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Work Health and Safety (Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces) Code of Practice 2015
Surface and gradientSurface and gradient
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Surface and gradient
Surfaces of solid construction should be non-slip, free from trip hazards and should generally not exceed 7 degrees (1 in 8 gradient). Cleated surfaces, which provide greater slip-resistance, should not be steeper than 20 degrees (1 in 3 gradient).
If grid mesh or checker plate flooring is used for walkways and working platforms, ensure that:
- flooring panels are securely fixed and assembled in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications
- where possible, they are fitted to the structure prior to it being lifted into permanent position
- each panel is fixed securely before the next panel is placed in position
- during installation, this type of flooring is secured by tack welding, panel grips or other means to prevent movement before being fixed permanently
- if panels of grid mesh or checker plate flooring are removed, edge protection is provided and the gaps left due to removed panels are protected.