(3) The safety gear shall be of a type that brings the car to an easy and
gradual stop when the rated speed of the lift exceeds 200 feet per
minute.
(4) Instantaneous safety gear operating on timber backings for guides
may only be used on lifts the rated speed of which does not exceed
200 feet per minute, or if operating on steel guides may be used on
lifts the rated speed of which does not exceed 125 feet per minute.
(5) Speed governors shall be constructed, adjusted and maintained as to
cause the operation of the safety gear at or before the speeds specified
in table 35.
Table 35
rated speed of lift
feet/min
maximum operating speed of
governor
feet/min or % of rated speed
up to 100 140 feet/min
from 100 to 500 40% in excess of rated speed
over 500 200 feet/min in excess of rated
speed
(6) Speed governors of electric lifts whose speed exceeds 200 feet per
minute shall have a switch that shall open before or at the time the
governor grips the governor rope, and shall open the motor and brake
circuits and stop the machine.
Machines
(1) All lift machines other than hydraulic shall be provided with efficient
brake gear.
(2) Traction sheaves, except for service lifts, shall not be overhung.
(3) Worms and their shafts shall be constructed in a single piece.
(4) No drum-drive lift shall have a speed greater than 300 feet per minute.
Counterweight
(1) The top 15 feet of the counterweight guides of all drum-drive
machines, except for service lifts, shall be enclosed by a substantial
and firmly secured screen.
(2) If a counterweight, other than the one balancing the car travels
adjacent to that car, then the path of travel of this counterweight shall
be screened from that car.
Guides
(1) The car and counterweight of every lift shall run between guides of
adequate section and so supported as to withstand the loads from
guide shoes and the operation of the safety gear without undue
deflection.
(2) Car and counterweight guides shall be of steel except for service lifts
and for lifts operating at a speed not exceeding 100 feet per minute.
Electrical equipment
(1) All electrical conductors, appliances and equipment used in
connection with every lift shall be of sufficient size and so
constructed, installed, protected and maintained as to be safe for, and
(2) If more specific provision is not made elsewhere in this regulation,
they shall conform with the provisions of the S.A.A. Wiring Rules.
(3) All electrical wiring in every lift-well, and on every lift car, other than
flexible conductors, shall be in screwed conduit.
(4) The electric controlling gear of every lift must operate without
causing excessive strain in any part of the apparatus, and shall
automatically slow down the car and cut off the control current at both
limits of travel, and shall ensure that acceleration in starting and
deceleration in stopping is not excessive.
(5) The control circuits of all lifts shall not exceed 250V and 1 side of the
circuits shall be at earth potential.
(6) The metal frames and covers of all motors, interlocks and electrical
equipment and conduit of every lift shall be effectively earthed.
Car switch
(1) The switch used in a lift car for normal operation of the lift shall
automatically return to the ‘stop’ position on the removal of the
operator’s hand, and provision shall be made for the securing of the
switch handle in the ‘stop’ position.
(2) If the switch in centring does not immediately stop the lift, an
emergency switch shall be provided for this purpose and car gates
extending the full width of the car openings shall be provided.
Limit gear
(1) Every lift shall be provided with limit gear that will automatically
stop the machine before the car or counterweight lands.
(2) Drum-drive machines shall be provided with limit gear integral with
the machine and limit gear operated by the movement of the car.
(3) Electric lifts other than traction-drive service lifts shall be provided
with 2 separate and independent limit gears, 1 of which shall open the
control circuit and the other shall completely cut off all electrical
pressure from the motor, control and brake.
(4) Every electric service lift, other than a drum-drive service lift, fitted
with a thermal overload switch shall be provided with a time switch
set to stop the machine at not greater than twice the interval of time
normally taken for the car to run its full length of travel.
(5) The time switch shall be of the normal reset type.
Slack cable device
Every drum-drive lift, other than a service lift, shall have a device that
will automatically stop the machine should the car lifting ropes
become slack from any cause whatsoever.
Safety gear switch
All automatic lifts shall be provided with a device that will cut off the
current and stop the machine in the event of the safety gear operating.
Stop button
Automatic lifts, other than service lifts, shall be provided with an
emergency stop button clearly marked as such and placed in close
proximity to the control buttons in the car.
Signal call system
Every lift, other than an automatic lift, shall have a signal call and
indicator in the car that can be operated from each floor except for
lifts where response to a call is an automatic function.
Hydraulic equipment
(1) Only piping, fittings and gear made specially for hydraulic pressures
shall be used on hydraulic lifts.
(2) The whole of the machinery, gear and piping subject to hydraulic
pressure shall be tested to twice the working pressure in the presence
of an inspector after the erection of every lift and before it is used.
(3) A similar test shall be conducted in relation to any part of machinery,
gear and pipes subject to hydraulic pressure on re-erection,
reinstatement or renewal.
(4) Rams of all hydraulic lifts shall be provided with permanent stops that
will prevent them being forced out of their cylinders.
(5) Every hydraulic lift shall be provided with a control valve, a screw
down pressure stop valve, a non-return valve, and a tee piece for
testing purposes.
(6) The non-return valve shall be as close as practicable to the control
valve and the tee piece shall be between the non-return valve and the
point of entry of the service.
(7) The control valve of every hydraulic lift shall automatically cut off
the power at both limits of travel of the car before the car lands or the
ram reaches its permanent stop and also in the event of the breakage
of the control rope.
(8) The construction of the valve must preclude the possibility of the
valve spindle blowing out should it become parted and both ends of
the control rope shall be connected to the control valve mechanism.
(9) An air cock shall be fitted at the top of the hydraulic cylinder of every
hydraulic lift and provision made to prevent the syphoning of water
from the cylinders.
(10) The rams of every direct-acting hydraulic lift shall be positively
attached to the car, such attachment to have sufficient working
clearance.
(11) Provision shall be made to permit of the safe and efficient
maintenance of all machinery and control mechanism of every
hydraulic lift.
Escalators
Every escalator and every part of it shall be of sound material, good
Trusses or girders
Every truss or girder shall be capable of safely keeping the steps and
running gear in the event of failure of the track system to keep the
running gear in its guides.
Track arrangement
The track arrangement of all escalators shall be so designed as to
prevent displacement of the treads and running gear in the event of a
tread chain breaking.
Angle of inclination
The angle of inclination of every escalator shall not exceed 30° from
the horizontal.
Balustrading
(1) Every escalator shall be provided on each side with a solid balustrade.
(2) On the escalator side the balustrade shall be smooth without
depressed or raised panelling save that flush panels may be separated
by metal mouldings of a thickness of not more than 1/ 8 of an inch and
having bevelled edges.
(3) Glass shall not be used on the inside of any balustrade.
(4) Every balustrade shall be provided with a continuous handrail without
open joints moving at the same speed and in the same direction as the
treads.
Treads and landings
The treads and landings of every escalator shall be of a material that
will afford a secure foothold.
Power unit
An electric motor shall not be used to drive 2 or more escalators
unless the escalators are situatedd side by side and are operated as a
single unit.
Chains
All chains of every escalator shall have a factor of safety of not less
than 10, except if the chain is composed of cast steel links which shall
be thoroughly annealed, in which case the factor of safety shall be not
less than 20.
Automatic brakes
Every escalator shall be provided with an electrically released
mechanically applied brake that shall stop the escalator automatically
when the power supply is cut off.
Starting switch and stop button
(1) The starting of every escalator shall be by means of a key operated
switch or a switch inaccessible to the public.
(2) A button for stopping the escalator shall be placed accessible to the
public at the top and bottom landings of every escalator.
(3) The buttons shall be permanently and prominently marked ‘Stop
Button’.
(4) The release or pressing of a stop button must not start the escalator.
Safety devices
Every escalator shall be equipped with safety devices that will cause
the power to be cut off—
(a) in the event of the breaking of any tread chain; or
(b) whenever the speed of the escalator exceeds the rated speed by
20%; or
(c) in the event of the accidental reversal of the escalator when it is
set to operate in the ascending direction.
Reverse phase relay
Every escalator operated by a polyphase electric motor shall be
provided with a device that will prevent the motor being started while
the phase rotation is in the wrong direction or while there exists a
failure of any phase.
Machine room
The machine room of every escalator shall be of such size as will
permit of the safe and efficient maintenance of all parts of the
machinery and other equipment located in it, and the machine room
shall be adequately lighted and shall be provided with safe means of
access.
Construction of conveyors
Every conveyor and every part of it shall be of sound material, good
suitable and safe for the purpose for which it is intended to be used.
Electrical installation
(1) All electrical conductors, appliances and equipment used in
connection with every conveyor shall be of sufficient size and so
constructed, installed, protected and maintained as to be safe for, and
(2) If more specific provision is not made elsewhere in this regulation,
they shall conform with the provisions of the S.A.A. Wiring Rules.
Control
(1) Provision shall be made on every conveyor—
(a) to ensure that the conveyor will stop when the driving power is
cut off and remain stopped until the power is restored; and
(b) to permit the conveyor being stopped at each point of loading or
delivery; and
(c) to prevent the conveyor being restarted from any point until the
device by which it was stopped has been reset in the running
(2) Any push button used for stopping the conveyor must be capable of
being secured in the stop position.
(1) Every conveyor shall be adequately enclosed and guarded.
(2) The enclosing and guarding shall be to the satisfaction of the
Provision for maintenance
Provision shall be made to permit of the safe and efficient
maintenance of all machinery and control mechanism of every
conveyor.
No persons permitted to travel
No person shall travel or be permitted to travel on a conveyor.
Load notice
A safe working load notice shall be exhibited at each point of loading
of every conveyor.
(1) Every lift and all parts of it shall be maintained in conformity with
this regulation and in safe and proper working condition, and in
accordance with the following provisions:
(a) all motor rooms, wells and pits shall be kept clean and free from
accumulation of rubbish, dirt, dust or impedimenta;
(b) pits shall be kept dry;
(c) all guides, safety gear, machinery and equipment shall be kept
lubricated, and machines and equipment shall be kept clean and
free from accumulation of dust and dirt;
Maintenance of lifts Division 4.3
(d) all ropes showing indications of excessive wear, splintering,
stranding, bunching or rust shall at once be replaced by new
ropes;
(e) ropes liable to rust shall be treated with a suitable lubricant or a
rust preventive compound;
(f) all enclosures shall be maintained in a safe and effective
condition;
(g) all enclosure doors shall be maintained in proper working
condition, and so that they cannot leave their tracks or guides;
(h) the enclosure door interlocks shall be maintained in conformity
with section 29;
(i) all safety gear shall be kept in effective working condition;
(j) all limit gear, and other safety devices shall be maintained in
proper working condition and correct adjustment;
(k) the rams of all hydraulic lifts shall be kept in such condition that
there shall be no leakage at the gland, and this without unduly
pinching the ram;
(l) the controlling mechanism of all hydraulic lifts shall be
maintained in such condition that—
(i) the lift will automatically stop before the car lands or the
ram reaches its permanent stop; and
(ii) the lift will stop in the event of breakage of the control
rope, and
(iii) creeping will not occur when the valve is in the ‘stop’
(2) It shall be the duty of the owner of a lift to observe the provisions of
this section.
(1) No person shall operate any lift by manipulation of the enclosure door
interlocks or car gate interlocks or of the control mechanism in the
machine room.
(2) No person shall operate any rope control lift, other than a service lift,
from any landing or any place other than the car.
(3) No person shall load any lift in excess of its safe working load.
(4) No person in charge of any lift shall—
(a) load or permit the lift to be loaded in excess of the safe working
load; or
(b) move the car from any landing unless all the enclosure doors are
closed and locked and the car gates are closed; or
(c) permit the car to be loaded or unloaded or take in or let out
passengers unless the car is at rest, the power shut off and the
car switch is secure in the stop position; or
(d) for a rope controlled lift—leave the car unless the rope is locked
in the stop position.
(5) This section shall not apply to any bona fide worker engaged in
erecting, repairing, inspecting or testing a lift, or to an inspector.
Change of ownership
If the ownership of any lift has been changed, the new owner shall,
within 7 days of the change give notice of the change to the chief
Use of lifts Division 4.4
There shall be placed and kept in the car of every lift other than a
service lift—
(a) a legible notice stating—
(i) the safe working load of the lift; and
(ii) for a goods lift—the names of the persons specifically
empowered by the owner to work or operate the lift; and
(iii) the name, address and telephone number of the company
or person maintaining the lift or engaged to attend the lift
in case of stoppage or accident; and
(iv) for multi-tenanted buildings without resident caretakers—
if the inspector so directs, the name and address of the
owner of the lift; and
(b) a copy of section 68 and section 69 and a statement as follows:
Section 18 of the Act requires accidents to be notified to the chief
inspector by the owner or person in charge of a lift, and prohibits the
use of a lift after an accident without permission of an inspector.
For the purposes of the Act, owner of a lift includes the owner,
mortgagee in possession, lessee, hirer or borrower thereof.
There shall be placed and kept beside the control at the principal
landing and the other landings that the inspector may direct of every
service lift a copy of section 68 (1) and (3) and a notice stating the
safe working load of the lift.
The owner of a lift shall be responsible for the observance of the
provisions of section 70 and section 71.
Part 5 Safeguards and measures to be
building work
73 (1) Any person who directly or by his or her servants or
agents (including every independent contractor from time to time
engaged in that work) carries out any building work shall take all
measures that appear necessary or advisable to minimise accident
risk and to prevent injury to the health of persons engaged in the
building work and for this purpose, without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the person shall—
(a) provide suitable and safe scaffolding, which shall conform to the
requirements of this regulation, for all work that cannot be done
safely by a person standing on permanent or solid construction,
except when the work can be done safely from ladders
constructed in conformity with the provisions of this regulation;
and
(b) provide and maintain safe means of access to every place where
any person has to work at any time; and
(c) provide means by fencing or otherwise for securing the safety of
any person working at a place from which the person would be
liable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet; and
(d) make provision to secure and maintain lighting (natural or
artificial) sufficient and suitable for the illumination of all work
places, stairways, corridors and passageways where persons
must frequent, pass or use in the performance of their work or in
passage to or from their work; and
(e) whenever artificial lighting is provided—ensure that the lamps
are so placed and shaded that they will not affect the safety of
persons by producing glare or deep shadows and that the lamps
are protected against breakage by wire guards; and
(f) keep all stairways, corridors and passageways free from loose
materials and debris, building materials, supplies and
obstructions of every kind; and
(g) where practicable provide overhead protection for persons
working below other persons or where there is a likelihood of
persons being injured by objects falling from above; and
(h) ensure that the overhead protection is by means of timber or
other material of strength and construction reasonably adequate
to catch, deflect or hold any reasonable weight of material or
objects that may fall on the protective construction; and
(i) provide head protective helmets, of an approved type, for the use
of persons working in places over which it is impracticable to
fix overhead protection; and
(j) effectively fence in the way prescribed by this regulation, all
platforms, the open sides of all floors, openings in floors, roofs
and platforms into which persons could accidentally walk, the
open sides of stairways and stairway landings and all
excavations and holes more than 5 feet deep; and
(k) cause all working places and approaches to them to be
adequately ventilated by the circulation of fresh air the
ventilation to be such as to render harmless all fumes, dust or
other impurities that may be injurious to health, generated or
produced by any means in any such working place and
approach; and
(l) if in connection with any chipping, grinding, cleaning, spraying
or manipulation of any material, there is given off any dust or
fume of such a character and to such extent as to be likely to be
injurious to the health of persons employed—take all practicable
measures either by securing adequate ventilation or by the
provision and use of respirators (of a type approved by the chief
inspector) or otherwise to prevent inhalation of the dust or fume;
and
(m) cause all exhaust gases of every engine used in an enclosed or
confined space to be conducted to the open air and the place to
be adequately ventilated so as to prevent danger to health from
the exhaust gases; and
(n) if any persons are employed in a process in which a lead
compound or other poisonous substance is used—provide for
the use of persons liable to come into contact with the compound
or substance adequate and suitable facilities for washing, which
shall include nail brushes, soap and towels; and
(o) provide, where there is carried on any process specified schedule
4, the goggles of the types that are approved by the chief
inspector, or effective screens to protect the eyes of persons
employed on the building work; and
(p) cause measures to be taken to ensure that scaffolding materials,
tools and other objects and materials (including waste material)
shall not be thrown, tipped or shot down from a height where
they are liable to cause injury, but to be properly lowered, and
in any place where proper lowering is not practicable and also
where any part of a structure is being demolished or broken off
to cause adequate steps to be taken, if necessary, to protect
persons from falling or flying debris; and
(q) cause protruding nails to be knocked in or removed from all
materials used in the construction of scaffolding, false work and
shuttering and take measures to ensure that no timber or material
with projecting nails is allowed to remain in any place where
persons are liable to come into contact with them; and
(r) take all practicable precautions by the use of adequate temporary
guys, stays, supports and fixings or otherwise to prevent danger
to any person through the collapse of any part of a building or
structure during any temporary state of weakness or instability
of the building or structure or part before the building or
structure is completed; and
(s) if any building work is carried on that is likely to reduce, so as
to endanger any person, the security or stability of any part of an
existing building or structure or of a building or structure in
course of construction—take all practicable precautions by
shoring or otherwise to prevent danger to any person from the
collapse of the building or structure or the fall of any part of it;
and
(t) not move or permit or allow to be moved on the site of the
building work any ironwork or steelwork on which there is wet
paint other than paint for the purpose of jointing; and
(u) if on or adjacent to the site of any building work to which this
regulation applies there is water into which a person employed
is in the course of his or her employment liable to fall with risk
of drowning—provide and keep ready for use suitable rescue
equipment of an approved type and take all steps necessary for
the prompt rescue of any such person in danger of drowning;
and
(v) cause electric light and electric power installations and the
electrical equipment of cranes, hoists, and plant to be installed,
used and maintained in conformity with the provisions of this
regulation; and
(w) provide adequate and suitable overhead protection to prevent
persons being struck by the falling products of an electric arc or
flame metal cutting process; and
(x) provide the first-aid equipment, sanitary conveniences, washing
facilities, drinking water and shelter, change and dining
accommodation that are prescribed by this regulation.
(2) However, despite subsection (1) (j) it shall be permissible to remove
when necessary any guardrail, fence or part of it for the purpose of
handling materials or for the installation of other work, subject to the
guardrail, fence or part being at once replaced on completion of the
work.
(3) For this section:
lead compound means any material containing lead which, when
treated in the way prescribed in schedule 5, yields to an aqueous
solution of hydrochloric acid a quantity of soluble lead compound
exceeding, when calculated as lead monoxide, 5% of the dry weight
of the sample taken for analysis.
If the special nature or circumstances of any part of a building work
render impracticable compliance with the provisions of section 73
designed to prevent the fall of any person engaged on that part of the
building work, then those provisions shall be complied with so far as
practicable and, except for persons for whom there is adequate hand
hold and foothold, the contractor or person in charge of the building
work shall provide safety nets or safety belts and life lines of a type
approved by the chief inspector which will so far as practicable enable
the persons to carry out work without risk of serious injury.
Fencing of floors, landings, stairways and the like
(1) Wherever, by this part, it is required that a floor, platform, landing,
working place, stairway or stairway landing, excavation or hold, or
an opening in a floor, roof, platform or landing or that any other place
shall be fenced, then the fencing shall be effected by—
(a) positively fastening in position uprights or posts of 4 inch by 2
inch timber at a distance of not more than 8 feet apart; and
(b) bolting to each upright or post mentioned in paragraph (a) the
length or lengths of 4 inch by 2 inch timber that are necessary to
form the top guardrail of the fence, the 4 inch by 2 inch timber
being bolted at such position to each upright or post that the
distance from its top edge to the level of the place being fenced
is 3 feet 6 inches; and
(c) positively fastening to the upright or posts mentioned in
paragraph (a) toe or fender boards, of not less than 9 inches by 1
inch timber, in such way that the bottom edge of each toe or
fender board is level with the place being fenced and so that an
opening or gap is not left between the bottom edge of the toe or
fender board and the surface of the place being fenced.
