Do you need a backhoe licence?
When will you need a licence?
Requirements for backhoe operations
How do I prove my backhoe operator competency?
Where to hire a backhoe?

When hiring, operating and managing a backhoe, it can be uncertain whether you meet the right licencing and qualification requirements. In particular, it is important to consider and recognise the legal requirements for hiring a backhoe.

Do you need a backhoe licence?

You do not need a licence to operate a backhoe and, under the terms of the new Australian Work Health and Safety Regulations, you also do not need to hold a terrestrial or specific crane (EPC) certificate to operate a backhoe. This also applies to non-commercial private property jobs, as no licence or backhoe certification is required if you hire a backhoe, although the machine supplier will inform you about general operational use and safety.

However, you are still required to provide information, training and supervision to insure the health and safety of operators.

It may also come down to what work you’re completing, as some jobs you might need to be licenced to do in order to do that.

When are you going to need a licence?

If you want to perform a certain type of demolition work, the current demolition work licence will be required if the work includes the following:

Contains pre-tensioned or post-tensioned structural components;
Involve the use of load shifting equipment (e.g. use of combination front-end loader and backhoe, skid steer loader, excavator, crane).
Involve the use of explosives or another method of induced collapse.

If you are transporting a backhoe from one site to another, you must also have a commercial driver’s licence.

Requirements for Backhoe Operation

The Human Resources Act (PCBU) defines the responsibilities of the person managing the work on the site and ensures:

The operator shall receive adequate information, training, training and supervision.
Operators shall be competent
Appliances are used appropriately to minimise health and safety risks

Under the Act, the PCBU has a primary duty of care to insure that workers are trained and capable of achieving complete safety at work. This training may be both formal and informal.

PCBU describes formal training as completing a nationally-recognized course delivered by a registered training organisation for a specific type of plant, or training at an industry training school. Informal training is described as on-the-job training provided or supervised by a competent person or on-the-job training involving the plant and associated hazards.

Other requirements to become a backhoe operator include, in particular, on-the-job training or backhoe training programmes that you can undertake across Australia to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to operate a backhoe. There are some basic requirements that you must meet when you register for a backhoe ticket:

To be able to read and write basic English
Pass the assessment of language, literacy & numeracy (LLN)
Minimum of 16 years of age
Provide two identification forms
Wear capped steel or safety boots on site; sun protection – hat, long sleeves and pants – is also recommended.

If you have never operated earthmoving machines before it is highly unlikely that a backhoe supplier will provide you with a machine to operate because the risk of major damage is too high. If you’ve never used a backhoe or earthmoving machine before we suggest that you either undergo a thorough training first or hire a backhoe with the operator.

How am I going to prove my backhoe operator competence?

When demonstrating the on-site competence of the person responsible for managing the work on the site, usually the site or project manager, the following evidence can be provided to insure that they know that you are a competent backhoe operator:

Evidence of competence in the file should also be kept as a record in the event of an incident. Make sure that you keep any documentation on file and online in the unlikely event of an incident.

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Excavators are a common piece of machinery on job sites. With there assortments of attachments and strength they are used for all sorts of job. If your looking to increase your versatility on a job site you should consider getting a getting a ticket that allows you to operate them.

In This Article

Do you need a licence to operate an excavator?
What’s the law in Australia for operating an excavator?
How can I prove my excavator competency?
What sort of operator experience is considered?

Do you need a licence to operate an excavator?

The short answer is no, but it isn’t that easy. While you no longer need to have an excavator licence to operate an excavator for typical excavation work, you will need to prove your competence in the way of certification (DIY use of an excavator on private property is an exception to this). Be wary though, there are still 29 separate classes of high-risk excavator-related work that will still require a special licence.

In the case of typical excavator work, instead of having a licence that you need to renew, you now need to prove that you have the right skills and experience to operate the excavator at the time of hire/operation. Despite this, there’s good news for the DIY Warriors on the weekend!

You will not need certification for non-commercial use of private property. No certification or licence is required if you hire a dingo, mini excavator or excavator for private use in a non-commercial DIY project, although the machine supplier will inform you about safety and general operational use.

What is the law for the operation of the excavator in Australia?

