4. CONTROLLING RISKS IN DEMOLITION WORK
Overhead protective structures should be provided for public walkways in conjunction with perimeter fencing. Overhead protection may be constructed from scaffolding, fabricated steel or timber and should be designed to withstand an appropriate load.
Unauthorised entry to a demolition workplace can expose persons to a number of hazards that, if not controlled, could result in fatalities or serious injuries. The person conducting a business or undertaking who controls the workplace, who may be a principal contractor or demolition contractor, must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace is secured so as to prevent unauthorised access. Monitoring of access and egress points for the workplace should be conducted during the work.
Further information on security fencing, falling materials, overhead protection and hoardings can be found in AS 2601: The demolition of structures.
4.4 Plant and equipment
A range of plant and equipment typically used for demolition work includes:
• powered mobile plant
• personnel and / or materials hoists •air compressors •electric generators •jack hammers •hydraulic jacks
• oxy-acetylene( gas cutting / welding)
• concrete saws and corers
•scaffolding
• ladders( limited use)
• many types of handheld plant, including: angle grinders, power saws, hammers, demolition saws, hydraulic jacks and pinch / lever bars.
You should ensure:
• plant is used and operated by a competent person
• that appropriate guards and operator protective devices are fitted
• that the safe working load is displayed and any load measurement devices are operating correctly
• plant is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer / supplier’ s instructions or relevant Australian Standards
• manufacturers recommendations for the safe use and storage of oxy-acetylene cutting equipment are referred to.
Further general guidance on plant can be found in the Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace.
20 CODE OF PRACTICE | DEMOLITION WORK