(2) Alternatively the fence may be constructed of steel members,
provided that each steel member used possesses the strength and
rigidity of its corresponding timber member as provided in this
(3) As a further alternative the 4 inch by 2 inch guardrail may be replaced
by a flexible steel wire rope, or by a fibre rope not less than 3 inches
in circumference, provided that the rope is kept taut and is properly
secured to the uprights or posts.
Division 5.2 Constructing, erecting, adding to,
altering, repairing, finishing, painting
and cleaning buildings and structures
Stability of walls
No wall or part of a wall shall, during its construction, be built to a
greater height than 5 feet or 6 times its thickness, whichever is the
greater, unless it is supported by temporary shores, proper scaffolding
or buttresses at intervals of length not greater than 30 times its
thickness until roof or floor ties or cross walls are in position.
Protection in liftwells and stairwells
(1) When workers are working in a lift-well or stair-well during the
construction, alteration or equipping of a building, protection shall be
provided not more than 2 stories above nor 1 storey below the level
at which the workers are working.
(2) The protection shall be of timber planks not less than 2 inches thick,
laid across the lift-well or stair-well.
Temporary ramps
(1) A temporary ramp built to provide access for vehicles to the site of a
building work shall have a grade safe for vehicles using it and shall
possess adequate strength and stability under the effects of the
maximum loads to which it is subjected.
(2) The minimum width of every such ramp shall be 10 feet and a guide
or kerb, at least 9 inches in height and 6 inches in width, shall be
positively fixed in position at each side.
Provision and use of ladders and stepladders
ladder—see section 142.
stepladder—see section 142.
Design and construction
(2) Every ladder and every stepladder used for any purpose covered by
this regulation shall be designed and constructed as prescribed by this
To be provided and maintained
(3) Any person who directly or by his or her agents or servants carries
out any building work shall provide and maintain in place during
working hours the ladders that are necessary to provide safe means of
access to all floor levels and to all places where any person has to
work until the time that temporary or permanent stairways are
completed and are available as such safe means of access.
Placing of ladders
(4) Ladders shall be placed so that—
(a) each side rail or stile has a level and firm footing and the top rest
for each side rail or stile is level, reasonably rigid and of
adequate strength to support the maximum applied load; and
(b) the side rails or stiles are not supported by boxes, loose bricks,
or other loose packing.
In front of doors
(5) A ladder shall not be placed in front of a door, opening towards the
ladder, unless the door is fastened open or is locked or guarded.
To be securely fixed
(6) Every ladder shall so far as practicable be securely fixed so that it
cannot move either from its top or from its bottom points of rest.
(7) If it cannot be so securely fixed it shall where practicable be securely
fixed at the base or if such fixing at the base is impracticable a person
shall be stationed at the base of the ladder to prevent slipping.
In public thoroughfares
(8) Effective means shall be provided to prevent the displacement of a
ladder set up in a public thoroughfare or in any other place where
accidental collision with the ladder may occur.
Placed against window frames
(9) A ladder so placed that its top end rests against a window frame shall
be fitted with a board fixed to its top end the board being of such
dimensions that the applied load is safely distributed over the window
frame.
Footings for stepladders
(10) A stepladder shall be set up on a level and firm footing and shall not
be stood on loose bricks or other loose packing.
Ladders not to support scaffolding planks
(11) No ladder except a trestle ladder shall be used to support a plank on
which a person has to work.
Height above landings
(12) Ladders used for the purposes mentioned in subsection (3) shall rise
to a height of at least 3 feet 6 inches above the place of landing for
persons using the ladders.
Height when used as a working place
(13) A ladder used as a place from which a person has to work shall rise
to a height of at least 3 feet 6 inches above the highest rung to be
reached by the feet of the person working on the ladder or if that is
impracticable then to the greatest practicable height.
Landing places
(14) A landing place at least 27 inches in width and 48 inches in length
shall be provided at the head and base of every ladder for the purposes
mentioned in subsection (3) and if any person is liable to fall for a
distance of more than 6 feet from it then the landing place shall be
fenced in the way mentioned in section 75.
(15) If a ladder passes through an opening in the floor of a landing place,
the opening shall be as small as is reasonably practicable.
(16) Every ladder or run of ladders rising a vertical distance of 20 feet or
over shall be provided with an intermediate landing place or places
so that the vertical distance between any 2 successive landing places
shall not exceed 20 feet.
Angle of ladders
(17) Every ladder shall, if possible, be used at such an angle that the
horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is
equal to 1/ 4 of the length of the ladder.
Crowding on ladders
(18) Persons shall not crowd together on ladders.
Separate ladders for ascent and descent
(19) If, in connection with any building work, traffic conditions on ladders
are such as to warrant the use of separate ladders for the purposes of
ascent and descent, then such separate ladders shall be provided,
designated, and used for such purposes.
Ladders to be faced
(20) Persons using ladders shall face them while in the act of ascending or
descending.
Ladders not to be joined
(21) Ladders shall not be joined together to form a longer ladder unless a
longer ladder so formed is of the strength and rigidity prescribed for
ladders by this regulation.
Single rail ladders prohibited
(22) Ladders made by fastening cleats across a single rail shall not be used.
Defective ladders and stepladders
(23) No ladder or stepladder shall be used that has—
(a) a missing or a weakened, broken or otherwise defective rung or
tread or a broken or defective stile; or
(b) any rung or tread that depends for its support solely on nails,
spikes, or other similar fixing.
Prohibited uses of ladders
(24) A ladder shall not be used as a guy, brace, tom, strut, beam or skid or
for any other than its intended purpose.
Cleaning and maintenance of roof monitors, gutters,
windows, louvres and ventilators
Safe means of access to be provided
(1) The owner of any building (other than a private domestic dwelling
house) or of any structure shall provide and maintain in good order
and condition, on all roofs of it permanent means of safe access to
any monitors, gutters, windows, louvres, ventilators or other fixtures,
parts, or equipment that require periodical cleaning or maintenance.
Catwalks
(2) If catwalks are provided for the purposes mentioned in subsection (1),
the catwalks shall be of hardwood or other approved material.
(3) They shall be not less than 10 inches in width and if of hardwood not
less than 2 inches in thickness.
(4) The upper surfaces of all catwalks shall be approximately horizontal
in transverse planes and the surfaces shall be flat and free from
obstructions or projections.
(5) Catwalks shall be adequately supported and positively and strongly
secured in position.
(6) If catwalks are inclined longitudinally at more than 10° to the
horizontal, or if they are so placed that a person, or object could fall
a distance of more than 6 feet from them, they shall be fenced in
accordance with section 75.
Window cleaning
anchor means a fitting secured to a window frame or wall to which
fitting a safety strap or line terminal is or is intended to be attached.
body belt means a belt constructed to fit the body, at or about the
waistline, of a person engaged in window cleaning.
safety belt means the complete assembly of body belt, safety strap or
line and all fittings.
safety strap or line means the safety strap or line that passes through
loops fitted at the back of a body belt and is provided with terminal
fittings to enable each of its terminals to be secured to an anchor.
window cleaning includes the operations of washing, wiping or other
method of cleaning windows of buildings.
Liabilities of owners
(2) The owner of a building, the windows of that are cleaned from the
outside, shall install and maintain anchors on each such window, the
lowest part of the frame of which is more than 12 feet above the
ground or adjoining flat roof, or the owner shall provide other
approved safe means for cleaning every such window of such
building.
(3) The owner of any building shall not require, permit, suffer or allow
any window in such building to be cleaned unless anchors or other
approved means are provided to enable such work to be done in a safe
way.
Liabilities of contractors
(4) Every contractor shall use and require his or her employee to use
while engaged in window cleaning the equipment and safety devices
required by this section to be provided and used.
Exemption—cleaning exterior face of windows from inside
(5) This section shall not apply to any window that is constructed in an
approved way so that the exterior face can be and is cleaned entirely
from the inside and during which cleaning operation no part of the
window cleaner’s body except 1 arm or hand is required to project
beyond the frame in which the window is set.
Exemption—windows on balconies, fire-escapes and flat roofs
(6) This section shall not apply to any window opening on a balcony
having a railing 36 inches high, nor to a window opening on a
fire-escape, nor to any window opening on a roof if the roof has a
pitch of not more than 1 inch in 12 inches, is 6 feet or more in width
and is capable of safely sustaining the weight of the window cleaner
and his or her equipment.
Exemption—cleaning inside face of windows
(7) This section shall not apply to the cleaning of the inside face of any
window except if the window cleaner performs the operation while
resting on a level that is more than 6 feet above a floor.
General requirements—windows more than 12 feet above ground
(8) No person shall clean a window required to be provided with anchors
unless the person wears an approved type of safety belt and the person
shall only clean the windows while the safety strap or line terminals
are in position on the anchors, provided that windows may be cleaned
by any other safe means that are approved or are permitted by this
General requirements—portable auxiliary sills
(9) If any window is by this section required to be cleaned by a person
wearing a safety belt and the sill of the window extends less than 6
inches out from the window frame or is inclined at a slope of more
than 1 in 12 or is otherwise unsafe for the person to stand on, the
owner shall provide an approved portable auxiliary sill or other
approved device on which the person can stand with safety.
(10) Every such portable sill shall be not less than 10 inches wide and it
shall be equal in length to the clear width of the window opening, less
3 inches.
(11) Every such portable sill and other device shall be so designed and
constructed that it is safely held in place and so that it can be safely
and readily put into position and removed.
General requirements—limitation on use of safety belts and anchors
(12) Anchors shall be deemed adequate safety devices only if the window
and its approaches are so constructed and maintained that the window
cleaner can safely reach the sill and attach 1 safety strap or line
terminal to the anchor before stepping out on to the sill and if it is
possible for 1 belt terminal to remain attached to the anchor while the
window cleaner steps back into the building.
(13) No person shall use a safety belt in any place where it is liable to be
detrimentally affected by acids or other deleterious chemicals.
General requirements—use of corrosive substances
(14) Acids or other deleterious chemicals may be used for window
cleaning only under the following conditions:
(a) scaffolding, conforming to the provisions of this regulation,
shall be used but if scaffolding of the light swinging stage type
is used it shall be suspended by flexible steel wire rope instead
of fibre rope;
(b) the use of fibre rope in connection with any scaffolding for this
purpose is prohibited;
(c) a highly dilute solution (not more than 5%) of hydrochloric
(muriatic) acid or hydrofluoric acid shall be used;
(d) the window cleaner shall wear rubber gloves and shall apply the
acid solution with a brush;
(e) all parts of the scaffolding and other equipment so used shall be
liberally washed with water after each use to prevent corrosive
reactions.
General requirements—maintenance of equipment
(15) All equipment and safety devices required by this section shall be
maintained by the owners of them in good order and condition and in
accordance with this regulation.
General requirements—detachable draft deflectors
(16) Detachable draft deflectors fitted to window openings shall be
removed before a window cleaning operation is begun.
General requirements—broken sash chains or cords
(17) No person shall clean a window having broken sash chains or cords.
General requirements—skilled operators for scaffolding and boatswain’s chairs
(18) Only experienced and properly trained persons shall be permitted or
employed to clean windows by working on scaffolding or in
boatswain’s chairs.
General requirements—screws and expansion bolts
(19) No person shall use wood screws, coach screws, or expansion bolts
as a means of fastening anchors.
General requirements—passing from window to window prohibited
(20) A window cleaner shall not pass on the outside of a building from one
window to another window.
General requirements—wide fixed sash windows
(21) Wide fixed sash windows, having adjacent to them an openable small
window separated by a mullion from it, shall have 2 anchors installed
on each mullion.
(22) The window cleaner shall attach both safety strap or line terminals to
the anchors on 1 mullion so as to permit 1/ 2 of the larger window to
be cleaned from each side.
General requirements—wide window frames
(23) In buildings where the width of a window frame exceeds 6 feet there
shall be installed special approved anchors, additional to other
anchors, required by this section, at each side of the window frame.
(24) These special anchors shall be set 42 inches above the window sill.
(25) The owner shall provide for each such window, when it is being
cleaned, an approved cable to be attached to the special anchors to
form a back support for the window cleaner.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—anchors for all buildings
(26) All anchors required by this section shall be installed as specified in
this section except as may be otherwise approved.
(27) All anchors and anchor fastenings shall be provided with means to
prevent them inadvertently turning, backing off or becoming loose.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—anchor location
(28) Anchors shall be attached to the side frames of the window or to the
building at a point not less than 44 inches nor more than 51 inches
above the window sill.
(29) Care shall be taken, when screwing up anchor fastenings, to prevent
producing excess stresses.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—timber—existing and new buildings
(30) Anchors shall be attached to timber or metal-covered timber window
frames by bolts of not less than 3/ 8 of an inch in diameter that shall
pass through the entire window frame and shall be securely fastened
by a nut and washer.
(31) The diameter of the washer shall be at least twice the diameter of the
bolt hole.
(32) The ends of the bolts shall be upset to prevent loosening or removal
of the nuts.
(33) The back face of anchors for installation on timber window frames or
mullions shall be provided with at least 2 sharp lugs to prevent turning
of the anchor after installation, or other equally effective methods
may be used.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—masonry and brickwork—new
(34) Anchors attached to walls of masonry or brickwork units, erected
after 19 September 1957, shall be installed while the wall is under
construction and shall be shaped to build into the joints between
masonry or brickwork units.
(35) The anchors shall be not less than 8 inches long, have a
cross-sectional area of not less than 1/ 4 of a square inch, have a fluke
or flukes having a holding surface of not less than 1 inch in length
and, be firmly embedded in the masonry or brickwork.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—masonry and brickwork—existing
(36) Anchors shall not be installed in existing masonry or brickwork but
shall be attached to the window frames in accordance with
subsections (30) to (33), subsection (38) or subsections (39) to (42),
as the case may be.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—concrete—new and existing buildings
(37) Anchors shall not be installed in new or existing concrete but shall be
attached to the window frames in accordance with subsections (30) to
(33), subsection (38) or subsections (39) to (42), as the case may be.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—hollow metal—existing and new
(38) Anchors shall be attached to hollow metal construction as follows:
(a) at least 2 bolts not less than 3/ 8 of an inch in diameter and of
proper length shall pass through the frame and a steel reinforcing
plate at least 5/ 16 of an inch thick, not less than 6 inches long and
3/ 4 of an inch wide, placed on the inside of the frame and secured
by means of nuts and lock washers;
(b) if it is impracticable to provide nuts and lock washers the
reinforcing plate may be tapped to receive 3/ 8 inch diameter
machine screws and machine screws shall pass through the
plate;
(c) if the screw bolt is an integral part of the anchor—it shall be at
least 1/ 2 inch in diameter and shall be secured by means of a nut
and lock washer and a steel reinforcing plate as described in
paragraphs (a) and (b) or it may be screwed into a tapped hole
in the reinforcing plate;
(d) all anchors and anchor fastenings shall be provided with means
to prevent them from turning, backing off or becoming loose.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—solid metal—existing and new
(39) Anchors shall be attached to solid metal frames by at least 2 bolts not
less than 3/ 8 of an inch in diameter and of proper length, which shall
pass through the frame and be secured on the inside by a nut and lock
washer.
(40) However, if it is impracticable to provide such nuts and lock washers,
the frame shall be tapped its entire thickness and the screw fastenings
shall extend through the frame.
(41) In such instances at least 5/ 16 of an inch of thread shall be provided in
the frame, otherwise a tapped reinforcing plate as specified in
subsection (38).
(42) If the screw bolt is an integral part of the anchor, it shall be at least 1/ 2
an inch in diameter and shall be secured to the frame by means of a
nut and lock washer or the frame member may be tapped through to
receive the screw bolt provided the metal is at least 3/ 8 of an inch
thick.
Installation and maintenance of anchors—maintenance of anchors
(43) The owner of every building shall maintain all anchor installations in
a safe condition.
Anchor material and specifications—anchors
(44) Anchors shall not be made of any of the copper base alloys such as
brass, bronze, silicon bronze, aluminium bronze or similar alloys.
(45) Anchors shall not be cast but shall be forged or machined from
approved corrosion resistant rolled metal alloy.
(46) Every forging made of such alloy shall be heat treated in an approved
way.
(47) Every anchor shall be free of imperfections and all corners of an
anchor shall be properly filleted or rounded.
(48) If bolt or set screw fastenings are used, the forgings shall be spot faced
to receive the bolt or set screw head.
(49) Anchor heads shall conform to the dimensions mentioned in schedule
7, plate 1, figures 1 and 2.
Anchor material and specifications—bolts and set screws
(50) Bolts and set screws used to fasten anchors shall not be made of any
of the copper base alloys mentioned in subsections (44) to (49).
(51) The bolts and set screws shall not be cast but shall be forged or
machined from approved corrosion resistant rolled metal alloy.
(52) Each bolt and set screw shall have an unthreaded part of the shank
not less than 3/ 16 of an inch in length adjacent to its head.
(53) The junction of the head and shank shall not form a sharp corner.
Anchor material and specifications—corrosion resistant metal
(54) In this section:
corrosion resistant metal means a metal so alloyed as to provide
resistance to rust and corrosion under normal atmospheric conditions.
(55) Such metal shall be so processed as to conform to the best current
practices to minimise segregation, oxides, flaws and internal stresses
and shall have a minimum tensile strength of not less
than 55,000 pounds per square inch with an elongation of 25%
in 2 inches.
(56) Such metal where specified to be used in the manufacture of devices
required in this section shall be approved.
(57) Two tensile test bars shall be taken from each heat or batch of pieces
at the time of forging or from bar stock of machined items for use by
the chief inspector in performing the tests the chief inspector
considers necessary.
Safety belts—approved safety belts to be provided
(58) The person employing, directing or suffering another to clean
windows provided with anchors shall provide or cause to be provided
a properly fitting approved safety belt if the cleaning of the windows
requires any part of the window cleaner’s body other than 1 arm or
hand to project beyond the frame in which the window is set.
Safety belts—construction
(59) Straps used in the construction of safety belts shall be of woven fabric
or cotton or manilla rope and shall be made of first quality material,
which shall be treated against mildew by a non-acid and non-
corrosive anti-mildew agent.
(60) Stitching of the material shall be done with hot waxed, best quality
linen thread and shall be lock stitching.
(61) Fabric ends shall be bound or dipped in wax to prevent unravelling.
Safety belts—approval test of safety belts
(62) Before approval by the chief inspector of a safety belt, a sample of
the belt shall be tested in accordance with the following subsections.
(63) The test shall be performed by a recognised, disinterested authority,
acceptable to the chief inspector.
(64) Two copies of the report of the testing authority, which shall include
a detailed description of the test sample, the test procedure and test
results, shall be submitted to the chief inspector with the application
for approval.
(65) The complete assembly of the safety belt shall be capable of holding
a 250 pound weight falling free for a distance of 4 feet.
(66) For the purposes of the test—
(a) the test weight shall be a rigid object 45 inches in girth and
having a weight of 250 pounds; and
(b) it shall be held by the body belt that shall be secured by the belt
buckle in the same way as when the belt is worn by a window
cleaner; and
(c) 1 belt terminal shall be attached to a rigid anchor; and
(d) the test weight shall fall free for a distance of 4 feet from a point
in vertical alignment with the point of suspension.
(67) A safety belt or any of its parts that have been used for testing
purposes shall not afterwards be used.
Safety belts—metal thimbles
(68) Metal thimbles shall be provided if safety straps or lines are secured
to eyes or rings.
(69) Fabric straps shall be reinforced with leather at such points of wear.
(70) Thimbles for fabric straps shall run free, shall be finished smooth
throughout and shall have rounded edges.
Safety belts—terminals and other metal fittings
(71) Safety strap and line terminals and other safety belt metal fittings
subject to stress during use shall not be cast but shall be forged or
machined from approved corrosion resistant rolled metal alloy.
(72) If steel is used, it shall conform to an approved specification.
(73) The finished product shall be free of imperfection.
(74) After forging, the metal shall be properly heat treated.
(75) Such terminals and other metal fittings shall meet the strength
requirements of subsections (30) to (33).