Under the new Australian Work Health and Safety Regulations, you no longer need to hold a terrestrial or special crane (EPC) certificate to operate the following types of equipment:

Excavator is (class LE)
Front end loader/backhoe loader (class LB)
Front-end loader (class LL)
Loader for skid steering (class LS)
Dozer The Dozer (LZ)
Grader: Grader (LG)
Scrapers (LP)

According to WorkSafe QLD, “as a PCBU with plant management or control, you must insure that operators are competent to use the equipment.” Under the new rules, the company managing the work site is now responsible for ensuring that the person operating the machine is competent to do so. Businesses can make this easier by means of certification.

Management or control business of the plant (or the supplier in the case of residential DIY project hires) must insure:

Operators shall receive adequate information, training, training and supervision.
Operators shall be competent
Appropriate use of equipment to minimise any risks to health and safety

Be wary, however, you will be required to have a high-risk work licence for activities involving demolition and removal of asbestos, as well as for the operation of certain types of cranes and hoists, EWP booms, forklifts, boilers, steam turbines and stackers.

How can I prove the competence of my excavator?

While each business assesses its competence differently, it will generally require tangible evidence or a record of proof that you are capable of operating an excavator. You’re not going to have to worry if you’ve had a licence before, have a record of working and operating a heavy machine in Australia, or have a record of past excavator training. However, if you don’t have any of these, you’ll probably need to do some kind of training, which is extremely beneficial in teaching you the best way to operate the excavator. Such training can be acquired by a number of WorkCover Accredited Training and Evaluation Organizations.

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If you wish to perform scaffolding work, where a person or object may fall more than four metres from the scaffold, you must hold a high-risk scaffolding work licence.

When isn’t a licence required?
License is not required if the height of the completed scaffold is less than four metres, and a person or object cannot fall more than four metres. However, irrespective of the height of the scaffolding, the persons conducting a business or undertaking and the principal contractors have an obligation to insure the health and safety of themselves, workers and others at the workplace. Obligation holders need to provide information, training, training and supervision to workers in the field of safe erection, dismantling, maintenance and alteration of scaffolding.
Did you know that, If the principal contractor supplies the scaffold for use by different trades, it is the responsibility of the principal contractor to maintain the scaffold in order to insure that it is safe for its intended use.

The definition of scaffolding.
Scaffolding is the erection, alteration or dismantling of a temporary structure erected to support a platform from which a person or object could fall more than four metres from the platform or structure.

There are three types of scaffolding:

Basic scaffolding: (SB)
Consists of scaffolding work involving the following:

• Modular or prefabricated scaffolding
• Cantilevered material hoists with a maximum working load of 500 kg
• The ropes and the gin wheel
• Safety nets, static lines, and
• Bracket scaffolding (tank and formwork)

Intermediate scaffolding: (SI)
All basic scaffolding work plus scaffolding related to the use and operation of:

• Cantilevered platforms for loading cranes
• Cantilevered and spurred scaffolding
• Barrow and sloping platforms
• Security screens and shutters perimeter
• Mast of climbers
• Tube and coupler scaffolding (including tube and coupler covered ways and gantries)

Advanced scaffolding: (SA)
All intermediate scaffolding work plus scaffolding related to the use and operation of:

• Cantilevered lifts
• Hung scaffolds, including scaffolds hung from tubes, wire ropes or chains.
• Suspended scaffolding

Scaffolding Licenses

Scaffolding involves putting up, changing or removing a temporary structure that is used to support a work platform where a person or object could fall more than four metres.

This section applies to high-risk licences for the following:

Basic work on scaffolding (SB)
Intermediate work on scaffolding (SI)
Advanced work on scaffolding (SA)

Basic Scaffolding-SB
You need a Basic Scaffolding – SB High Risk Work License to perform basic scaffolding tasks.

Basic scaffolding work includes the following:

Modular or prefabricated scaffolding
Cantilever hoist with a maximum working load of 500 kg (materials only)
Ropes:
Gin Rows
Security nets and static lines
Bracket scaffolding (tank and form work).

Intermediate scaffolding –
You need an Intermediate Scaffolding – SI High Risk Work License to perform intermediate scaffolding tasks. To apply for an intermediate scaffolding licence, you must hold or have passed a basic scaffolding licence.

