construction. If elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risk must be reduced as far as reasonably practicable by moving down this order, using a lower level only when the one above is not reasonably practicable: (1) a passive fall prevention device such as guard rails, roof safety mesh or a temporary work platform; (2) a work positioning system; (3) a fall arrest system; (4) a fixed or portable ladder used under regulation 45, or administrative controls. The choice of controls is subject to consultation with employees and the HSR (Part 4 of the Act, r 21) and implements section 21.
the Victorian OHS Regulations, r45
r 45 Ensure ladders used as fall controls are suitable and correctly set up. Where a fixed or portable ladder is used to reduce a fall risk, the employer must ensure the ladder is fit for the purpose, suits how long the task will take, and is set up correctly. (Applies only as far as reasonably practicable to emergency service and law enforcement employers in the circumstances in regulation 42.)
the Victorian OHS Regulations, r46
r 46 Record administrative controls before a task relying only on them. If an employer depends solely on an administrative control (r 44(5)(b)) to lower a fall risk, it must, before the task starts, record a description of the control and of the task it covers (60/300 penalty units). One generic record may cover a task repeated in the same or like circumstances across several workplaces or areas. The record must be kept for as long as the task continues (60/300 units). Preparing a SWMS under r 327 counts as making this record.
the Victorian OHS Regulations, r47
r 47 Ensure plant used to control fall risk is suitable and safely installed. Plant used to control a fall risk must be designed and built for the task or tasks to be done, and in a way that allows safe use in its physical surroundings (such as ground surface, nearby powerlines or trees) and conditions of use (such as lighting and weather). Installing, erecting or dismantling that plant must be done so as to reduce, as far as reasonably practicable, risks during that work, such as falls, electric shock, crushing and musculoskeletal disorder (s 21). (Applies only as far as reasonably practicable in the regulation 42 circumstances.)
the Victorian OHS Regulations, r48
r 48 Review fall risk controls. The employer must review, and revise if necessary, its fall controls: before changing plant or systems of work in a way likely to lead to a fall; after an incident notifiable under Part 5 of the Act involving a fall or fall risk; when controls do not adequately control the risks for any other reason; and when the HSR asks. The HSR may ask if they reasonably believe one of the first three triggers exists or that the employer did not review properly or ignored a trigger (s 21).
Trades that meet it most: electricians, plumbers, builders.