(76) The dimensions of terminal slots shall conform to the dimensions
mentioned in schedule 7, plate 1, figure 3.
(77) An approved safety catch shall be included as part of each safety strap
or line terminal.
Safety belts—method of use
(78) A window cleaner using a safety belt shall attach 1 safety strap or line
terminal to an anchor before stepping out on to a window sill and 1
safety strap or line terminal shall remain attached to an anchor while
the window cleaner is stepping back into the building.
(79) During window cleaning, both safety strap or line terminals shall be
attached to anchors.
Maintenance of safety belts—examination
(80) All safety belts shall be frequently examined by the person
employing, directing or permitting another to engage in window
cleaning and they shall also be examined by the window cleaner
before use each day and no belt shall be used that does not provide
the safety required by this section.
Maintenance of safety belts—storage and handling
(81) All safety belts shall be so stored and handled as to prevent rust or
injury to them.
(82) Safety belts shall not be stored in the same room with acids or other
deleterious chemicals.
Maintenance of safety belts—affected by mildew or corrosive agent
(83) No safety belt shall be used that has been affected by mildew, by the
action of acid, or by any other corrosive or deleterious chemicals.
Wear and replacement—safety straps and lines
(84) Safety straps or lines that have become damaged or unduly worn or
show broken threads or fibres shall be replaced by new straps or lines.
Wear and replacement—belt terminals
(85) No belt terminal shall be used if any point in the slot will
accommodate a 9/ 16 of an inch plug gauge.
Wear and replacement—links
(86) No link shall be used in a safety strap or line if any dimension of a
section of it is less than 0.300 inch.
Use of ladders in window cleaning—when to be used
(87) No person shall use a ladder for window cleaning except if the
windows cannot be cleaned safely and practicably by other approved
means.
Use of ladders in window cleaning—prevention of slipping
(88) All ladders used in connection with window cleaning shall be
provided with approved means to prevent slipping.
Use of ladders in window cleaning—person to hold ladder
(89) No person shall use a ladder more than 18 feet in length for window
cleaning unless a person is stationed at all times at the foot of the
ladder to hold it in place while the window cleaner is on it.
(90) The person at the foot shall face the ladder and hold it with both
hands.
(91) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any private domestic
dwelling house.
Spray painting
spray painting means coating interiors of buildings or coating other
structures by spraying with lead paint, silica paint, enamel, vitreous
enamel, lacquer or other material.
inflammable liquid means a liquid that, when tested in the way
mentioned in the Inflammable Liquid Act, 1915-1946, schedule, gives
off an inflammable vapour at a temperature less than 90° Fahrenheit.
lead paint means any paint, paste, spray, stopping, filling or other
material used in painting, that, when tested in the way prescribed in
schedule 5, yields to an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, a
quantity of soluble lead compound exceeding, when calculated as
lead monoxide, 5% of the dry weight of the part taken for analysis.
silica paint means any paint, paste, glaze, spray or other material that,
when tested in the way prescribed in schedule 3, contains free silica
to the extent of 2% or more of the dry weight of the part taken for
analysis.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the person who directly
or by his or her servants or agents carries out spray painting shall be
responsible for compliance with the provisions of this section.
Prohibited substances
(3) The following substances shall not be used in spray painting: carbon
bisulphide, carbon tetrachloride, arsenic or its compounds.
Restricted substances
(4) Material used in spray painting shall not contain benzol or methyl
alcohol in excess of 1%.
Provision of fire-extinguishers
(5) A sufficient number of fire-extinguishers of the foam or other
approved type shall be maintained in the place where any material
having a nitrocellulose or inflammable liquid content is being
sprayed.
Metal containers for used cleaning rags
(6) Metal containers, with close-fitting lids, shall be provided for the
deposit of cotton waste, cleaning rags or similar materials that have
been used.
(7) The containers shall at the close of work each day be removed from
the building or structure where the spray painting operations are being
carried out.
Smoking and naked lights prohibited
(8) No person shall—
(a) smoke; or
(b) have any fire, naked light, flame or other source of ignition
within any place in a building or structure where spray painting
is being carried out.
Doors to open outwards
(9) If any building or structure or any place within a building or structure
where place spray painting is being carried out, is fitted with doors,
the doors shall be arranged to open outwards.
Ventilation of work places
(10) The air in any room or place where spray painting is being done shall
be changed by natural ventilation, exhaust fan or other means at least
20 times in each hour.
(11) If any spray painting is done in a confined space without such air
changes, the contractor shall provide a positive pressure helmet for
use by each person working in the space.
Storage of lead and silica paint
(12) Lead paint and silica paint shall not be stored or kept otherwise than
in receptacles legibly marked ‘LEAD PAINT’ and ‘SILICA PAINT’,
respectively.
(13) However, subsection (12) does not apply to receptacles—
(a) containing lead paint or silica paint in actual use in spray
painting; or
(b) for mixing lead paint or silica paint for immediate use.
Preparation of stopping
(14) White lead, or sulphate of lead, shall not be manipulated or used in
the preparation of painters’ stopping material, except under an
efficient exhaust draught so arranged as to remove the dust produced,
as nearly as may be, at its point of origin.
(15) However, subsection (14) does not apply if the stopping material is
prepared by a worker solely for his or her own use.
(16) Every person who directly or by his or her servants or agents carries
out spray painting shall—
(a) provide and maintain for the use of all persons engaged in, or
exposed to the spraying of lead paint or silica paint, approved
overalls, head coverings and gloves; and
(b) ensure that the overalls, head coverings and gloves are
thoroughly washed and cleaned at the expense of the person
providing them at intervals of not more than 1 week; and
(c) provide and maintain for the use of every person engaged in
spray painting a sufficient quantity of material capable of
removing paint or spraying mixture from his or her hands and
face; and
(d) provide for persons employed in spraying lead paint or silica
paint an adequate supply of hot water for washing purposes and
a sufficient supply of towels, nail brushes and soap; and
(e) provide approved respirators and maintain them in an efficient
condition for all persons engaged in—
(i) spray painting in which lead paint or silica paint is used; or
(ii) spray painting in which any other material detrimental to
health is used; or
(iii) the dry rubbing down or scraping of a surface painted with
lead paint or silica paint;
and for all persons otherwise exposed to the lead paint or silica
paint or to such other detrimental material.
Sampling material used for spray painting
(17) When requested by an inspector a sample of any material in use or
mixed for use in spray painting shall be provided by the user and this
shall be taken in the presence of the inspector who shall forthwith seal
the sample and give it to a competent analyst.
(18) Should the user so desire, a second sample shall be sealed at the same
time by the inspector and handed to the user.
Health register
(19) Every person employing any person in spray painting shall keep a
health register in which shall be entered the names of all persons
employed in, or exposed to spray painting and if any employee is
absent from work for 3 days or more owing to illness attributable to
spray painting or exposure to it, the name of the employee, together
with his or her age and address and the date of cessation from work
and duration of absence, shall be entered by the contractor in the
health register.
(20) The health register kept under this section shall, on demand being
made by an inspector at any reasonable time, be produced for
examination.
Duties of spray-gun operators
(21) Every spray-gun operator shall—
(a) so adjust the atomisation pressure of the spray-gun as to avoid
creating undue mist; and
(b) so use a spray-gun that neither the operator nor any other worker
continuously comes between the outlet of the spray-gun in
operation and any fan provided for the purposes of ventilation;
and
(c) not test the spray-gun by spraying promiscuously about any
room or place; and
(d) wear the overalls, head covering and gloves prescribed in
subsection (16) when engaged in or exposed to the spray
painting of lead paint or silica paint; and
(e) wear the respirators required to be provided by subsection (16)
when engaged in or in connection with any of the processes
referred to in that subsection.
Duties of other persons employed
(22) Every person shall—
(a) wear the overalls and head covering and gloves prescribed in
subsection (16) while exposed to spray painting of lead paint or
of silica paint; and
(b) wear the respirator required to be provided by subsection (16)
while engaged in or in connection with any of the processes
referred to in that subsection; and
(c) cause all cotton waste, cleaning rags or similar materials that
have been used for cleaning up in a spray painting operation to
be deposited in the metal containers provided in accordance with
subsection (6); and
(d) refrain from smoking and from introducing, keeping, preparing
or partaking of any food or drink in a room or place where a
spray painting operation is being carried on; and
(e) after being employed in, or exposed to spray painting,
thoroughly cleanse his or her face and hands before partaking of
food or leaving the site of the building work.
Division 5.3 Demolition of buildings and
structures
(1) This section shall apply to the demolition of any building or structure
or substantial part of a building or structure.
(2) However, subsections (6), (9) and (11) do not apply in relation to the
use of explosives within the meaning of the Dangerous Substances
(Explosives) Regulation 2004.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the person who directly
or by his or her servants or agents carries out demolition work shall
be responsible for compliance with this section.
Demolition of buildings and structures Division 5.3
(4) Before demolition is begun and also during the progress of the
work—
(a) no electric cable or apparatus that is liable to be a source of
danger, other than a cable or apparatus used for the operation,
shall be allowed to remain electrically charged; and
(b) all practicable steps shall be taken to prevent danger to all
persons—
(i) from fire or explosion through leakage or accumulation of
gas or vapour; and
(ii) from flooding from water mains, drains or sewers.
(5) All glazed sashes and glazed doors shall be removed or boarded up at
the start of the demolition work.
(6) Demolition of walls shall be executed storey by storey beginning at
the roof and working downward.
(7) Masonry and brickwork shall be taken down in reasonably even
courses.
(8) All walls unsupported for a height of 12 feet or more shall be
protected against falling by the use of shoring or ties, or both.
(9) If walls are thin or structurally weak, scaffolding shall be erected and
workers shall work from the scaffolding for the purpose of
demolishing the walls.
(10) All practicable precautions shall be taken to avoid danger from
collapse of the structure when any part of the framing is removed
from a framed or partly framed building or structure.
(11) All practicable precautions shall be taken to avoid danger from any
sudden twist, spring or collapse of any steelwork, ironwork or
reinforced concrete when the steelwork, ironwork or reinforced
concrete is cut or released.
(12) Demolished material, debris, or spoil shall not be allowed to remain
on any floor or structure if the weight of the material exceeds the safe
carrying capacity of the floor or structure.
(13) Demolished material, debris or spoil shall be so piled or stacked that
it will not endanger workers or other persons.
(14) Accumulated dust creating material, unless thoroughly dampened,
shall not be thrown or dropped from the building or structure, but
shall be lowered by hoisting apparatus or removed by material chutes
that are completely enclosed.
(15) The bottom of each material chute shall be equipped with a gate or
stop, with suitable means for closing or regulating the flow of
(16) The gate or stop shall be kept closed except for the discharge of
(17) Proper tools shall be provided and kept available to loosen material
that becomes jammed in the chute.
(18) A danger sign shall be placed at the discharge end of every chute.
(19) During demolition, chutes, floors, stairways and other places affected
shall be sprinkled frequently to keep down dust.
(20) Stairs and stair railings shall be kept in place and in usable condition
as long as possible.
(21) Steps and landings shall be kept free from debris.
(22) Openings in floors, unless covered or otherwise protected, shall be
provided with guardrails and toe boards.
(23) If workers or other persons may be exposed to the danger of being
struck by material or objects falling from upper working levels, the
exposed area shall be shut off from access by means of guardrails and
danger signs shall be posted.
Part 6 The proper design, construction,
erection and use of scaffolding
85 Definitions for pt 6
In this regulation:
birdcage scaffolding means independent pole scaffolding used in
connection with the interior decoration of buildings or for fixing
building ceilings or for other like work in the course of which loads
required to be carried by the scaffolding are small in weight when
compared with the weight of persons using the scaffolding.
cantilever scaffolding means scaffolding the platform of which is
supported by cantilevers.
heavy duty scaffolding means scaffolding used by bricklayers,
masons, plasterers and other like tradespeople who in the course of
their work require that heavy materials be deposited on the
independent pole scaffolding means scaffolding supported from the
base by 2 or more rows of standards independent of support from a
wall or other structure.
light duty scaffolding means scaffolding for the use of carpenters,
painters, plumbers, electricians and other like tradespeople and that is
required to support material of weight greater than that carried by
birdcage scaffolding but not so great as that carried by heavy duty
light swinging stage means a scaffolding the working platform of
which is suspended from overhead supports and does not
exceed 18 feet in length, and whose weight, inclusive of all gear,
ropes, tackle, and blocks in addition to all parts integral with the
working staging but exclusive of needles, does not exceed 600
pounds, and that is so used that the total load on the working platform
including workers and material does not at any time exceed 500
pounds.
run means a stationary incline provided as a means of ascent and
descent from one level to another.
single pole scaffolding means a scaffolding supported from the base
by but 1 row of standards, the inner edge of the working platform
being supported by putlogs fixed to a wall or structure.
suspended scaffolding means a scaffolding the platform of which is
suspended from overhead supports by round steel wire ropes and is
capable of being raised and lowered by means of winches or like
mechanism.
toe board means a board 9 inches in height erected at right angles to
a scaffolding platform and tightly against the platform for protection
to workers as well as to prevent material or tools falling from the a
platform.
Scaffolding construction
(1) Every scaffolding and every part of scaffolding shall be of sound
material, good construction, adequate strength, free from patent
defects and be suitable and safe for the purpose for which it is
intended.
Timber
(2) All timber used in the construction of scaffolding shall be an
approved Australian hardwood or Oregon pine (Douglas fir) or other
approved timber of equivalent strength and characteristics.
(3) Timber shall be thoroughly inspected before use.
Working platforms—dimensions of scaffold planks
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the cross-sectional
dimensions of scaffold planks shall be not less than 9 inches by
1 1/ 8 inches if of hardwood or 9 inches by 1 1/ 2 inches if of Oregon
pine.
Working platforms—scaffold planks to be of uniform thickness
(5) Scaffold planks used in the construction of working platforms shall
be of uniform thickness so as not to cause unevenness of surface.
Working platforms—scaffold planks to lap
(6) Except as otherwise provided in this section, scaffold planks shall be
lapped 9 inches over supports.
(7) Unless approved measures are taken to prevent uplift, no plank shall
overhang a support more than 9 inches.
Working platforms—minimum width of working platforms
(8) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a working platform shall
be not less than 18 inches in width.
Working platforms—scaffold planks to be laid full width of frame
(9) Scaffold planks shall be laid over the full width of the scaffolding
frame and, in laying the planks, care shall be taken to avoid traps.
Guardrails and toe boards—where required
(10) Guardrails and toe boards shall be provided on the outer edges and
ends of all scaffolding from which a person or object could fall a
distance of 10 feet or more.
Guardrails
(11) Guardrails shall be of equivalent strength and rigidity to Oregon pine
timber of cross-sectional dimensions four inches by 2 inches and shall
be 36 inches in height.
(12) Guardrails of metal piping shall be not less than 1 11 / 32 inches external
diameter and if of rope not less than 3 inches in circumference.
(13) All guardrails shall be secured to uprights at intervals of not more
than 8 feet.
Toe boards
(14) Toe boards shall project not less than 9 inches above the top of the
platform planks and shall be set up so as to leave no space between
the platform planks and the toe board bottom edge.
Fixings
(15) Fixings shall be steel bolts 5/ 8 of an inch in diameter with washers and
nuts, lashings of round fibre rope or other approved fixing.
(16) For timbers not more than the dimensions provided in section 87 (3)
to (9) and (29) to (55), fibre rope lashing for scaffolding shall be—
(a) for scaffolding of more than 30 feet in height—18 feet in length
by 11/ 2 inches in circumference; and
(b) for scaffolding of 30 feet or less in height the lashings—16 feet
in length by 1 1/ 2 inches in circumference.
(17) For timbers of greater dimensions the length of fibre rope lashings
shall be as approved.
(18) It shall be an offence to use a fixing that has not been approved or that
does not conform to the requirements of subsections (15) to (17).
Pipes for tubular scaffolding
(19) Pipes for use in the construction of tubular scaffolding shall be
straight and free from indentations, corrosion and other defects.
(20) The ends of all pipes shall be squared to ensure even bearing over the
whole area of the section at joints and other connections.
(21) The pipes shall be of the dimensions and material specified in this
Fittings for tubular scaffolding
(22) Only approved fittings shall be used for connecting the various
members of a tubular scaffolding.
(23) All such fittings shall accurately embrace, over the whole area of their
bearing surfaces, the member or members on which they are used.
(24) If the efficacy of the fittings is dependent on frictional grip, the
fittings shall not be used to transmit primary tensile forces.
(25) Fittings having screw threads in blind bosses or nuts, in which the
amount of screw thread within the nut cannot be directly observed,
shall not be used.
Electrical hazards
(26) Scaffolding in which a metal member is used shall not be set up
within 15 feet of any overhead electricity transmission line or main
or within 15 feet of any electricity transmission apparatus until the
transmission line, main, or transmission apparatus has been protected
in an approved way by the electricity supply authority.
(27) Scaffolding built of timber members shall not be set up within 5 feet
of any such transmission line, main, or transmission apparatus until
the protection mentioned in subsection (26) has been effected.
New types of scaffolding
(28) All scaffolding for which specifications have not been given in this
regulation, and all patented or manufactured scaffolding, parts of
scaffolding or scaffolding devices, and all types of scaffolding
developed subsequent to 25 May 1950 shall be of an approved type.
Repair of damaged scaffolding
(29) Any scaffolding that has been damaged or weakened by any cause
shall be immediately repaired and workers shall not be permitted on
the scaffolding, except for the purpose of effecting repairs, until all
repairs have been completed.
Restriction on use of fibre rope
(30) Fibre rope shall not be used on or in connection with any scaffolding
set up in any acid manufacturing plant or in any other plant where
acids are generated or released in quantity or in other location where
the rope is likely to be detrimentally affected by acid.
Construction of single and independent pole scaffolding
(1) Single pole and independent pole scaffolding shall comprise a
number of standards to which are fixed horizontal members (ledgers)
supporting putlogs on which are laid scaffold planks, the structure
thus constituted being braced, both longitudinally and transversely.
Bracing
(2) This type of scaffolding shall be adequately braced in all directions
to form a rigid structure capable of maintaining a wide margin of
stability under all possible conditions.
Standards
(3) The base of every standard shall bear on a firm footing.
(4) If there is a possibility of settlement of any standard, the standard
shall be provided with a foundation of such size and of such strength
as to spread the load from the standard over a large enough area to
prevent settlement.
(5) If splices are necessary in round pole standards, butt jointed double
poles shall be used instead of single poles and the double poles shall
break joint at least 9 feet, poles being secured together with 2 rope
lashings at the base and 1 rope lashing on each side of each butt joint.
(6) When necessary as a protection against the impact of trucks or other
heavy moving equipment, the bases of standards shall be protected
from displacement by bumpers.
(7) Sawn timber standards shall be butt jointed with 2 (two) 3-feet lengths
of 4 inch by 2 inch timber fixed 1 on each side of the butt joint and
bolted through with 4 5/8 inches diameter bolts, fitted with washers
and nuts, spaced at 9 inch centres.
(8) Fish plates and bolts shall be symmetrically arranged at each such
joint.
(9) Joints in the standards of tubular scaffolding shall not be at distances
greater than 9 inches from ledgers or other members capable of
effectively constraining the joints against lateral displacement.
Ledgers
(10) Each ledger shall be secured to each standard at each crossing by use
of the appropriate fixing prescribed by section 86 (15) to (17).
(11) Each ledger shall be so fixed that the greater rectilinear dimension of
a section of it shall stand vertically.
(12) Ledgers shall be continuous and kept continuous for the whole length
of a scaffolding frame.
(13) A joint shall not be made in a ledger of a single span.
(14) Joints shall not be made in ledgers in the vicinity of the end, or outer
standards.
(15) Joints shall not be made in adjacent spans of any ledger.
(16) If a straight ledger is supported by a row of not less than 3 standards,
1 joint only may be made in the ledger, provided that the joint is not
placed at a greater distance than 2 feet 3 inches from the central
standard.
(17) If a straight ledger is supported by a row of 4 or more standards, the
ledger joints may be placed at any position but not within adjacent or
end spans.