Intermediate scaffolding work involves:

Scaffolding work included in the Basic Scaffolding class
Tube and coupling scaffolds, including tube and coupling, covered paths and gantries
Cantilever platform loading cranes
Cantilever and spurred scaffolding
Barrow and sloping platforms
Scaffolding related to perimeter safety screens and shutters
Climbing mast.

Advanced Scaffolding-SA
You need an Advanced Scaffolding – SA high-risk work licence to perform advanced scaffolding tasks. To apply for an advanced scaffolding licence, you must hold or have previously passed a basic scaffolding licence and an intermediate scaffolding licence.

Advanced scaffolding includes:

Scaffolding included in the Intermediate Scaffolding class
Cantilevered lifts
Hung scaffolds, including scaffolds hung from tubes, wire ropes or chains.
Suspended scaffolding.

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Working on a construction site involves a fair share of risks. Paying attention to your surroundings so that you can minimise the risks on your site is essential to insure that no one is injured. Below we discuss the five most important risks to construction sites and the easy steps you can take to avoid injury or damage.

Working at Height

In 2017, almost half of the fatalities of workers in Australia were caused by a fall in height. This usually takes the form of falling from roofs, ladders or scaffolding.

Preventing Falls from a Height

People working on scaffolding should only be allowed to complete their work if the conditions are appropriate. This means that site supervisors should not allow scaffolding work to continue if the scaffolding is wet or muddy. Workers should also wear appropriate workwear, including good grip shoes and a hard hat. The site supervisors should arrange for the scaffolding to be inspected by a qualified person before each shift.

If working at height is not necessary, it should be avoided where possible. A work-positioning system should be used as a precaution to reduce the potential injury to a worker in the event of an accident.

When working on ladders, it is important to insure that they are placed on a flat and stable surface to prevent sudden movements when elevated. When working as a precaution, the ladders should always be secured to the building. Ladders are often overlooked when it comes to inspection, but maintenance should take place on a regular basis. If any fault is found, it should be removed from the worksite and disposed of immediately to insure that no further use is made of it.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) occurs when a worker uses tools that vibrate heavily for long periods of time. HAVS can cause nerve damage in your arms, as well as problems with the circulation of your fingers.

Preventing Hand-Warm Vibration Syndrome

As technology improves, your tools should insure that you have the best equipment available to improve safety and efficiency. To prevent HAVS, upgrade your tools to those with lower vibration rates than your current set of tools.

Laborers should also work in shifts when operating tools with high vibration levels. Breaking after each shift is an important step in the prevention of HAVS. Gripping high-vibration tools should also be avoided as this is strongly linked to HAVS.

Noise

Extended exposure to noise is a significant risk to construction sites, with the construction industry responsible for 18% of all hearing loss claims made by the Australian workforce. It is important to monitor the sound levels at your construction site to insure that workers are not exposed to potential hearing damage, which is irreversible.

Managing Worksite Noise

First, and most obviously, workers should only operate loud machines if they have adequate ear protection at their disposal. It’s easy to walk around the work site without ear protection, but it’s the simplest and most effective way to avoid significant hearing loss.

A common test to check if the level of noise is rising to a harmful level is that if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone one metre away, then the level of noise is likely to be hazardous.

A noise assessment should be carried out on your site to insure that noise levels are within acceptable levels. Safework Australia suggests that noise should be kept below 50 decibels for work requiring high concentration and constant conversation and below 70 decibels for other basic work. To reduce noise, it is suggested that all machines should be reviewed to determine whether less noisy models can be purchased. Also, check to see if you can plug your equipment into the mains electricity supply instead of using generators. Inevitably noisy work at times when fewer workers are in the workplace is effective in limiting noise exposure.

Electricity

The risks associated with any electrical work in the construction industry are extremely high. The use of electrical equipment on outdoor work sites that may become wet is very dangerous, as is the use of electrical tools on metal surfaces such as scaffolding. Electrical equipment such as extension cords and sockets are particularly prone to damage.

Preventing electrical hazards at the workplace

It is important to regularly inspect and examine any electrical equipment you use to reduce the risks to workers. This inspection is usually carried out by qualified professionals, such as electricians.