Putlogs
(18) Putlogs shall be set above ledgers and they shall be securely fixed to
ledgers or standards.
(19) Every putlog shall have not less than 41/ 2 inches bearing in walls and
they shall be securely wedged in position in walls.
(20) If one end rests on a structure, it shall be effectively secured to the
structure.
(21) A joint shall not be made in the span of a putlog.
(22) Putlogs shall be arranged so as to provide true and even support to
scaffold planks.
(23) On each ledger at least 1 putlog within 2 feet of each standard shall
remain in the scaffolding until the scaffolding is finally removed.
(24) The spacing of putlogs in scaffolding constructed of timber shall not
exceed 6 feet.
(25) For tubular scaffolding, 1 putlog shall be placed at each side of each
standard except the standards at each end of the scaffolding frame,
where only 1 need be used.
(26) The putlogs for tubular scaffolding shall be positioned not more than
9 inches from a standard measured centre-line of standard to centre-
line of putlog except as provided in this section.
(27) The maximum span of a putlog in tubular scaffolding shall not exceed
5 feet 21/ 2 inches for a mild steel putlog, or 4 feet 8 1/ 2 inches for a
putlog of high tensile aluminium alloy measured centre to centre of
supports.
(28) If 1 end of a putlog is supported by a wall or by part of a structure,
the span shall be considered as the distance between the face of the
wall and the centre-line of the ledger supporting the other end.
height—permissible loads
(29) The load due to the weight of people and materials uniformly
distributed over the area of a scaffolding platform shall not exceed 35
pounds per square foot of platform area.
(30) The weight of a concentrated load imposed on any bay of a
scaffolding of this type shall not exceed 400 pounds provided that this
load and the uniformly distributed load shall not act simultaneously.
height—permissible number of working platforms
(31) Not more than 2 working platforms shall be set up and used on a
scaffolding frame at any one time, but short platforms may be set up
in different positions on the frame, provided that the total area of these
platforms supported by any standard would not exceed that supported
when 2 full length platforms are set up.
height—height
(32) For subsections (29) to (31) and (33) to (43), the height of the
scaffolding means the perpendicular distance measured from the base
from which the scaffolding rises to the top surface of the topmost
platform.
height—standards
(33) All standards shall be effectively tied to the building or structure or
be otherwise braced at points not more than 12 feet apart in the length
of each standard, and shall be—
(a) of sawn timber 4 inches by 3 inches sectional dimensions; or
or
(c) for tubular scaffolding only—of round metal pipes, steam
quality, mild steel, or pipes of an approved high tensile
aluminium alloy or other approved alloy, all such pipes being of
an outside diameter of not less than 1 29 / 32 inches, a nominal bore
of 11/ 2 inches and a wall thickness of not less than 0.192 inches
for pipes of mild steel and 0.176 inches for pipes of an approved
alloy; or
height—spacing of standards
(34) Sawn timber and pole standards shall be spaced not more than 10 feet
apart measured from the centre-line of one standard to the centre-line
of the adjacent standard in the same row.
(35) Pipe standards in tubular scaffolding shall be spaced not more
than 7 feet 6 inches apart in any row measured as mentioned in
subsection (34).
(36) If 2 or more rows of standards are used, the rows shall be spaced so
as to be not more than 5 feet apart for scaffolding constructed of
timber or of mild steel pipes and not more than 4 feet 6 inches apart
for scaffolding constructed of pipes made of an approved aluminium
alloy.
height—ledgers
(37) Ledgers shall be spaced not more than 6 feet apart, provided that if
circumstances so necessitate, the distance measured from the base of
a scaffolding to the first ledger may be increased to not more than 10
feet, and shall be—
(a) of sawn timber not less than 6 inches by 1 1/ 2 inches sectional
dimensions if of hardwood and not less than 6 inches by 2 inches
sectional dimensions if of Oregon pine; or
(b) of timber poles not less than 21/ 2 inches diameter at the small
end; or
(c) for tubular scaffolding only—of round metal pipes of the
prescribed in this section, or that may be approved.
height—putlogs
(38) Putlogs shall be—
(a) of sawn timber not less than 3 inches by 3 inches sectional
dimensions if of hardwood and not less than 4 inches by 3 inches
if of Oregon pine; or
(b) for tubular scaffolding only—of round metal pipes of the
(c) of the other material, construction and dimensions that may be
height—spacing of putlogs
(39) Sawn timber putlogs shall be spaced at not more than 6 feet apart.
(40) For scaffolding constructed of metal pipes, a putlog shall be placed at
each side of each standard except the standards at each end of the
scaffolding frame, where 1 only need be used.
(41) The putlogs for scaffolding constructed of metal pipes shall be
positioned not more than 9 inches from a standard, measured centre-
line of standard to centre-line of putlog.
(42) The maximum span of a mild steel pipe putlog shall not exceed 5 feet
2 1/ 2 inches and the maximum span of a putlog of high tensile
aluminium pipe shall not exceed 4 feet 81/ 2 inches.
height—bracings
(43) Bracings shall be—
(a) sawn timber not less than 9 square inches in sectional area; or
(b) timber poles not less than 21/ 2 inches diameter at the small end;
or
(c) for tubular scaffolding—round metal pipes as mentioned in
subsection (33) (c); or
exceeding 150 feet in height—general
(44) The requirements of subsections (29) to (32) shall also apply to this
type of scaffolding.
exceeding 150 feet in height—standards
(45) Standards shall be—
(a) of sawn timber not less than 4 inches by 4 inches sectional
dimensions; or
or
(c) for tubular scaffolding—round metal pipes of the description
and dimensions mentioned in subsection (33) (c); or
exceeding 150 feet in height—spacing of standards
(46) Sawn timber and pole standards shall be spaced not more than 9 feet
apart measured from the centre-line of one standard to the centre-line
of the adjacent standard in the same row.
(47) Pipe standards in tubular scaffolding shall be spaced not more
than 7 feet 6 inches apart in any row measured as mentioned in
subsection (46).
(48) If 2 or more rows of standards are used the rows shall be spaced so as
to be not more than 5 feet apart for scaffolding constructed of timber
or of mild steel pipes and not more than 4 feet 6 inches apart for
scaffolding constructed of pipes of approved aluminium alloy.
exceeding 150 feet in height—ledgers
(49) Ledgers shall be spaced not more than 6 feet apart, provided that if
circumstances so necessitate, the distance measured from the base of
a scaffolding to the first ledger may be increased to not more than 10
feet, and shall be—
(a) of approved sawn hardwood timber not less than 6 inches
by 2 inches sectional dimensions or of Oregon pine timber not
less than 6 inches by 2 1/2 inches sectional dimensions; or
or
(c) for tubular scaffolding only—of round metal pipes of the
(d) of the other material construction and dimensions that may be
exceeding 150 feet in height—putlogs
(50) Putlogs shall be—
(a) of sawn hardwood timber not less than 3 inches by 3 inches
sectional dimensions; or
(b) for tubular scaffolding only—of round metal pipes of the
(c) of the other material, construction and dimensions that may be
exceeding 150 feet in height—spacing of putlogs
(51) Sawn timber putlogs shall be spaced at not more than 6 feet apart.
(52) For scaffolding constructed of metal pipes, 1 putlog shall be placed
at each side of each standard, except the standards at each end of the
scaffolding frame where only 1 putlog need be used.
(53) All putlogs for scaffolding constructed of metal pipes shall be located
not more than 9 inches from a standard measured from the centre-line
of the standard to the centre-line of the putlog.
(54) The maximum span of a mild steel pipe putlog shall not exceed 5 feet
2 1/ 2 inches and the maximum span of a putlog of high tensile
aluminium pipe shall not exceed 4 feet 8 1/ 2 inches.
exceeding 150 feet in height—bracings
(55) Bracings shall be—
(a) sawn timber, not less than 9 square inches in sectional area; or
(b) timber poles not less than 21/ 2 inches diameter at the small end;
or
(c) for light duty scaffolding—round metal pipes mentioned in
subsection (33) (c); or
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—permissible loads
(56) This type of scaffolding shall be used only by painters and decorators
and other like tradespeople in building work of such description that
the scaffolding is subjected only to small loads from the combined
weight of workers and materials.
(57) The total load due to the weight of workers and material on the
platform of a light duty scaffolding shall not exceed the equivalent of
a uniformly distributed load of 10 pounds per square foot of platform
area.
(58) This loading equals the combined weight of 4 workers plus material
weighing 50 pounds.
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—height
(59) The height of the topmost platform shall not exceed 100 feet, such
height being the distance measured from the base from which the
scaffolding rises to the top surface of the platform.
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—permissible number
of working platforms
(60) Not more than 2 working platforms shall be set up and used on a
scaffolding frame at any time, but short platforms may be set up in
different positions on the frame provided that the total area of these
platforms supported by any standard would not exceed that supported
when 2 full length platforms are set up.
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—standards
(61) Standards shall be of round metal pipes, steam quality, mild steel, or
pipes of an approved high tensile aluminium alloy, or other approved
alloy, all such pipes being of an outside diameter of not less than
129/ 32 inches, a nominal bore of 1 1/ 2 inches and a wall thickness of
not less than 0.192 inches for pipes of mild steel and 0.176 inches for
pipes of an approved alloy.
(62) All standards shall be effectively tied to the building or structure or
be otherwise braced at points not more than 12 feet apart, measured
centre to centre.
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—spacing of
standards
(63) Standards shall be spaced not more than 12 feet apart measured from
the centre-line of one standard to the centre-line of the adjacent
standard in the same row.
(64) If 2 or more rows of standards are used the rows shall be spaced so as
to be not more than 6 feet apart measured from the centre-line of one
row to the centre-line of another row.
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—ledgers
(65) Ledgers shall be of round metal pipes of the description and
dimensions mentioned in subsection (61).
(66) Ledgers shall be spaced not more than 10 feet apart.
(67) For this type of scaffolding the distance of a joint in a ledger from a
vertical shall not exceed 1 foot 9 inches.
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—putlogs
(68) Putlogs shall be round metal pipes of the description and dimensions
mentioned in subsection (61).
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—spacing of putlogs
(69) A putlog shall be placed at each side of each standard except the
standards at each end of the scaffolding frame, where 1 only need be
(70) The distance measured between the centre-line of a putlog and the
centre-line of a standard shall be 2 feet.
(71) The span of a putlog shall not exceed 6 feet 41/ 2 inches.
Light duty single and independent pole tubular scaffolding—bracings
(72) Bracings shall be round metal pipes of the description and dimensions
mentioned in subsection (61).
Tubular birdcage scaffolding—permissible loads
(73) The total load on the platform in any bay at any time of this type of
scaffolding shall not exceed the weight of 2 workers plus material
weighing 50 pounds.
Tubular birdcage scaffolding—arrangement and construction
(74) The general arrangement, construction and materials shall be as
mentioned in subsections (56) to (72) subject to the following:
(a) platform planks may be spaced not more than 7 inches apart;
(b) the span of a mild steel putlog may be increased to 8 feet and the
span of a high tensile aluminium putlog may be increased to 6
feet;
(c) standards shall be spaced not more than 10 feet apart in any row,
unless additional putlogs are provided to support cantilevered
ends of platform planks;
(d) not more than 1 working platform shall be set up on a
scaffolding frame at any time.
steel tube—uses of scaffolding
(75) This type of scaffolding shall only be used by painters, repairers,
decorators, electric welders and other like tradespeople.
steel tube—tubes
(76) Tubes shall be mild steel round pipes of steam quality, not less
than 111/ 32 inches outside diameter, having walls not less in thickness
than 0.16 inch.
steel tube—fittings
(77) The fittings or devices used for connecting the various members of
the scaffolding shall be only those that have been approved.
steel tube—height
(78) The height of the topmost platform above the surface on which the
scaffolding is erected shall not exceed 15 feet for scaffolding having 1
or 2 rows of standards and shall not exceed 24 feet for scaffolding
having 3 or more rows of standards.
steel tube—standards
(79) Standards shall be spaced not more than 5 feet apart measured
horizontally centre to centre along any row.
(80) If 2 or more rows of standards are used, the rows shall be
spaced 3 feet 9 inches apart measured horizontally centre to centre.
steel tube—ledgers
(81) Each ledger shall be supported by and at each standard.
(82) The vertical distance of one ledger to the next adjacent in the height
of a standard shall not exceed 6 feet.
(83) The lowest ledger shall be fixed at a height not exceeding 18 inches
above the feet of the standards.
steel tube—putlogs
(84) Putlogs shall be connected directly to the standards and the fittings
employed shall be set together as closely as is practicable.
steel tube—bracing
(85) Diagonal bracings of steel scaffolding tubing shall be so arranged and
fixed as to directly and effectively prevent longitudinal movements
of all putlogs and of all ledgers.
(86) Alternatively the putlogs shall be effectively braced from an adjacent
building or structure and the bracing shall be at least of equal effect
to that otherwise required.
steel tube—general limitations
(87) In connection with this type of scaffolding no person shall—
(a) impose or cause to be imposed on any putlog a greater total load
than 470 pounds weight, inclusive of workers, tools, equipment,
materials and platform timbers; or
(b) impose or cause to be imposed simultaneously on any
scaffolding framework a greater number of working platforms
than 2, but short platforms may be set up in different positions
on the frame provided that the total area of these platforms
supported by any part of the framework shall not exceed that
supported when 2 full length platforms are set up; or
(c) use or cause to be used in connection with the scaffolding any
connector, clip, socket, fitting, jack, base, finial, fastening,
wheel or caster, unless it has been approved; or
(d) use or cause to be used any such connector, clip, socket, fitting,
jack, base, finial, fastening, wheel or caster in any way or for
any purpose other than that for which it has been approved, or
for any greater loading than that for which it has been so
approved; or
(e) fix or use or cause to be fixed or used any putlog of greater span
than 3 feet 9 inches measured horizontally centre to centre of the
standards or from the centre of a standard to the nearest face of
the other support; or
(f) load or cause to be loaded any member of the scaffolding
framework in any way other than that mentioned in this section.
Cantilever scaffolding
(1) The general arrangement of cantilever scaffolding shall be as shown
in schedule 7, plate 2.
Platform width
(2) The platform width for this type of scaffolding shall not exceed 5 feet
unless otherwise approved.
Platform planks
(3) The platform planks shall be spiked, strapped, lashed, or wired in
position to overcome creep and to prevent displacement by wind.
(4) The dimensions of a section of any platform plank shall be not less
than 10 inches by 11/ 2 inches for spans to 6 feet and 10 inches
by 2 inches for spans exceeding 6 feet but not exceeding 10 feet.
Guardrails and toe board
(5) A toe board shall be securely fixed at the open sides of all platforms
and guardrails at the open sides and ends of all platforms.
(6) Guardrails of the dimensions and description provided for by this
regulation shall be fixed at the open sides and ends of all platforms.
Cantilevers
(7) The length of a cantilever inside a building or structure shall not be
less than 8 feet measured horizontally from the centre-line of the
cantilever support to the centre of the bolt securing the inboard end to
its support.
(8) The dimensions of a section of a cantilever shall not be less
than 9 inches by 21/ 2 inches for Oregon pine timber, or 9 inches
by 2 inches for approved hardwood timber if the distance between the
centre-lines of adjacent cantilevers does not exceed 6 feet.
(9) If the distance is more than 6 feet but does not exceed 10 feet, the
dimensions of the section shall be 10 inches by 21/ 2 inches for oregon
and 10 inches by 2 inches for hardwood.
(10) The diameter of a bolt used for fixing the inboard end of a cantilever
to its support shall be not less than 5/8 of an inch.
Toms
(11) If the inboard end of a cantilever is fixed to a tom, the dimensions of
a section of the tom shall be not less than 4 inches by 3 inches.
(12) Each tom shall rise from a pair of fox wedges, which shall be driven
tight and then nailed, or it shall be fixed in an equally secure way.
Bracing
(13) All toms shall be effectively braced by the use of 3 inch by 2 inch
timber diagonal braces as indicated in schedule 7, plate 2.
(14) Each cantilever shall be braced as shown in schedule 7, plate 2
by 3 inch by 2 inch timber braces.
(15) All braces shall be fixed by bolts not less than 1/ 2 an inch in diameter.
Bracket scaffolding
bracket scaffolding means a working platform supported by brackets,
either of timber or metal, constructed and erected as mentioned in this
(2) Bracket scaffolding shall be used only by carpenters, painters, tuck
pointers, electricians, plumbers and other like tradespeople who do
not require their working platform to carry quantities of materials or
to withstand the effects of marked physical activity.
(3) The general arrangement of a timber bracket scaffolding shall be as
shown in schedule 7, plate 3, figure 1, provided that the brackets shall
not be spaced at a greater distance apart than 14 feet.
Construction of timber brackets—general arrangement
(4) The general arrangement of brackets shall be as shown in schedule 7,
plate 3, figure 2 or 3.
Construction of timber brackets—vertical legs
(5) The minimum length of the vertical leg of a bracket shall be 4 feet
and the minimum cross-sectional dimensions shall be 4 inches
by 3 inches for Oregon pine timber and 4 inches by 2 inches for
hardwood timber.
Construction of timber brackets—horizontal legs
(6) The overall length of the horizontal legs shall not
exceed 2 feet 6 inches and the cross-sectional dimensions of the legs
shall be as set out in subsection (5) for vertical legs.
Construction of timber brackets—connection vertical to horizontal legs
(7) The inboard end of the horizontal leg shall sit fair and square on the
upper end of a vertical leg and one shall be connected to the other
either by a 14 inch by 14 inch gusset of 14 gauge mild steel plate,
secured by 4 3/ 8 inches diameter mild steel bolts, 2 in each leg as
shown schedule 7, plate 3, figure 2, or by the insertion of
a 3/ 16 of an inch thick mild steel plate connected by 3 (three)
3/ 8 of and inch diameter mild steel bolts as shown in schedule 7, plate
3, figure 3.
Construction of timber brackets—bracing between vertical and horizontal legs
(8) If the vertical leg is connected to the horizontal by a gusset, 1 pair of
braces of 3 inch by 11/ 4 inch timber shall be used as shown in schedule
7, plate 3, figure 2, or if a mild steel insert is used for this connection
2 pairs of braces of those dimensions shall be used for the purpose as
shown in schedule 7, plate 3, figure 3.
(9) In both cases the ends of each brace shall be cut to form a shoulder
that shall bear against the horizontal and vertical legs of the bracket,
respectively.
Construction of timber brackets—handrail brackets
(10) Handrail brackets constructed of mild steel plate 3/ 16 of an inch thick
shall be fixed to the outer end of the horizontal leg of each bracket by
3/ 8 of an inch diameter mild steel bolts as indicated in schedule 7,
plate 3, figure 5 and the handrail upright shall be bolted to this
bracket.
Struts
(11) The strut used for holding a bracket against a wall shall not be less
than 4 inches by 3 inches cross-sectional dimensions for lengths up
to and including 20 feet.
(12) The strut shall be so positioned that the 3 inch face is uppermost.
(13) For lengths longer than 20 feet, the cross-sectional dimensions shall
be so increased that a strut of equal strength is provided.
(14) The lower ends of the struts shall be effectively secured against
movement.
(15) The angle of the struts with the horizontal shall not be greater than 60°
or less than 50°, with the exception that for seasoned brickwork the
angle may be flattened to between 40° and 60°.
Bracing between struts
(16) Struts shall be braced one to the other as indicated in schedule 7, plate
3, figure 1.
(17) The braces, marked ‘B’ in the figure, shall have cross-sectional
dimensions not less than 3 inches by 1 1/ 4 inches for both hardwood
and Oregon pine, and may be spiked, clamped or bolted in position.
Platform
(18) The platform may be of Oregon pine or hardwood scaffold planks.
(19) The overall width of the platform shall not exceed 2 feet 6 inches and
the minimum width shall be 1 foot 6 inches.
(20) The scaffold planks shall be spiked or otherwise effectively secured
to the brackets at each end and shall be cleated at mid length in the
way shown in schedule 7, plate 3, figure 4.
(21) If the distance between brackets does not exceed 12 feet, the thickness
of the scaffold planks shall be not less than 11/2 inches for Oregon
pine timber and 11/ 8 inches for hardwood timber.
(22) If the distance between brackets exceeds 12 feet but does not
exceed 14 feet the thickness of the scaffold planks shall be not less
than 13/ 4 inches for Oregon pine and 1 3/ 8 inches for hardwood.
(23) Handrails shall be fixed at the outer edges and ends of all bracket
scaffolding and shall be not less than 3 inches by 2 inches
cross-sectional dimensions.
(24) Handrail uprights shall be effectively and rigidly attached to the
brackets as mentioned in subsection (10).
Metal brackets
(25) Metal brackets shall be so designed and constructed that they conform
to the appropriate design requirements of part 11.
(26) Working platforms supported by metal brackets shall conform to the
requirements of this section.
Suspended scaffolding
Loading
(1) Suspended scaffolding constructed and erected in accordance with
this section or to an approved design and description shall not at any
time be loaded, except in a bona fide test in the presence of an
inspector, in excess of the maximum load permitted by this section or
specified by the chief inspector in an approval.
(2) The load on the platform over any one bay of a suspended scaffolding,
constructed in accordance with this section, due to the weight of
workers and materials shall not exceed 1 200 pounds and the gross
weight, that is, the weight of scaffolding platforms, machine, ropes,
workers and materials on any one outrigger shall not exceed 1 800
pounds or the load that is approved.
(3) The moving parts of every scaffolding machine shall be inspected at
least twice a month and a record shall be kept of the findings of the
inspections.
(4) This record shall be accessible to an inspector at all times.
(5) The owner of a scaffolding machine shall be notified to at once
replace any defective or worn parts and the use of the machine shall
be discontinued until the required replacements have been made.
(6) In addition the owner or lessor of every scaffolding machine shall
make a monthly inspection of every scaffolding machine in use and a
record of the findings shall be kept.
(7) This record shall also be accessible to an inspector at all times.
(8) When a scaffolding machine is removed from a location, it shall be
thoroughly inspected and overhauled before again being used.
Platform
(9) The total width of the working platform shall not exceed 5 feet.
(10) The working platform shall be formed of scaffold planks laid so that
their edges abut and fit tight.
(11) Scaffold planks shall be of Oregon pine not less than 10 inches wide
and 2 inches thick.
(12) Each scaffold plank shall overlap its support by at least 12 inches but
not more than 24 inches at the ends of the scaffolding.
(13) The ends of the scaffold planks of each unit, comprising 4 machines,
shall be cleated and the cleats shall be made of 4 inches by 1 1/ 2 inches
timber, or of 2 inches by 3/ 8 of an inch steel placed near the ends of
the planks and outside the bearers and be so arranged as to ensure that
the ends of the planks cannot lose their bearing on a bearer.
(14) Each scaffold plank shall be secured to the cleats by bolts not less
than 3/ 8 of an inch in diameter.
(15) Every such platform shall be supported on bearers made of steel, or
other approved metal, having a transverse strength at least equivalent
to a 2 inches by 2 inches by 3/ 8 of a inch Australian Standard steel
angle section.
Guardrails and fender boards
(16) Guardrails constructed in conformity with this regulation shall be
effectively secured at a height of not less than 3 feet above the
platform surface.
(17) Fender boards 9 inches high and 11/2 inches thick shall be effectively
secured on the outside, inside and ends of each platform.
Prevention of swaying
(18) Ropes or hooks shall be used and fastened to the platform of the
scaffolding and to the building or structure in such way and at such
intervals as to prevent the scaffolding swaying away from the
building or structure.
(19) Likewise fenders shall be provided if required to prevent the
scaffolding from swinging against the building or structure.
Suspended scaffolding machines
(20) No scaffolding machine, winch or other like mechanism shall be used
as the lifting or lowering mechanism of a suspended scaffolding
unless drawings, or a sample of the machine, winch, or mechanism,
together with a complete description in writing of how the machine,
winch, or mechanism is to be set up, used, and maintained, have
previously been submitted to the chief inspector and have been
(21) All such machines, winches, and mechanisms shall be designed, set
up, used and maintained as provided in the section and in accordance
with the approved design and description, and while in use shall be
kept lubricated and maintained in an efficient state of repair, free from
accumulation of dust, dirt or foreign matter.
Wire ropes for suspended scaffolding
(22) Steel wire ropes of approved flexibility shall be used for suspended
(23) The terminal ends of every such rope shall be effectively secured to
anchorages of ultimate strength at least equal to that of the rope.
(24) Ropes shall be evenly wound on the drum and not more rope than can
be accommodated between the drum flanges shall be wound on the
drum.
Platform steel structural members
(25) The steel structural members of a suspended scaffolding platform
shall be so designed, constructed and used that under maximum
conditions of loading the stress in each and every part of the members
and in the connections of one part or member to another shall not
exceed that prescribed by part 11.
Cantilevers supporting a suspended scaffolding
(26) The cantilevers constituting the overhead supports for a suspended
scaffolding shall be rolled steel joist sections at least equivalent in
strength to a 7 inches by 31/ 2 inches by 15 pounds per running foot
Australian Standard rolled steel joist section.
(27) The cantilevers shall be at least 15 feet in length and they shall not
project more than 6 feet 6 inches from the outside point of support on
a building or structure.
(28) These cantilevers shall be spaced at not more than 10 feet apart
measured from the longitudinal centre-line of one to the longitudinal
centre-line of the adjacent cantilever.
Supports for suspended scaffolding cantilevers
(29) Every such cantilever shall be provided with an adequate and firm
support and the support shall be so arranged that the projecting or
cantilever part shall be as short as possible.
Fixing of suspended scaffolding cantilevers
(30) The inner end of each cantilever shall—
(a) be secured to the building or structure with bolts or other suitable
fittings; or
(b) be counterbalanced with weights in accordance with the
provisions of part 11; or
(c) be shored from a higher floor or steel frame of a building or
structure, provided that every shore used is positively secured in
its correct position and in such a way that no lateral movement
can occur, and provided further that every shore so used is of
adequate strength for the purpose and is so placed and fixed that
undue load is not imposed on any part of the building or
structure supporting the cantilever.
(31) The bolts or other fittings mentioned in subsection (30) (a), and also
the parts of the building or structure to which the cantilever is fixed,
shall provide a factor of safety of at least 4 under maximum
conditions of loading.
Suspended scaffolding cantilever supports
(32) Every platform or structure, or beam, bearer, or other structural
member used for supporting any such cantilever and the loads from it
or from any counterbalance or used for supporting and transferring
the weight of counterbalance to cantilever, or used for transferring the
loads from a cantilever to part of a building or structure shall be of
such construction that a factor of safety of at least 6 shall obtain in all
timber parts, taking into consideration the resultant loads from the
cantilever when the suspended scaffolding is fully loaded, and also,
when the scaffolding is unloaded.
(33) Every such platform, or structure, or beam, bearer, or other structural
member shall be so constructed and fixed and secured that lateral
movement cannot occur in any direction.
Bolt diameters
(34) Every bolt used for anchoring a cantilever or used in connections in
the structure supporting a cantilever or for securing a shore in
position, or for securing bracing or other structural member shall not
be less than 5/ 8 of an inch in diameter and shall be provided with
standard washers.
Weight of cantilever counterbalance
(35) The net weight of the counterbalance on any cantilever shall not be
less than 3 times that necessary to balance the load on the projecting
part of the cantilever when the scaffolding is fully loaded.
Suspended scaffolding rope anchors
(36) A fitting of mild steel stock having sectional dimensions not less than
2 inches by 3/ 8 of an inch shall be fitted at the outer end of every
suspended scaffolding cantilever for the purpose of anchoring the
scaffolding suspension rope or rope block.
(37) Every such fitting shall fit snug at the top and sides of the cantilever.
(38) Each leg shall be so forged as to make an angle of not less than 75°
with the bottom surface of the cantilever, until the inside faces of each
leg are 1 inch apart.
(39) Each leg shall then be forged so as to assume a vertical position.
(40) The legs are to be of such length that the vertical portions are parallel
for not less than 21/ 2 inches.
(41) The vertical part of each leg shall then be drilled to take a 3/ 4 of an
inch diameter steel bolt, the centre of the bolt hole being not less than
1 inch distant from the lower bend.
(42) A steel bolt not less than 3/ 4 of an inch in diameter shall be inserted
in the holes in the vertical legs, the bolt nut then being screwed on
and the end of the bolt riveted over, or alternatively a split pin may
be fitted in a hole drilled through the bolt end outside the nut.
(43) Every such fitting shall be secured to the cantilever by a bolt through
the sides of the fitting and through the mid-section of the cantilever
web or by a bolt passing through the cantilever web nearer the end of
the cantilever than the spot where the fitting is positioned.
Use of suspended scaffolding machines
(44) No person under 18 years old and no person unless specifically
authorised by his or her employer so to do, shall work a machine,
winch, or mechanism used for raising or lowering a suspended
scaffolding and no person shall in any way interfere with it.
(45) No person shall employ, instruct or direct any person under 18 years
old to act in contravention of this provision.
(46) The handles of the scaffolding machine, winch, or mechanism shall
be left in that position that will prevent the platform from descending
when the machine, winch, or mechanism is not actually in use for
raising or lowering the platform.
Platform to be kept level
(47) The process of raising and lowering a suspended scaffolding shall be
such as to ensure that the working platform shall remain substantially
level.
Restrictions on use of suspended scaffolding
(48) Suspended scaffolding shall not be used if in the opinion of an
inspector—
(a) the position of the scaffolding and the conditions under which
the scaffolding is or would be used are dangerous to human life
or limb; or
(b) the building or structure to which the scaffolding is attached or
is proposed to be attached is not suitable for safely supporting a
suspended scaffolding; or
(c) the scaffolding is not suitable for the work contemplated.
Light swinging stages
Designs to be submitted
(1) If it is impracticable to construct and use a light swinging stage of a
type conforming to the requirements of this section, completely
detailed working drawings together with a full description of the
proposed methods of use of the light swinging stage proposed to be
erected and used shall be submitted to the chief inspector and be
approved before any person is allowed on the stage.
Working platform
(2) The working platform of a light swinging stage shall be not less
than 20 inches nor more than 24 inches wide and shall be formed of
straight grained oregon scaffolding planks not less than 1 1/2 inches
thick, running the full length of the platform.
(3) These planks shall be stiffened with strong cleats fixed at the centre
and immediately adjacent to each hanger.
(4) The total length of the working platform shall not exceed 18 feet and
the span of the scaffold planks from the centre-line of one hanger to
the centre-line of the other shall not exceed 12 feet.
(5) The overhang of the scaffold planks at each end shall not exceed 1/ 4 of
the distance between the centre-lines of the hangers.
Guardrails and toe boards
(6) A guardrail of straight grained Oregon pine having sectional
dimensions not less than 3 inches by 2 inches or of galvanised steel
water pipe of 1 inch internal diameter, or of a section and material
ensuring equivalent strength and stiffness for the span, securely
fastened to the hangers at not less than 30 inches above the surface of
the working platform shall be provided on the outer side of the
platform, and also, if in the opinion of an inspector it is necessary in
the interests of safety to human life and limb, on the inside and ends
of the platform.
(7) A toe board of not less than 6 inches by 1 inch sectional dimensions
shall be provided and securely fixed on edge on the other side of the
platform in all cases and if material or tools are to be loosely placed
on the platform, a toe board of like section is to be provided on both
sides and ends.
Hangers
(8) The hangers supporting the working platform of a light swinging
stage shall be constructed of steel bar 2 inches by 1/ 2 an inch sectional
dimensions or of steel rod 1 inch in diameter.
(9) Each hanger shall pass under the platform planks and shall be
securely fixed to them.
(10) The distance measured between the vertical legs of a hanger shall not
exceed that necessary to accommodate the full width of the platform
scaffold planks.
(11) An anchorage of approved design shall be incorporated in the
construction of each hanger, such anchorage to be used for the
purpose of attaching the bottom block of the rope tackle used for
raising and lowering the platform.
Tackle for raising and lowering light swinging stages—rope
(12) The fall rope of a tackle used for raising and lowering a light swinging
stage shall be constructed of Manila or sisal fibre, shall be not less
than 2 1/ 2 inches in circumference and shall be reeved through a
double and a single block so as to form 4 parts of rope.
(13) At all times other than when the stage is being raised or lowered the
hauling part of the fibre rope is to be made fast with a self-locking
hitch to the lower block.
Tackle for raising and lowering light swinging stages—fibre rope blocks
(14) The carcase of every block for fibre rope, both single and double
sheave, used in the tackle for raising and lowering a light swinging
stage, shall be constructed of steel and the sheaves of each such block
shall be not less than 4 inches in diameter, measured at the bottom of
the rope groove.
(15) The rope groove shall be of such size and shape as to afford ample
support for the fibre rope passing over the sheave.
(16) No such block shall, unless approved, be used in which the rope
anchorage or becket is fixed to the block carcase by welding.
(17) Rope blocks shall be adequately secured to a needle by a steel wire
rope lashing or by a steel fitting designed in conformity with the
requirements of part 11.
(18) The mouth of every rope block hook shall be moused to prevent
inadvertent displacement.
Needles
(19) For this section, the cantilevers from which a light swinging stage
tackle is suspended shall be known as needles.
(20) Timber needles of at least equivalent strength to Oregon pine shall in
no case be of smaller sectional dimensions than 6 inches by 4 inches
and shall be placed on edge.
(21) If needles of this minimum section are used, the point of suspension
of the fall rope top block shall not be more than 2 feet from the point
of bearing of the needle on the building or structure.
(22) If this dimension cannot be kept within this limit, needles of larger
sectional dimensions shall be used and the transverse strength of such
larger section shall bear the same proportion to a 6 inch by 4 inch
section on edge as the longer length of the cantilevered portion bears
to 2 feet.
(23) If timber needles are counterbalanced, their length shall not be less
than 12 feet and not less than 9 feet of the length shall be on the
counterbalanced side.
Fixing of needles
(24) Needles shall either be firmly secured to the building or structure with
bolts, approved steel fittings, or lashing, designed in conformity with
the provisions of part 11 or they shall be counterbalanced with
weights in accordance with that part.
(25) Provision shall be made to prevent needles turning over or moving
laterally, and any planking, platform or other structure provided for
supporting needles or the counterbalance on needles shall have
adequate strength to sustain the maximum weight imposed without
undue deflection.
Counterbalance
(26) The net weight of the counterbalance on any needle shall not be less
than 3 times the weight necessary to balance the weight of the load
on the projecting part of a needle when the stage is fully loaded.
(27) In calculating the net weight of counterbalance, due regard shall be
given to the points of suspension of the stage, the disposition of the
counterbalance, and the point of substantial bearing of the needle
between them.
(28) Every such counterbalance shall be secured to the needles in a way
that will prevent it accidentally shifting or being inadvertently
removed.
(29) Sand or liquids shall not be used as a counterbalance.
Use of parapet hooks prohibited
(30) A parapet hook shall not be used for the purpose of suspending a light
swinging stage.
Stage to be kept level
(31) In raising and lowering a light swinging stage the process shall be
carried out in such a way as to ensure that the platform will remain
substantially level.
Winches for light swinging stages
(32) A machine, winch or other mechanism may be used for raising and
lowering a light swinging stage provided that—
(a) a design; or
(b) a sample together with a written description of how the machine,
winch or mechanism is to be set up, used and maintained;
has previously been submitted to the chief inspector and has been
(33) All such machines, winches and mechanisms shall be designed, set
up, used, and maintained as provided in the section and in accordance
with the approved design and description, and while in use they shall
be kept lubricated and maintained in an efficient state of repair and
free from any accumulation of dust, dirt, or foreign matter.
(34) Ropes shall be wound evenly on the drum of such machine, winch or
mechanism and not more rope than can be accommodated between
the drum flanges shall be wound on the drum.
(35) The handles of all such machines, winches and mechanisms when not
actually in use for raising or lowering shall be kept in that position
that will prevent the stage from descending.
Restrictions of light swinging stages
(36) Light swinging stages shall not be used where, in the opinion of an
inspector—
(a) the position of the scaffolding and the conditions under which
the scaffolding is or would be used are dangerous to human life
and limb; or
(b) the building or structure to which the scaffolding is attached or
is proposed to be attached is not suitable for safely supporting
the type of scaffolding used or proposed to be used; or
(c) the scaffolding is not suitable for the work contemplated.
(37) No person under 18 years old and no person unless specially
authorised by his or her employer so to do shall work a machine,
winch or mechanism used for raising or lowering a light swinging
stage and no person shall interfere with it.
(38) No person shall employ, instruct, or direct any person under 18 years
old to act in contravention of this provision.
(39) Immediately before the erection of a light swinging stage and at
frequent intervals afterwards, the person actually responsible for
erecting the stage and the scaffolder in charge of the work shall
inspect all parts of the stage and its supports and satisfy himself or
herself as to its safety and conformity with the section.
Boatswain’s chairs
Seat construction
(1) The seat of a boatswain’s chair shall be constructed of timber not less
than 1 inch in thickness and the seat shall be so arranged that a person
seated in it shall have a seating space of not less than 18 inches by 10
(2) Cleats made of timber not less than 3 inches by 1 inch sectional
dimensions shall be firmly fixed to the ends of the timber, on the
underside, forming the seat.
Slings
(3) The slings supporting the seat of a boatswain’s chair shall be of fibre
rope, not less than 11/ 2 inches in circumference.
(4) These slings shall be crossed underneath the chair seat and each leg
shall pass through a suitable hole, 1 in each of the 4 corners of the
seat and be arranged to form a loop over the seat to take a rope pulley
block hook.
(5) These slings shall be fixed to the underside of the seat to prevent the
seat tilting in the slings.
Tackle—blocks
(6) The rope blocks included in the tackle for suspending and raising and
lowering a boatswain’s chair shall be 1 (one) 2-sheave upper block
and a single sheave lower block.
(7) The carcase of each block shall be of steel and the rope anchor or
becket on the bottom block shall not unless approved be fixed to the
block by welding.
(8) The rope sheaves shall be not less than 4 inches in diameter and they
shall be grooved to accommodate the tackle rope.
Tackle—rope
(9) The rope of the tackle suspending a boatswain’s chair shall be of
either Manila or sisal fibre.
(10) The rope shall be so reeved as to form a 4-part rope tackle and shall
be not less than 2 inches in circumference.
Support
(11) All overhead support for a boatswain’s chair shall be safely secured
in position and shall be of sufficient strength to sustain not less than
4 times the weight to be suspended from it.
(12) Immediately before the erection of a boatswain’s chair, and at
frequent intervals afterwards, the person actually responsible for the
erection of the chair, or the person in charge of the work, shall inspect
the overhead supports and the tackle to see that it is safe for use and
Scaffolding for use on ships in dock or on slips
Large flying stages—working platforms
(1) The working platform of this type of scaffolding shall be Oregon pine
planks not less than 12 inches by 3 inches sectional dimensions and
if the distance between the ropes supporting the stage exceeds 18 feet
an intermediate supporting rope shall be used.
(2) Staging planks shall lap at least 4 feet.
Large flying stages—stage ropes
(3) The stage ropes shall be flexible steel wire ropes not less
than 11/ 2 inches in circumference and shall have a long eye spliced in
one end to go round planks, the eye to be not less than 4 feet 6 inches
in length.
(4) A short eye shall be spliced in the other end to take a tail rope.
(5) Tail ropes shall be flexible steel wire ropes not less than 1 1/ 2 inches
in circumference and of sufficient length to pass over the bulwarks.
(6) Stage ropes shall be attached to planks, in the middle of plank laps,
with 1 full turn of the large eye.
Large flying stages—guys
(7) A sufficient number of guy ropes shall be used to secure proper
steadiness of every stage.
(8) The guys shall be of flexible steel wire, not less than 1 1/ 4 inches in
circumference with fibre tail ropes not less than 2 inches in
circumference.
(9) Guy and tail ropes shall be attached by means of spliced eyes.