Residual-current devices (RCDs) should also be used for any plug-in electrical equipment. If a potentially harmful power leak has been identified, this device will automatically shut down the power supply to your tools.

It is also important to be aware of overhead and underground power lines so that you can carry out work away from these areas.

Fire

Fire is a huge risk at construction sites in Australia, especially because of our hot and dry climate. It takes only one spark to cause significant fire damage, so it is essential to have the best fire risk prevention strategies in place.

Preventing Fire Risk at Construction Sites

The simplest way to avoid fire hazards at the workplace is to ban smoking on site. Maintaining electrical equipment properly and using as many non-flammable materials as possible are easy steps to significantly reduce fire hazards. Hot work should be completed away from hazardous areas, such as chemical areas, and all regulations should be followed.

Safety at the workplace is as important as the work being done, so it deserves your full attention. There are many more risks associated with working on a construction site, but these are just five that we have chosen to highlight. Don’t let work get in the way of having the latest risk management procedures available, your workers will thank you for that.

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Why is the PPE important for construction?

Owing to the nature of the construction and the inherent hazards that exist on-site, PPE is essential especially for scaffolding tickets. The main aim of the PPE is to reduce the exposure of individual workers to these hazards where structural or administrative controls are not practical or effective in reducing these risks to an acceptable level. They are therefore an important complement to the broader safety initiatives being implemented on-site (such as signage and scaffolding).

What kind of PPE should be worn on a building site?

The key types of personal protective equipment for construction workers are listed here:

Work Boots

They should have slip-resistant soles to minimise the risk of slipping and falling. The sole should also be in good working order to avoid the risk of puncture, and the steel cap toe is highly recommended for protection against falling or falling objects.

Gloves

Hands are at risk of burns, cuts, fractures and absorption of chemicals. Gloves should be snug and free of rips, chemical residues or burns that could compromise their protective properties. Always replace them if they are damaged and remember to wear rubber gloves when performing heat or electrical tasks.

Ear Plugs

Aural damage is a significant risk at work due to the loud tools and machines that workers are required to operate. Always insure that the ear plugs are clean before insertion and that they fit evenly into the ear canal. Formable ear plugs are recommended to insure that different sizes of ear canals fit perfectly.

Hard Hats

Essential to protect from falling objects, they even play a role in insulation from electrical shock. They should always be a firm fit and free from deformities or teeth. If they have any kind of impact, even if there is no visible damage, they should be replaced immediately. Also be careful with the cleaning agent used on the hard hat so as not to reduce its effectiveness and never store it in direct sunlight.

Goggles

There is a risk of injury to the eyes from chemical elements, material shards, smoke and flying objects. Cutting, welding and embossing are examples of tasks that pose a risk of eye or face damage and should be performed with goggles or a face shield. Ensure that the goggles are not defective and that they comply with the ANSI Z87.1 eye protection standard. They should have a firm seal across the cheeks and forehead and should be carefully cleaned and disinfected after use.
6-High visibility of clothing

Highly important PPE when working at sites such as bridges or roads where there is a risk of being hit by passing motorists. Typically consisting of bright colours with reflective accents to maximise visibility, they may include jackets, jackets, pants or jump suits. They should fit properly so as not to create a risk of travel and be cleaned regularly to insure that the wearer remains detectable from an appropriate distance.

Masks

Surgical or facial masks are important when working on tasks that may result in the inhalation of harmful materials into the body. There are many types of masks available and it is essential to determine whether the mask is designed to protect workers from the hazard of a particular task. They must have a tight fit and be thrown away if they are disposable after each use. They must never be shared and should always be replaced immediately if the damage is sustained.

Respirator

Depending on the type of task, a simple face mask may not be sufficient. A breather is a protective mask or hood that allows the wearer to breathe clean air. There are many types, so make sure you have an appropriate breather for the job at hand. Before starting work, insure that the specific unit has been fitted and that the wearer is properly trained to operate it. Any filters need to be changed frequently and never continue to use the respirator if they are malfunctioning. It must be firmly attached to the face with a tight seal.