(10) All stages shall have effective end guys.
Large flying stages—life-lines
(11) All stages shall be provided with life-lines of not less than 21/ 2 inch
circumference fibre rope properly secured to the stage ropes by means
of fibre rope lanyards not less than 11/ 4 inches in circumference at a
height of not less than 2 feet 6 inches above the surface of the planks.
Small flying stages—working platform
(12) The working platform of this type of scaffolding shall be Oregon pine
planks not less than 12 inches by 2 inches sectional dimensions and
not more than 14 feet in length.
Small flying stages—stage ropes
(13) The stage ropes shall be flexible steel wire ropes not less than 1 inch
in circumference and shall be attached to planks by making 1 full turn
around the plank, seizing the rope beneath the plank and stapling it in
position at the sides of the plank.
(14) The stage ropes shall be attached to flexible steel wire tail ropes not
less than 1 1/4 inches in circumference and of sufficient length to pass
over the bulwarks.
Small flying stages—distance spars
(15) Small flying stages shall be provided with spars securely fixed to
planks, and sufficiently long to ensure effective working conditions.
Small flying stages—life-lines
(16) When it is necessary for workers to work standing on small flying
stages an efficient life-line shall be provided.
Small flying stages—restriction of use
(17) A small flying stage shall not be used in any operation in which power
operated tools are employed.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—general
(18) All suspended stages for the use of engineers and boilermakers shall
be so designed and constructed as to bear not less than 3 times the
weight of the load to be put on them.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—suspension
(19) This type of stage must be suspended from overhead catheads or
needles of adequate strength properly lashed or otherwise securely
and safely fixed in position.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—working platform
(20) The working platform of this type of scaffolding shall comprise
Oregon pine planks not less than 12 inches by 3 inches free from
knots and shakes.
(21) It shall be supported at intervals of not more than 14 feet and shall be
not less than 2 planks in width.
(22) Planks shall lap at least 4 feet.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—platform bearers
(23) Platform spawls or bearers shall be of Oregon pine or other approved
timber not less than 6 inches by 6 inches sectional dimensions.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—supporting ropes
(24) The supporting ropes for this type of stage shall be flexible steel wire
ropes not less than 11/ 2 inches in circumference.
(25) They shall be secured to the overhead needles or catheads and to the
plank spawls or bearers.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—life-lines
(26) If the use of life-lines will not interfere with the operations being
carried on and workers have to work standing on a stage, life-lines of
not less than 21/ 2 inches circumference fibre rope shall be effectively
lashed to the supporting ropes or to special stanchions by means of
rope lanyards 1 1/ 2 inches in circumference.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—guys
(27) Guy ropes of adequate strength and sufficient in number shall be used
to secure proper steadiness of every such stage.
Suspended stages for engineers and boilermakers—smaller stages
(28) Stages in which the distance between supports is appreciably less than
provided for in this section may have planks and spawls of lesser
dimensions than provided for in this section subject to the scaffolding
having a strength equivalent to the scaffolding covered by this
Engineers and boilermakers trestle scaffolds
(29) Trestles conforming to the requirements of this regulation may be
used for supporting a working platform of adequate strength for
engineers and boilermakers.
Access to Stages
(30) Safe means of access shall be provided to all stages used on ships in
dock or on slips.
(31) If a builders’ ladder is used as a means of access, it shall extend to a
height of at least 3 feet 6 inches above the place of landing for persons
using the ladder.
Runs and ramps
(1) All runs, ramps, gangways and similar structures used as a means of
communication in building work shall be of sound material, good
construction, adequate strength, free from patent defects and be safe
for the purposes for which they are intended.
(2) They shall be constructed of timber planks not less than 10 inches by
2 inches sectional dimensions and shall be not less than 2 feet 6 inches
wide.
(3) When the planks overlap, the plank that runs from below shall be
placed so that it laps over the one running from above.
(4) Such planks shall be positively fixed in position.
(5) The supports for the planks shall be of adequate strength and shall be
effectively braced.
(6) The construction of runs, ramps and gangways at an incline greater
than 1 foot rise in 3 feet is prohibited.
(7) The planks of runs, ramps and gangways shall be cleated or otherwise
fastened together to prevent unequal sagging.
(8) If runs, ramps and gangways are more than 8 feet in height, the
outside edges at least shall be provided with guardrails and toe boards.
General Division 7.1
Part 7 Safeguards and measures to be
excavation work
(1) An adequate supply of timber of the required dimensions, or other
approved material, shall if necessary be provided and used to prevent,
so far as is reasonably practicable and as early as is reasonably
practicable in the course of the work, danger to any person employed
from a fall or dislodgment of earth, rock or other material forming the
side of or adjacent to any excavation work.
(2) In addition to any other examination necessary to ensure compliance
with this regulation, every part of an excavation work, other than a
part to which subsection (3) (a) applies, shall be specially examined
before any person works in it and afterwards at least once in every
period of 7 days for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this
regulation and in particular to see that timber and other supports are
adequate, properly secured and in good condition.
(3) However—
(a) subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply if, having regard to the
nature and slope of the side of the excavation and other
circumstances, no fall or dislodgment of earth or other material
so as to bury or trap a person employed, or so as to strike a
person employed from a height of more than 5 feet is liable to
occur; and
(b) subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply in relation to a person
actually engaged in timbering or other work (including an
examination as mentioned in subsection (2)) that is being carried
out for the purpose of compliance with subsections (1) and (2),
if appropriate precautions are taken to ensure his or her safety as
far as circumstances permit; and
(c) the requirement in subsection (2) as to a special examination
once in every 7 days shall not apply until the work has been in
progress for a period of 5 working days (whether continuous or
not).
(4) No excavation work that is likely to reduce, so as to endanger any
person employed, the security or stability of any part of any building
or structure, whether temporary or permanent, shall be begun or
continued unless adequate steps are taken before and during the
progress of the work to prevent danger to any person employed from
collapse of the building or structure or the fall of any part of it.
(5) Timbering used to retain or support any part of an excavation work
shall be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength
for the purpose for which it is used.
(6) If any timbering used to retain or support any part of an excavation
work is liable to inward movement at the bottom and bracing or
strutting at the bottom is not practicable, the timbering shall be
adequately strutted or braced at a higher level so as to prevent such
movement.
(7) All struts, braces and walings in any excavation work shall be
properly and adequately secured so as to prevent their accidental
displacement or fall.
(8) Safe means of access shall be provided to every place where persons
are employed in an excavation work.
General Division 7.1
(9) If there is reason to apprehend danger to persons employed in any
excavation work due to rising water or from an irruption of water or
material, there shall be provided means to enable every person to
reach a position of safety.
(10) If persons are employed in a shift and other persons are working
above them, there shall be provided as early as is reasonably
practicable an effective diaphragm to prevent the firstmentioned
persons from being struck by tools or other objects falling from the
place where the other persons are working.
(11) The doors in the diaphragms shall be as small as practicable, shall
open upwards and shall be kept closed except when necessarily open
for the passage of persons and gear.
(12) Every accessible part of an excavation work into which a person is
liable to fall a distance of more than 6 feet shall be provided with a
suitable barrier to a height of at least 3 feet and as close as is
reasonably practicable to the edge.
(13) However, subsection (12) shall not apply to any part of an excavation
work while (and to the extent to which) the absence of the barrier is
necessary for the access of persons or for the movement of plant, gear,
or materials or while (and to the extent to which) it has not yet been
practicable to erect the barrier since the formation of that part of the
excavation work.
(14) Material shall not be placed or stacked near the edge of any
excavation work so as to endanger persons employed below.
(15) No load shall be placed or moved near the edge of any excavation
work where it is likely to cause a collapse of the side of the excavation
work and thereby endanger any person.
(1) Every cofferdam or caisson and every part of it shall be of good
construction, sound material, and adequate strength and shall be
properly maintained.
(2) A cofferdam or caisson shall if necessary be specially secured in
position so as to prevent movement in a way dangerous to persons
employed.
(3) The bracings and ties of every cofferdam or caisson shall be properly
and adequately secured to prevent their accidental displacement or
fall.
(4) The person in charge of the work of constructing, placing in position,
substantially adding to, altering, or dismantling a cofferdam or
caisson, and as far as possible every worker employed for any such
work, shall possess adequate experience of this kind of work.
(5) All material for the construction or fixing of a cofferdam or caisson
shall be inspected on each occasion before being taken into use for
such a purpose, and material that is unsuitable or defective in any
respect shall not be so used.
(6) Safe means of access shall be provided to every place where persons
are employed in a cofferdam or caisson.
(7) Adequate means for persons to reach places of safety shall be
provided in every cofferdam or caisson in case of an inrush of water.
Trenches Division 7.3
(1) All trenches of over 8 feet in length and 5 feet or more in depth in
hard compact ground shall be braced at intervals not exceeding 6 feet
with 6 inches by 11/ 4 inches hardwood runners or heavier material,
placed vertically in the trench opposite each other against the trench
walls.
(2) The runners shall, if possible, extend to the bottom of the trench,
otherwise as low as possible to clear the top of the pipe, sewer,
conduit, or other material to be placed in the bottom of the trench.
(3) Runners shall be supported by walings placed horizontally and held
in position by screw-jacks or by struts.
(4) Side and end walings abutting at the corners of excavations shall be
joined by halving one to the other so that each waling will sustain its
correct proportion of any external load imposed on them.
(5) The cross-sectional dimensions of hardwood walings shall be not less
than 6 inches by 3 inches.
(6) Walings of other materials or timbers shall be at least of equivalent
strength to hardwood walings.
(7) Walings shall be spaced at not more than 3 feet apart measured
vertically from centre to centre of walings.
(8) Struts or screw-jacks shall be spaced at not more than 6 feet apart
except at the joints of walings where they must be closer.
(9) The cross-sectional dimensions of struts relative to the width of a
trench shall be not less than is shown in table 97
Table 97
Width of trench Dimensions of strut
1 foot to 2 feet 11 inches 4 inches by 3 inches
3 feet to 4 feet 11 inches 6 inches by 3 inches
5 feet to 6 feet 11 inches 6 inches by 4 inches
7 feet to 9 feet 6 inches by 6 inches
(10) The timbering of trenches shall proceed as the work of excavation
progresses.
(11) If a mechanical digger is used the timbering shall be kept as close as
practicable to the digger but the length of untimbered trench shall not
exceed 10 feet, measured from the lower edge of the digger jib.
(12) Trenches in saturated, filled, or otherwise unstable ground (other than
of the nature of wet running sand) shall be close timbered.
(13) The cross-sectional dimensions of the runners shall be not less than 6
inches by 11/ 4 inches for hardwood timber runners.
(14) The cross-sectional dimensions for hardwood timber walings shall be
not less than 6 inches by 3 inches and they shall be spaced as required
by subsection (7).
(15) Struts shall be of the cross-sectional dimensions prescribed by
subsection (9).
(16) If running material, as wet running sand, is encountered runners shall
be kept 1/ 2 an inch apart and the spaces thus formed shall be caulked
with straw or other suitable material.
(17) If practicable straw, grass, bags, or other suitable material shall be
packed behind the runners.
(18) Walings and struts shall be of the materials and cross-sectional
dimensions and shall be placed as prescribed, respectively, by
subsections (5) to (7) and subsections (8) and (9).
(19) An inspector, should the inspector considers it necessary, may order
heavier timbering than that prescribed by this section.
Shafts, wells and tunnels Division 7.4
(20) Excavated material shall not be placed nearer than 1 foot to the edge
of a trench.
(21) For a trench in running material, provided circumstances permit, no
material shall be placed nearer than 3 feet to the edge of the trench.
(22) All trenches 5 feet or more in depth shall be supplied with 1 ladder
for each 200 feet of trench or fraction of it, which ladder shall extend
from the bottom of the trench to at least 3 feet 6 inches above the top.
(1) Every shaft and well shall be securely cased, lined or otherwise made
safe.
(2) Every drive and tunnel shall be securely protected and made safe for
persons employed in it.
(3) All entrances between the bottom of every shaft and the poppet head
pulley wheel shall be securely fenced, including any entrances from
an elevated platform.
(4) Any fence or cover may be temporarily removed, to facilitate the
work that is in progress, if proper precautions are taken.
(5) If a fence or cover has been removed from any shaft entrance to allow
work to proceed, 2 horizontal bars shall be fixed across the entrance
not less than 2 feet nor more than 4 feet from the floor.
(6) If access to workings is by way of a shaft and the shaft is also used
for haulage purposes, the shaft shall be divided into 2 compartments,
one to be used for a ladder way the other for haulage purposes.
(7) The ladder way compartment must be securely fenced from the
haulage compartment.
(8) In addition to any mechanical means of ingress and egress, every shaft
shall have at least 1 proper ladder or footway communicating from
the surface to the workings.
(9) A ladder permanently used in a shaft for the ascent and descent of
persons shall not be fixed in a vertical or overhanging position, except
in shafts used exclusively for pumping, and every such ladder shall
be inclined at the most convenient angle that the space in which the
ladder is fixed allows.
(10) Every ladder-shaft shall have substantial platforms fixed at intervals
of not more than 20 feet.
Part 8 Safeguards and measures to be
(1) No person under 20 years old or over 55 years old shall dive, and no
person shall employ any such person to dive except that the upper age
limit of 55 years old may be exceeded for divers with special
qualifications who after special medical examination have been
certified by a medical officer as being fit to continue to dive after
having reached the upper age limit.
Instruction
(2) No diver and no attendant shall engage or be employed in a diving
operation unless the person has received such instruction in the work
that the person is capable of carrying out his or her duties safely.
(3) This instruction shall be such that it will impart a full working
knowledge of the safe use of signals, compression and decompression
tables, diving dress with its ancillary fittings and gear, of air pumps,
pressure gauges and depth gauges.
(4) A legally qualified doctor shall be appointed to carry out the duties
prescribed by this section as being the duties of a medical officer.
(5) The chief inspector shall be notified in writing of the name and
address of the medical officer so appointed.
Preliminary medical examinations
(6) No person shall dive or be employed to dive unless on or after such
date the person has been examined by an appointed medical officer,
and has been certified by the medical officer as being fit to work in
compressed air.
(7) The examination shall include an X-ray examination of the chest.
(8) The medical officer’s report shall be kept and produced to an
Supervision of health during diving work
(9) It shall be the duty of the medical officer to inform each diver at the
organs, a chill, or any other disease that may come on the person
during or after work may have the most serious consequences to his
or her health and the person shall be instructed that immediately on
noticing any such indisposition the person must report it to the
medical officer, or to a medical orderly, or failing either, to the
contractor or a responsible representative of the contractor.
(10) The symptoms and treatment of compressed air illness as set out in
schedule 9 shall be exhibited in a conspicuous position in the divers’
change room.
(11) A contractor shall not allow any person—
or any other illness or disease; or
(b) under the influence of intoxicating liquor;
to be employed under water as a diver.
(12) If divers are employed continuously in diving operations they shall
be medically re-examined regularly at the following intervals:
(a) working at depths less than 60 feet—every 6 months;
(b) working at depths between 60 feet and 90 feet—every 3 months;
(c) working at depths in excess of 90 feet—every 4 weeks,
and unless so re-examined and found fit as mentioned in this section
no person shall dive or be employed to dive.
(13) A diver who has been absent from work due to illness of any kind for
more than 7 days, or has been absent from work due to any other
cause, except for recreation, for a period of more than 3 weeks shall
not dive or be employed to dive without first producing a certificate
of fitness from the medical officer.
(14) No person shall dive or be employed to dive after 12 months or any
lesser period that the medical officer may determine, has elapsed from
the date of the last X-ray examination of his or her chest.
Compressed air workers’ badge
(15) It shall be the duty of a contractor to supply to every diver in the
contractor’s employ a compressed air worker’s badge.
(16) It shall be the duty of every diver at all times to wear a compressed
air worker’s badge.
(17) A compressed air worker’s badge shall be made of non-corrodible
metal and shall be arranged to be worn either in a coat lapel or
suspended by a chain or cord placed around the neck.
(18) The badge shall be in the form of a disc, 1 1/ 4 inches in diameter and
not less than 1/ 16 of an inch in thickness.
(19) The face shall bear the following inscription, arranged in the
following way:
Safe diving periods
(20) Except in case of emergency, no person shall dive or be employed to
dive under water in any period of 24 hours for longer than the total
times and periods corresponding to the depth of dive set out in
table 99.1:
Table 99.1 Safe diving periods for varying depths*
depth of
dive
feet
pressure
lb. per sq. inch
safe diving period*
hours minutes
0—42 0—18 1/ 2 6 0 provided that the period of any
dive shall not exceed 1 1/ 2
hours duration, and that 15
minutes is allowed on the
surface after each such period
42—60 18 1/ 2—261/ 2 5 0 provided that the period of any
dive shall not exceed 1 hour
duration, and that 15 minutes
is allowed on the surface after
each such period
60—66 26 1/ 2—291/ 2 3 0 provided that the period of any
dive shall not exceed 1 hour
duration, and that 15 minutes
is allowed on the surface after
each such period
Safe diving period means the time spent within any period of 24 hours from the
beginning of the first descent to the beginning of the last ascent.
(21) If, in the case of emergency, it is necessary for a diver to remain under
water at a depth of 66 feet or over for a period of time exceeding the
limits set out in table 99.1, the decompression of the diver shall be
regulated in the way set out in schedule 7, table 7.1.
(22) When a diver is brought to the surface with stoppages in accordance
with schedule 7, table 7.1, the diver shall not dive or be employed to
dive again within 12 hours except in case of grave emergency.
(23) Should it be necessary for a diver to descend a 2nd time to a depth of
66 feet or over with an interval of less than 4 hours between
the 2 descents, the following method of calculating the stoppages
required shall be observed:
(a) read from schedule 7, table 7.2 the stoppages for the 2nd dive
and from schedule 7, table 7.1, the stoppages required for a dive
of duration equal to that of the 2 dives combined; and
(b) divide the number of stoppages by 2 for those at the greater
depth check the diver for the periods shown for the 2nd dive,
and for the remainder check the diver for the periods shown for
the combined dive, and should there be an odd number of
stoppages the greater number shall be used for the dive as
combined.
(24) The tables shall be interpreted to give the diver the maximum time in
the minimum depth of water.
(25) Stoppages at 20 feet and 10 feet are the most beneficial to the diver.
(26) When the prescribed limits of time under water have not been
exceeded, the stoppages in ascending shall be as shown in schedule 7,
table 7.2.
(27) The stoppage points shall be determined by the attendant who shall
be guided by the depth gauge readings after making due allowance
for gauge error.
(28) The diver shall not be brought up from the bottom to the first stopping
place at a rate faster than 1 foot in 1 second, and his or her ascent shall
be at once checked if this rate is exceeded.
(29) While the diver is ascending, the diver must undertake as much
gymnastic exercise as possible, especially using those muscles that
were in use on the bottom.
(30) The minimum quantity of air supplied to divers at various depths shall
be as set out in table 99.2, except that during the descent the pump
shall be operated at the maximum revolutions or the air supply shall
be considerably increased:
Table 99.2 Quantity of air required by a diver at various depths
depth quantity of air at
atmospheric pressure
required per minute
*number of
needed
*revolutions of
hand pump per
Minute
Fathoms ft cu. ft
0 0 1.5 1 15
23/ 4 16 2.2 1 22
51/ 2 33 3.0 1 30
11 66 4.5 2 22
161/ 2 99 6.0 2 30
22 132 7.5 4 21
271/ 2 165 9.0 4 27
33 198† 10.5 † †
These figures are based on a double-acting pump with cylinder diameter 4 inches,
stroke 7 1 /2 inches, working at 80%, efficiency.
† Handworked pumps are unsuitable at a depth of 180 feet and over.
(31) Not more than 1 diver shall be supplied from each air line.
Air Pipe
(32) The air pipe shall be constructed of alternate layers of rubber and
canvas and shall be reinforced with steel wire.
(33) The piping shall have been tested by the manufacturer and shall
withstand a test pressure of 200 pounds per square inch without
showing any appreciable increase in diameter.
(34) The manufacturer shall provide a certificate of test for each length of
pipe manufactured.
(35) A length of about 50 feet of floating air hose may be attached to the
diver’s helmet to keep weight off the diver.
(36) No person shall dive or be employed to dive under water unless—
(a) a sufficient number of suitable and competent persons are also
employed in attendance on the diver, so as to ensure his or her
safety; and
(b) there is provided and used suitable and sufficient diving
equipment consisting of helmets, corselets, waterproof dresses
to completely enclose a diver’s body, and warm clothing; and
(c) such equipment to include at least 1 diving helmet and dress with
its necessary equipment and warm clothing in excess of the
number of divers under water at any one time; and
(d) sufficient and suitable diving plant and equipment, including air
pumps, pressure gauges and means of access to and from the
water are provided and properly maintained.
Care and testing of equipment—hand pumps
(37) Pumps shall be maintained in an efficient condition and shall be
capable of delivering the necessary quantity of air against pressure
for at least 2 divers.
(38) Particular care shall be given to the condition of the leather piston
cups and piston rod glands to prevent leakage.
(39) Pump delivery shall be measured at least every 3 months and at
shorter intervals if the pump has not been performing satisfactorily.
(40) The pump cylinder walls and pistons shall be lubricated only with
olive oil or neatsfoot oil.
(41) Standby pumps where provided and when not in use shall be turned
for a period of 5 minutes at least once in every week.
Care and testing of equipment—gauges
(42) Gauges shall be calibrated by a method approved by the chief
inspector at least every 3 months or at shorter intervals if error is
suspected.
(43) The gauge error, as determined by test, shall be tabulated and a copy
of the tabulation shall be displayed inside the pump lid.
Care and testing of equipment—inlet valves
(44) Inlet valves of helmets in use shall be tested at least once in
every 3 months at a pressure of not less than 15 pounds per square
(45) The springs shall be examined on every occasion before use and at
least once in every day while the helmets are in use.
Care and testing of equipment—air pipes
(46) Air pipes shall be tested at least once a month and immediately before
each descent to a pressure equivalent to 25% greater than that at the
greatest depth at which a diver is likely to work.
(47) The air pipe shall be lashed to ring bolts on the pump chest to relieve
the connection of the air pipe to the pump nozzle of any undue load
from the weight of the air pipe.
(48) The connection shall be inspected at frequent intervals.
(49) All air pipe connections shall be effectively lashed to prevent
inadvertent disconnection.
Care and testing of equipment—ropes and lines
(50) Breast ropes, shot ropes and distance lines shall be of tarred hemp or
other approved material.
(51) Ropes shall be carefully handled and shall not be sharply bent.
Care and testing of equipment—dress and equipment
(52) All diving dress and equipment on the works shall be kept when not
in use in a substantially constructed room or locker, and such room or
locker shall not be used for the storage of any other gear, tools, or
equipment used on the works.
Care and testing of equipment—general
(53) Air pipes, valves, cocks, corselets, helmets, diving dresses, gauges,
ropes, lanyards, and all other apparatus shall be maintained in an
efficient condition, cleaned with fresh water after use, drained and
dried before being stored in the room or locker provided for the
purpose.
(54) Particular care shall be taken to ensure that air pipes and diving
dresses are kept free from condensed moisture and from contact with
grease, oil or tar.
(55) Material for dress repairs shall be provided and made available on the
site of the works.
Warm clothing
(56) Separate sets of warm clothing, woollens or flannels, shall be
provided for each diver.
(57) A diver shall not be required to wear clothing previously worn by
another diver unless the clothing has been first thoroughly washed
and disinfected.
Diving dress previously worn
(58) A diver shall not be required to wear a diving dress previously worn
by another person unless the inner surfaces of the dress have been
first thoroughly washed with hot water and soap and dried in the sun.
Distance line
(59) A diver working on muddy or dangerous ground shall use a distance
line firmly attached to the shot rope about 3 feet above the sinker.
Power driven compressor units—high pressure air supply
(60) A supply of air at high pressure may be drawn for the use of divers
from either the works compressor or a compressor supplying divers
equipment only.
Power driven compressor units—compressor
(61) The compressor shall be capable of delivering air at the required
pressure and at a rate sufficient to meet the requirements of all divers,
machines, tools and other compressed air equipment supplied from it.
(62) The compressor shall be of such construction that overheating does
not take place, and the lubricant used shall be odourless and shall
produce a minimum amount of noxious fumes if overheating should
inadvertently take place.
(63) Provision shall be made at the compressor to prevent undue pressure
building up if the delivery pipe from the compressor becomes blocked
in any way.
(64) This provision shall take the form of a safety valve on the air chest of
the compressor or on the delivery pipe as it leaves the compressor.
(65) If the air is supplied by a compressor of such construction, size, or
arrangement that, in the event of a breakdown of the power unit, it
cannot be instantly worked by hand, the following equipment
connected in the order set down in this section shall be used in
conjunction with the compressor.
(66) First, a main air receiver of sufficient capacity shall be connected to
supply the maximum number of divers with sufficient air to bring
them to the surface in reasonable time in the event of a breakdown of
the compressor power unit.
(67) The pressure maintained in this receiver shall be much higher than
that corresponding to the depths of water where the divers are
working.
(68) Every such air receiver shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the Standards Australia, Boiler Code.
(69) Second, an efficient non-return inlet valve shall be connected on the
receiver to prevent back flow of air for failure of the delivery pipe or
its fittings.
(70) Third, a subsidiary air receiver fitted with a spring loaded type safety
valve shall be connected.
(71) Forth, an approved type of pressure-reducing valve fitted in the pipe
line between the main air receiver and the subsidiary air receiver shall
be connected.
(72) Fifth, an air filter of approved type shall be connected in the pipe line
between the subsidiary air receiver and the air control panel.
(73) Sixth, an air control panel of robust construction equipped with an
air-distributing arrangement of throttle valves, depth gauges and
subsidiary receiver pressure gauge, controlling the air supply to the
divers shall be connected.
(74) The throttle valves shall be of the slow acting needle valve type, fitted
with graduated dial and pointer and only 1 diver shall be supplied
from each such valve.
(75) The air control panel shall be connected to the air filters by suitable
flexible hose and each such hose shall be so supported that undue
strain is not imposed on the air filter or air control panel connectors.
(76) Seventh, emergency air connections and stop valves on the diver’s
side of each throttle valve on the air control panel shall be connected.
(77) Eighth, a manual pump or other reliable source of air supply shall be
connected and shall remain connected throughout diving operations.
(78) The fittings and equipment mentioned in subsections (66) to (77)
shall be constructed, used and maintained in accordance with the
Standards Australia Code for Work in Compressed Air, Part II—
Diving, as at 1 July 1950.
(79) The control of the air supply shall be in charge of a competent
attendant whose duties shall be restricted to the operation of the
control panel and attendance on not more than 1 diver.
(80) When several divers are operating from the 1 air control panel, each
diver shall have a separate attendant.
(81) Ladders for divers shall be capable of supporting a safe working load
of 4 hundredweights on any one rung.
Signalling system
(82) No person shall dive or be employed to dive under water unless—
(a) arrangements are made for a suitable signalling system between
the diver and persons on the surface; and
(b) the diver and all persons in attendance on the diver are
conversant with the signalling system.
Meals
(83) A diver who is to work under water at a depth of over 30 feet shall
not have a meal within 1/ 2 an hour of beginning to dive and the last
meal before diving should only be a light one.
Dressing and sending down diver
(84) The diver shall be dressed by the following routine method:
(a) air pipe and breast rope connected to helmet;
(b) telephone tested (if used);
(c) diver dressed in woollens;
(d) diving dress and shoulder pads put on;
(e) corselet placed on diver, care being taken to clear the inner collar
of creases and with number marked on the corselet
corresponding with the helmet number;
(f) jock strap, if used;
(g) boots, with buckles outward, drawn on, and lanyards if used, to
be well secured above the boots around the suit;
(h) helmet, without front glass, to be secured in position;
(i) air pipe and breast rope to be secured respectively to the left and
right side of the body;
(j) belt, with knife (if used) attached and hanging at left side, to be
secured in position;
(k) pump to be turned to enable diver to check air pipe connections;
(l) diver to be placed on ladder and breast rope hitched to the
ladder;
(m) weights to be placed in position, back one first;
(n) helmet front glass to be screwed in position, but before doing so
care is to be taken that the diver clearly understands all
instructions relating to the work the diver is to undertake.
(85) When the source of air supply is a power-driven compressor, the
following precautions, additional to those mentioned in
subsection (84), shall be taken:
(a) before the helmet is secured in position, the attendant shall test
the air lines and valves through their full range;
(b) if the diver suspects the presence of fumes or other impurities in
the air supply—the diver shall report the matter to the contractor
or his or her representative.
Undressing Diver
(86) A suitable room, shed, screen or cover shall be provided for the use
of a diver when undressing.
(87) Procedure, the reverse of that required by subsections (84) and (85),
shall be adopted in undressing a diver.
(88) Each diver should do further light exercise after undressing.
Attendants
(89) Each diver, while under water, shall have an attendant to hold the
breast rope and air pipe.
(90) A sufficient number of other workers, if warranted, shall be stationed
to see that the breast rope and air pipe pay out clear and also to coil
down the rope and pipe when required.
(91) When a diver is working at depths greater than 100 feet, an additional
worker shall be available, if warranted, to watch the air pipe.
(92) Every breast rope and air pipe shall be held clear of the gunwale and
shall be kept moderately taut but care shall be taken not to have them
so taut as to inconvenience the diver.
(93) The attendant shall maintain such control of the breast rope as to
prevent the diver accidentally falling from staging or from rocks.
(94) Each attendant shall give his or her whole attention to his or her
charge from the time the diver steps onto the ladder until the diver
returns to the surface.
(95) The diver shall keep a close watch on the depth gauge to note changes
in depth.
Records
(96) The times of a diver’s descent and ascent shall be taken by an accurate
timepiece and recorded, as also shall be all changes of depth and
gauge readings when a diver is working at depths greater than 16
fathoms.
(97) All records shall be carefully preserved and made available to an
inspector as and when required by the inspector.
General Precautions
(98) The symptoms and treatment of compressed air illness as set out in
the schedule 9 shall be kept exhibited in a conspicuous position on
the works.
(99) A diver who has been blown up shall be sent down again to the
original depth, but care shall be exercised that the diver has a firm
hold of the shot rope or that the attendants have taken in the slack of
the breast rope and air pipe, before the valve is opened to allow the
diver to descend.
(100) Special care shall be taken to prevent a diver, who is working under
a large flat surface, being blown up.
(101) If the diver is inadvertently blown up, provision shall be made for the
diver to be cleared without risk of injury.
(102) When an additional pump is to be connected by means of a four-way
connection, the additional pump shall be operated against the shut
cock until the gauge shows the same pressure as the other pump
delivering air for the diver, before the cock may be opened.
(103) When a pump is to be disconnected with the diver down, the cock on
that pump connection shall first be shut.
(104) The air pipes serving 2 divers shall on no account be joined up to the
same junction.
(105) If 1 hand pump is used to serve 2 divers, each diver’s air supply shall
be independently controlled by a suitable air-distributing valve.
(106) This section shall apply to any diving operation that is a compressed
air work within the meaning of the Act.
(1) This section shall apply to any tunnelling operation that is a
compressed air work within the meaning of the Act.
(2) No person shall work or be employed in tunnelling—
(a) at pressures up to 30 pounds per square inch if the person is over
50 years old; or
(b) at pressures over 30 pounds per square inch if the person is over
45 years old.
(3) No person under 20 years old shall work or be employed in tunnelling
work in compressed air.
(4) However, in exceptional circumstances the medical officer may set
aside the age limits in individual cases.
(5) A legally qualified doctor shall be appointed to carry out the duties
that are prescribed by this section as being the duties of a medical
officer.
(6) The chief inspector shall be notified in writing of the name and
address of the medical officer immediately after he or she is
appointed.
Appointment of medical officers—medical orderly
(7) When the working pressure exceeds 25 pounds per square inch an
experienced medical orderly shall be constantly in attendance for the
purpose of recompressing any person who shows symptoms of
compressed air illness, and for the purpose of attending to minor
injuries.
(8) The medical orderly shall be a person approved by the medical officer
and, preferably, shall be the holder of a St. John Ambulance
certificate or equivalent qualification.
(9) The medical orderly may work on other duties provided these are
such that he or she will be readily available for medical orderly duties
when required.
(10) No person shall work or be employed to work in compressed air
unless on or after the date the person has been examined by an
appointed medical officer, and has been certified by the officer as
being fit to work in compressed air.
(11) The examination shall include an X-ray examination of the chest.
(12) The medical officer’s report shall be kept and produced to an
Supervision of health during work
(13) It shall be the duty of the medical officer to inform each person at the
organs, a chill, or any other disease that may come on the person
during or after work may have the most serious consequences to his
or her health and the person shall be instructed that immediately on
noticing any such indisposition the person must report it to the
medical officer, or to a medical orderly, or failing either, to the
contractor or a responsible representative of the contractor.
(14) The symptoms and treatment of compressed air illness as mentioned
in schedule 9 shall be exhibited in a conspicuous position in the
workers’s change room.
(15) A contractor shall not allow any person—
or any other illness or disease, or
(b) under the influence of intoxicating liquor;
to enter any compressed air chamber.
(16) Persons employed continuously in compressed air shall be medically
re-examined regularly at the following intervals:
(a) at pressures not exceeding 25 pounds per square inch—every
6 months;
(b) at pressures exceeding 25 pounds per square inch but not
exceeding 35 pounds per square inch—every 3 months;
(c) at pressures exceeding 35 pounds per square inch but not
exceeding 45 pounds per square inch—every 6 weeks;
(d) at pressures exceeding 45 pounds per square inch—every
4 weeks.
(17) Unless so re-examined and found fit as mentioned in this section no
person shall work, or be employed to work in compressed air.
(18) Any employee who has been absent from work for more than 7 days
owing to illness of any kind, or who has been absent from work due
to any other cause, except for recreation, for a period of more
than 3 weeks shall not work or be employed to work in compressed
air without first producing a certificate of fitness from the medical
officer.
(19) No person shall work or be employed to work in compressed air after
12 months, or any lesser period that the medical officer may
determine, has elapsed.
(20) Every person not accustomed to work in compressed air shall be
tested to the working pressure obtaining at his or her place of work
by being subjected to the pressure in the medical or airlock.
(21) If the employee shows serious symptoms after test, or after the first 2
full working periods, the employee shall not work in compressed air.
Compressed air workers’ badge
(22) It shall be the duty of a contractor employing persons to work in
compressed air to supply to every such person a compressed air
workers’ badge.
(23) It shall be the duty of every person employed or working in
compressed air to, at all times, wear a compressed air workers’ badge.
(24) Every compressed air workers’ badge shall be manufactured and used
in the way mentioned in section 99 (17) to (19).
Safe working periods—general
(25) Except in case of emergency, no person shall work or be employed to
work in compressed air for longer in any period of 24 hours than the
period corresponding to the pressure in which the work is carried out
as set out in table 100:
Table 100
gauge pressure
working period gauge pressure
working period
0-15 8 hours 40-50 3 hours
15-25 6 hours 50-55 2 hours
25-40 4 hours 55-60 1 1/ 2 hours
(26) Provided that—
(a) the 8 hour and 6 hour working periods each include a meal break
of 1/ 2 an hour; and
(b) the 8 hour working period includes times required for
compression and decompression, but the other working periods
shown in the table do not include times for those purposes nor
time occupied in changing shifts.
Safe working periods—observation period
(27) After decompression from pressures between 25 and 40 pounds per
square inch, all persons shall be detained for observation
for 45 minutes before leaving the site of the work.
(28) This period of detention shall be increased to 1 hour after
decompression from pressures between 40 and 60 pounds per square
Compression
(29) During compression, the pressure shall be increased gradually and
uniformly to ensure that no person is distressed.
(30) The rate of compression shall not exceed 5 pounds per square inch
per minute.
(31) Decompression shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions
of schedule 7, table 7.3.
(32) However, at pressures lower than 18 pounds per square inch,
decompression shall be conducted at a rate that will not
inconvenience any person, but shall not be completed in less
than 5 minutes.
(33) A copy of schedule 7, table 7.3 shall be posted in the man-lock.
Airlock attendants
(34) Every airlock shall be serviced only by a reliable, and specially
trained and selected person.
(35) The airlock attendant, if without previous experience of either
working in or controlling airlocks, shall be specially trained.
(36) The airlock attendant shall at no time operate more than 1 man-lock.
(37) The airlock attendant shall remain outside the lock near the entrance,
and shall not be employed for more than 8 hours in any 24 hours.
(38) Written instructions about the gauge pressure in the working chamber
and compression and decompression times shall be given to each
(39) A copy of the instructions shall be suitably exhibited in a conspicuous
position near the man-lock.
Airlock records
(40) A record of workers employed in compressed air shall be kept.
(41) This record shall show for each employee the period of stay in the
working chamber, the gauge pressure and the time taken for
decompression.
(42) When the working pressure exceeds 20 pounds per square inch,
automatic recording instruments shall be installed to record the
pressure in the working chamber and in the man-locks, and these
records shall be carefully kept.
(43) All the records shall be made available to an inspector on demand at
all reasonable times.
Man-lock—size
(44) Each bulkhead shall be provided with 1 operating man-lock
and 1 emergency man-lock, each of sufficient size to hold at any one
time the entire force of workers engaged in any 2 successive shifts,
with a minimum of 3 square feet of floor space per worker.
Man-lock—access
(45) The door between the man-lock and the working chamber shall
remain open except during compression and decompression and
during the procedure of passing material through the lock.
(46) In tunnels of large diameter the emergency man-lock shall be near the
roof and within the protection of the safety curtain, with proper access
to it from both inside and outside.
(47) In tunnels of small diameter if it is not practicable to provide an
emergency man-lock near the roof, the emergency chamber with
safety door shall be at the end of the operating man-lock nearer the
working face, and shall be of the same size as the operating man-lock.
(48) The safety door shall never be closed while there is any person in the
(49) Except in an emergency, the workers shall be prohibited from
emerging through the material locks, or, when the material lock and
the man-lock are one and the same, the material lock valves shall not
be used when workers are in the lock.
Man-lock—fittings
(50) Every lock in which persons are compressed or are decompressed
shall be fitted with a suitable instrument panel on which shall be
mounted the necessary pressure gauges in duplicate, an accurate
timepiece and a copy of schedule 7, table 7.3.
(51) The instrument panel shall be adequately illuminated.
(52) The man-lock shall have valves both inside and outside the lock.
(53) The valves to which the airlock attendant has not access shall be
covered with a case, the door of which is locked and has a glass panel
that may be broken in case of emergency so as to permit the valves to
be operated.
(54) Except in case of emergency, valves shall only be operated by the
Medical lock
(55) A medical lock at least 5 feet in diameter shall be provided when work
is being carried out at a pressure of 25 pounds per square inch or over.
(56) Should any case of compressed air illness occur when the working
pressure is less than 25 pounds per square inch, it may be dealt with
in the man-lock.
(57) The medical lock shall have 2 compartments, so that entry may be
obtained to the inner chamber while it is under pressure.
(58) The lock shall be adequately ventilated, protected from the direct rays
of the sun or adequately heated if required, and shall be adequately
lighted.
(59) The lock and its equipment shall be kept in a clean state.
(60) The lock shall be provided with suitable equipment including a couch
not less than 6 feet in length, clean blankets, dry woollen garments, a
food lock and a telephone.
(61) The medical lock shall be located within the immediate vicinity of the
works and arrangements shall be made to ensure that the lock is ready
for operation during the 12 hours after the end of any shift.
(62) The medical lock shall be equipped with a small, glazed aperture so
that a patient under treatment in the lock can be kept under
observation by the attendant from outside the lock.
(63) It shall be provided with a pressure gauge and an accurate timepiece
for each compartment.
(64) The timepiece and the pressure gauge for the main compartment shall
be in a position that they can be readily seen by the attendant whether
the attendant is inside or outside the lock.
Additional bulkhead
(65) Wherever the gauge pressure in the working chamber
exceeds 30 pounds per square inch, a 2nd bulkhead with airlocks
shall be provided after the tunnel has been constructed for a
reasonable distance.
(66) The working pressure in the outer section shall be maintained at
approximately 1/ 2 of the absolute pressure in the working chamber.
Communication
(67) The working chamber and the airlock shall be in telephonic
communication at all times with the airlock attendant, who shall also
be provided with telephonic or other satisfactory means of
communicating with the contractor or his or her representative on the
works.
(68) The contractor shall depute a representative to be at all times available
for communication with the airlock attendant.
(69) In the event of telephone failure, signals shall be transmitted by
tapping.
(70) A suitable code of signals shall be formulated on the job and a copy
of this code shall be posted inside and outside the man-lock.
Overhead gangway
(71) In all tunnels 16 feet and over in diameter or height, an overhead
gangway shall be provided from the working face to the nearest
airlock.
(72) An overhead clearance of 6 feet shall be maintained unless otherwise
Safety curtains
(73) Safety curtains shall be provided in all tunnels if there is the
possibility of a ‘blow’ causing an inrush of water or material being
excavated.
(74) The safety curtain shall at no time be distant more than 200 feet from
the working face.
Fire precautions
(75) If danger of fire exists, a fire hose at least 50 feet in length with a
suitable nozzle connected, shall be provided on both sides of the
tunnel bulkhead.
(76) Water lines shall extend into the tunnel with a hose connection every
200 feet, and this system shall be maintained ready for use at all times.
Lighting
(77) All lighting in compressed air chambers shall be by electricity only,
except in cases of emergency.
(78) One worker in the airlock shall be provided with an electric pocket
lamp, and candles and damp-proof matches shall be provided in the
working chamber and in each man-lock.
(79) All portable incandescent lamps shall be guarded by a wire cage large
enough to enclose both lamp and socket.
(80) The lamps shall be constructed in accordance with the Standards
Australia, Approval and Test Specification No C. 118, Electric Hand
Lamps.
Electric installation—voltage
(81) The voltage used for electric lighting circuits between the last
bulkhead and the working face shall not exceed 32V for alternating
current and 50V for direct current.
Electric installation—wiring
(82) Except as otherwise provided in this regulation, all wiring for light
and power circuits shall comply with the requirements of the S.A.A.
Wiring Rules, for damp or hazardous locations.
(83) A minimum of 25 cubic feet of clean, fresh air shall be supplied each
minute to each worker in the working chamber, and a minimum of 10
cubic feet per minute to each worker in the man-lock.
(84) In the event of any reduction of the air pressure below a point to be
specified from time to time by the engineer in charge of the work, the
airlock attendant shall notify the workers in the working chamber, and
preparations shall be made immediately for their withdrawal from the
Free air intake
(85) The free air intake shall be so situatedd as to ensure an ample supply
of clean, fresh air.
(86) The utmost care shall be taken to avoid contamination of the air by
fumes from the exhausts of compression ignition or
internal-combustion engines and from all other sources.
Purification and refrigeration of compressed air
(87) An approved oil separator shall be used between the compressor and
the air receiver and an air filter of approved type shall be installed
between the air receiver and the working chamber.
(88) The air shall be cooled after compression, if necessary, so that the
temperature in the working chamber does not exceed 80° Fahrenheit
when measured with a dry bulb thermometer.
Compressed air plant
(89) If the air compressor, used for supplying air under pressure for the
purposes of compressed air work in tunnelling is driven by electric
power, stand-by compressor plant shall be provided and shall be of
such capacity that, in the event of failure of the electrically-driven
units, at least 50% of the air supply may be maintained.
(90) With other than electrically-powered compressors not more than 50%
of the compressor units shall be driven from any 1 power unit and, if
practicable, the power units shall be interchangeable.
Air lines and fittings
(91) Each air line shall be equipped with the following fittings connected
in the order shown:
(a) an air receiver of such capacity as to be capable of delivering at
least 2 000 cubic feet of air to the working chamber at normal
working pressure, for the purpose of reserve storage in the event
of failure of the compressor plant;
(b) a stop valve;
(c) a pressure-reducing valve located close to the man-lock;
(d) a non-return valve located close to the man-lock.
(92) The air supply shall be through duplicate air lines between the air
receiver and the working chamber.
(93) An adjustable safety valve shall be fitted on the outside of the
bulkhead to a separate pipe leading from the working chamber
through the bulkhead to the outside air.
Testing of equipment
(94) All locks and air receivers shall be subjected to test and inspection in
accordance with the provisions of the Australian Standard Rules for
the Design, Construction, Inspection and Operation of Boilers and
Unfired Pressure Vessels and their Appurtenances published by
Standards Australia, as revised in May, 1942.
(95) Pressure gauges shall be installed and tested in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the rules mentioned in subsection (94).
Change rooms
(96) Without prejudice to the requirements of part 10 (which among other
things relates to the provision of certain accommodation for the health
of persons), there shall be provided and maintained for the use of
persons employed in compressed air work in tunnelling—
(a) properly heated, lighted and ventilated change rooms and drying
rooms; and
(b) bathing accommodation, namely, 1 shower equipped with
running hot and cold water for every 8 men employed on the
same shift and 1 for every 8 women employed on the same shift,
and 1 for any number less than 8 such men or women, as the
case requires; and
(c) suitable and adequate earth or water closets at the rate of 1 closet
for every 10 men employed on the same shift and 1 for every 10
women employed on the same shift, and 1 for any number less
than 10 such men or women, as the case requires.
Information to be posted in change room
(97) A copy of the following information shall be posted in the change
room for the information and instruction of persons employed in
compressed air work in tunnelling:
(a) subsections (13) to (21) and (98) to (100); and
(b) schedule 9; and
(c) the name, address, and telephone number of the medical officer.
Prohibition of smoking and intoxicating liquor
(98) No person shall smoke in the man-lock or in the working chamber.
(99) No person shall carry on his or her person any smoking materials
while in the man-lock or in the working chamber but shall leave all
such materials in the change room.
(100) No intoxicating liquor shall be brought into the vicinity of the
working chamber, provided that the carrying of alcoholic spirits or
other stimulants into such places for medical purposes may be
approved by the medical officer.
Copy of pt 8 to be available
(101) A copy of this part shall be kept at the works office and shall be
available to every person on the works who is engaged in the
compressed air work.
(1) No person shall work or be employed in compressed air work in
caissons—
(a) at pressures up to 30 pounds per square inch if the person is over
50 years old; or
(b) at pressures over 30 pounds per square inch if the person is over
45 years old.
(2) No person under 20 years old shall work or be employed in
compressed air work in caissons.
(3) However, in exceptional circumstances the medical officer may set
aside the age limits in individual cases.
(4) A legally qualified doctor shall be appointed to carry out the duties
prescribed by this regulation as the duties of a medical officer.
(5) The chief inspector shall be notified in writing of the name and
address of the medical officer so appointed.
Medical orderly
(6) When the working pressure exceeds 25 pounds per square inch, an
experienced medical orderly shall be constantly in attendance for the
purpose of recompressing any worker who shows symptoms of
compressed air illness and for attending to minor injuries.
(7) The medical orderly shall be a person approved by the medical officer
and the orderly shall be the holder of a St. John Ambulance certificate
or equivalent qualifications.
(8) The medical orderly may work on other duties provided these are
such that the medical orderly will be readily available for medical
orderly duties when required.
Preliminary medical examination
(9) No person shall work or be employed to work in compressed air
unless on or after such date the person has been examined by an
appointed medical officer, and has been certified by the officer as
being fit to work in compressed air.
(10) The examination shall include an X-ray examination of the chest.
(11) The medical officer’s report shall be kept and produced to an
Supervision of health during compressed air work in caissons—advice to
employees
(12) It shall be the duty of the medical officer to inform each person at the
organs, a chill, or any other malady that may come on the person
during or after work in a caisson, may have the most serious
consequences to his or her health, and the person shall be instructed
that immediately on noticing any such indisposition the person must
report it to the medical officer, or to a medical orderly, or failing
either, to the contractor or to a responsible representative of the
contractor.
(13) The symptoms and treatment of compressed air illness as set out in
schedule 9 shall be exhibited in a conspicuous position in the
workers’s change room.
Supervision of health during compressed air work in caissons—entry prohibited
(14) A contractor shall not allow any person—
or any other illness or disease, or
(b) under the influence of intoxicating liquor,
to be employed in compressed air work in a caisson.
Supervision of health during compressed air work in caissons—periodical
medical examination
(15) If persons work continuously in compressed air in caissons they shall
be re-examined regularly at the following intervals:
(a) for pressures not exceeding 25 pounds per square inch—every 6
months;
(b) for pressures above 25 pounds and not exceeding 35 pounds per
square inch—every 3 months;
(c) for pressures above 35 pounds and not exceeding 45 pounds per
square inch—every 6 weeks;
(d) for pressures above 45 pounds per square inch—every 4 weeks.
(16) Unless so re-examined and found fit as mentioned in this section, no
person shall work or be employed to work in compressed air.
Examination after absence
(17) An employee who has been absent from work in compressed air in
caissons, due to illness of any kind for a period of more than 7 days,
or who has been absent from such work due to any other cause, except
for recreation, for a period of more than 3 weeks shall not work or be
employed to work in compressed air without first producing a
certificate of fitness from the medical officer.
New employees
(18) Every person who is not accustomed to work in compressed air shall
be tested to the working pressure in the medical or airlock.
(19) If any person shows serious symptoms after test, or after the
first 2 full working periods, the person shall not work in compressed
air.
X-ray examination
(20) No person shall work or be employed to work in compressed air after
12 months, or any less a period that the medical officer may
determine, has elapsed from the date of the last X-ray examination of
his or her chest.
Compressed air worker’s badge
(21) It shall be the duty of a contractor to supply to every person engaged
in compressed air work in caissons in his or her employ a compressed
air worker’s badge.
(22) It shall be the duty of every person engaged in compressed air work
in caissons at all times to wear a compressed air worker’s badge.
(23) A compressed air worker’s badge shall be made of non-corrodible
metal and shall be arranged to be worn either in a coat lapel or
suspended by a chain or cord placed round the neck.
(24) Every badge shall be manufactured in accordance with the provisions
of section 99 (18) and (19)
Working periods—general
(25) Except in case of emergency, no person shall work or be employed to
work in compressed air for longer in any period of 24 hours, than the
period corresponding to the pressure in which the work is carried out
as set out in table 101.
Table 101
gauge pressure
working period gauge pressure
working period
0-15 8 hours 40-50 3 hours
15-25 6 hours 50-55 2 hours
25-40 4 hours 55-60 11/ 2 hours
(26) Provided that—
(a) the 8 hour and 6 hour working periods each include a meal break
of 1/ 2 an hour; and
(b) the 8 hour working period includes times required for
compression and decompression, but the other working periods
shown in table 101 do not include times for those purposes nor
time occupied in changing shifts.
Observation period
(27) After decompression from pressures between 25 and 40 pounds per
square inch, all persons shall be kept for observation for 45 minutes
before leaving the site of the work.
(28) This period of detention shall be increased to 1 hour after
decompression from pressures between 40 and 60 pounds per square
Compression
(29) During compression the pressure shall be increased gradually and
uniformly to ensure that no person is distressed.
(30) The rate of compression shall not exceed 5 pounds per square inch
per minute.
(31) Decompression shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions
of schedule 7, table 7.3, provided that at pressures lower than 18
pounds per square inch decompression shall be conducted at a rate
that will not inconvenience any person, but shall not be completed in
less than 5 minutes.
(32) A copy of schedule 7, table 7.3, shall be posted in the man-lock.
Airlock Attendants
(33) Every airlock shall be served only by a reliable, and specially trained
and selected person.
(34) The airlock attendant, if without previous experience of either
working in or controlling airlocks, shall be specially trained.
(35) The airlock attendant shall at no time operate more than 1 man-lock.
(36) The airlock attendant shall remain outside the lock near the entrance,
and shall not be employed for more than 8 hours in any 24 hours.
Airlock records
(37) A record of workers employed in compressed air shall be kept.
(38) This record shall show for each employee the period of stay in the
working chamber, the gauge pressure and the time taken for
decompression.
Man-lock—size
(39) The chambers serving for compression and decompression shall be of
such dimensions that the space available to each person using the
chambers at any time shall be at least equal to 16 cubic feet with a
minimum floor space of 3 square feet per person.
Man-lock—access
(40) The door between the man-lock and the working chamber shall
remain open except during compression and decompression and
during the procedure of passing material through the lock.
(41) A ladder conforming to the requirements of this regulation shall be
available for access to and from the working chambers.
Man-lock—fittings
(42) Every lock in which persons are compressed or decompressed shall
be fitted with a suitable instrument panel on which shall be mounted
the necessary pressure gauges in duplicate, an accurate timepiece, and
decompression tables or charts.
(43) The instrument panel shall be adequately lighted.
(44) The man-lock shall be fitted with valves both inside and outside the
lock.
(45) The valves to which the airlock attendant has no access shall be sealed
in a box provided with a glass panel that can be broken to permit the
use of the valves in case of emergency.
(46) Except in cases of emergency valves shall be operated only by the
Regulation of temperature in airlock
(47) The temperature in every airlock shall be regulated as required by
heating or by protection against loss of heat, or by protection against
the direct rays of the sun by means of a covering that can be sprayed
with water.
Communication
(48) The working chamber and the airlock shall be in telephonic
communication at all times with the airlock attendant, who shall also
be provided with telephonic or other satisfactory means of
communicating with the contractor or his or her representative on the
works.
(49) The contractor shall depute a representative to be at all times available
for communication with the airlock attendant.
(50) In the event of telephone failure, signals shall be transmitted by
tapping.
(51) A suitable code of signals shall be formulated on the job and a copy
of this code shall be posted inside and outside the man-lock.
Height of working chamber
(52) The height of the working chamber, measured between the roof and
the lower cutting edge, shall be at least 8 feet.
Medical lock
(53) A medical lock at least 5 feet in diameter shall be provided when work
is being carried out at a pressure of 25 pounds per square inch or over.
(54) Should any case of compressed air illness occur when the working
pressure is less than 25 pounds per square inch it may be dealt with
in the man-lock.
(55) The medical lock shall have 2 compartments, so that entry may be
obtained to the inner chamber while it is under pressure.
(56) The medical lock shall be adequately ventilated, protected from the
direct rays of the sun or adequately heated if required, and it shall be
adequately lighted.
(57) The lock and its equipment shall be kept in a clean state.
(58) The medical lock shall be provided with suitable equipment,
including a couch not less than 6 feet in length, clean blankets, dry
woollen garments, a food lock and a telephone.
(59) The medical lock shall be located within the immediate vicinity of the
works and arrangements shall be made to ensure that the lock is ready
for operation during the 12 hours after the end of any shift.
(60) The medical lock shall be equipped with a small glazed aperture so
that a patient under treatment in the lock can be kept under
observation by the attendant from outside the lock.
(61) It shall be provided with a pressure gauge and an accurate timepiece
for each compartment.
(62) The timepiece and pressure gauge for the main compartment shall be
in such a position that they can be readily seen by the attendant
whether the attendant is inside or outside the lock.
Lighting
(63) All lighting in compressed air chambers shall be by electricity only,
except in case of emergency.
(64) One man in an airlock shall be provided with an electric pocket lamp,
and candles and damp-proof matches shall be provided in the working
chamber and in each airlock.
(65) All portable incandescent lamps shall be guarded by a wire cage large
enough to enclose both lamp and socket.
(66) The lamps shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of
Standards Australia, Approval and Test Specification No C. 118,
entitled Electric Hand-Lamps.
Electric installation—voltage
(67) The voltage used for electrical apparatus and lights in compressed air
chambers shall not exceed 32V for alternating current supply
and 50V for direct current supply.
Electric installation—wiring
(68) Except as otherwise provided in this regulation, all wiring for light
and power circuits shall comply with the requirements of the
Standards Australia Wiring Rules for damp or hazardous locations.
(69) A minimum of 25 cubic feet of clean fresh air shall be supplied per
minute to each worker in the working chamber, and a minimum of 10
cubic feet per minute to each worker in the man-lock.
(70) In the event of a failure of the air supply exceeding 5 minutes in
duration, all workers shall be withdrawn from the working chamber.
Free air intake
(71) The free air intake shall be so situatedd as to ensure an ample supply
of clean, fresh air.
(72) Care shall be taken to avoid contamination of the air by fumes from
the exhausts of compression ignition and internal-combustion
engines and from all other sources.
Purification and refrigeration of compressed air
(73) An approved oil separator shall be used between the compressor and
the air receiver and an approved air filter shall be placed between the
air receiver and the working chamber.
(74) The air shall be cooled after compression, if necessary, to ensure that
the temperature in the working chamber does not exceed 80°
Fahrenheit when measured with a dry bulb thermometer.
Compressed air plant
(75) If the air compressor, used for supplying air under pressure for the
purposes of compressed air work in caissons is driven by electric
power, stand-by compressor plant shall be provided and shall be of
the capacity that in the event of failure of the electrically-driven units
at least 50% of the air supply may be maintained.
(76) With other than electrically-powered compressors not more than 50%
of the compressor units shall be driven from any 1 power unit and, if
practicable, the power units shall be interchangeable.
Air lines and fittings
(77) Each air line shall be equipped with the following fittings connected
in the following order:
(a) an air receiver of such capacity as to be capable of delivering at
least 50 cubic feet of air to the working chamber at normal
working pressure, for the purpose of reserve storage in the event
of failure of the compressor plant;
(b) a stop valve;
(c) a pressure-reducing valve located close to the man-lock;
(d) a non-return valve located close to the man-lock.
(78) The air supply shall be through duplicate air lines between the air
receiver and the working chamber.
(79) An adjustable safety valve shall be fitted on the outside of the airlock,
exhausting to the outside air.
Testing of equipment—general
(80) All airlocks, shafts and air receivers shall be subjected to test in
accordance with the provisions of the Australian Standard Rules
recommended for the Design, Construction, Inspection and Operation
of Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels and their Appurtenances
published by Standards Australia as revised in May, 1942.
Testing of equipment—pressure gauges
(81) Pressure gauges shall be installed and tested in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the rules mentioned in subsection (80).
Change rooms
(82) Without prejudice to the requirements of part 10 (which among other
things relates to the provision of certain accommodation for the health
of persons) there shall be provided and maintained for the use of
persons employed in compressed air work in caissons—
(a) properly heated, lighted and ventilated change rooms and drying
rooms; and
(b) bathing accommodation, namely 1 shower equipped with
running hot and cold water for every 8 men employed on the
same shift and 1 for every 8 women employed on the same shift,
and 1 for any number less than 8 such men or women, as the
case requires; and
(c) suitable and adequate earth or water closets at the rate of 1 closet
for every 10 men employed on the same shift and 1 for every 10
women employed on the same shift, and 1 for any number less
than 10 such men or women, as the case requires.
Information to be posted in change room
(83) A copy of the following information shall be posted in the change
room for the information and instruction of persons engaged in
compressed air work in caissons:
(a) schedule 9, concerning the Symptoms and Treatment of
Compressed Air Illness;
(b) section 101 (12) to (17);
(c) the name, address and telephone number of the medical officer.
Prohibition of smoking and intoxicating liquor
(84) No person shall smoke in a man-lock or working chamber.
(85) No person shall carry smoking materials into a man-lock or into a
(86) All such smoking materials shall be left in the change room.
(87) No person shall bring any intoxicating liquor into the vicinity of the
working chamber, provided that the carrying of alcoholic spirits or
other stimulants into such places for medical purposes may be
approved by the medical officer.
Regulation to be available
(88) A copy of this section shall be kept on the works so as to be easily
accessible to all persons who are responsible for giving effect to its
provisions.
(89) This section shall apply to compressed air work in caissons, being a
compressed air work within the meaning of the Act.