Sunscreen

Often overlooked as the PPE, sunscreen is of paramount importance for the protection of skin cancer in Australian workplaces. Build on your site’s behaviour to insure that workers apply it every day when they arrive on site and re-apply it throughout the day. In the absence of gloves, the sunscreen must be completely rubbed into the hands before working with tools to avoid slips and drops.

It should be noted that, according to Safe Work Australia, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for providing PPE to workers. In addition, routine inspections are well advised to insure that workers are wearing the correct EPP, are in good working order and to assess whether additional protective equipment is needed.
What does the EPP mean in construction?

EPP in construction refers to any item worn or used by an individual worker to minimise the risk to his or her health and safety. These items can be broadly classified in the following categories:

Protection of the eyes and face
Protection of the hand
Protection of the body
Breathing protection
Protection of hearing

Why is the PPE important for construction?

EPP is important in construction as it reduces the exposure of individual workers to site hazards where structural or administrative controls are not practical or effective in reducing these risks to an acceptable level.
What kind of PPE should be worn on a building site?

There is a long list of protective equipment for construction workers, but some of the key items include gloves, hard hats, boots, face masks, goggles, ear plugs and even sunscreen.

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Typically, performing work at heights on site will require the use of scaffolding courses. Safe installation of scaffolding is vital to ensuring a safe site, as there are inherent risks associated with materials in an elevated position (such as scaffolding elements themselves or tools) or for workers to fall on their own. Here we profile the trade and guide you to the safe use of scaffolding for your next job.
What’s the scaffolding?

By definition, scaffolding is a temporary structure that is designed to allow access to elevated site positions or to create a safe work platform.

What is Scaffolding Used for?

Most construction jobs require scaffolding, whether they are new constructions, demolitions, renovations or minor repairs. If the task being undertaken is above ground level, it would not only be unsafe to operate without proper scaffolding, but also highly impractical. There are a number of types of scaffolding, but the main ones are:

Supported scaffolding: the most common type that people associate with construction work. The structure is built from the ground up to the side of the building and is usually made of metal tubes and couplings. This is a highly flexible method that allows the addition of levels (for constructions) or their removal (for demolition) as required, and is also very robust.
Mobile scaffolding: also known as rolling scaffolding, it is erected in the same way as supported scaffolding, but is mounted on castors and is self-contained. Often used on large building sites with multiple worksites, as it can be repositioned and negates the need for regular dismantling and reconstruction.
Suspended scaffolding: used when working on very large buildings and where supported or mobile scaffolding would be impractical. The scaffolding is suspended from the roof of the building and can be raised or lowered to different levels of the building as required. This method is often used for cleaning windows or for moving tools and equipment between levels.

What Do Scaffolders Do?

Scaffolders assemble and disassemble temporary structures or platforms at a variety of work sites. The elements of their role shall include:

Assessing plans and blueprints for the selection of appropriate scaffolding materials
Secure fitting of selected materials together, lifting and positioning on site
Disassembling the structure upon completion of the work and ensuring that the site remains neat and tidy

Scaffolders may work at a number of different locations, such as construction, music or entertainment venues. They need to have a strong working knowledge of scaffolding safety requirements and a high-risk work licence. Work can be physically demanding and requires individuals to work comfortably at heights, outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

Is Scaffolding a Dangerous Job?

If it is carried out safely and in accordance with the approved techniques taught by the Registered Training Organization (RTO), scaffolding does not need to be a hazardous job. However, under-planned structures, the use of inferior materials or the construction of scaffolding by anyone other than an untrained professional can make it a very dangerous job (and equally dangerous for anyone else utilising the scaffolding).

Safe Work Australia confirms that between 2008 and 2013 48 workers were killed as a result of “falls from heights” between the five years. Of these, 20 deaths were from buildings, 12 were from ladders, and 5 were from scaffolding.

What are some of the safety precautions for scaffolding?

There are a number of safety precautions that should be considered in order to avoid scaffolding hazards in your next job. These include the following:

Installation by a Trained Scaffolder

Worker safety should never be left to chance, and this is particularly the case when dealing with the hazards that height may pose. Always insure that your scaffolding has been designed, installed, managed, moved and disassembled by a qualified scaffolder. If the finished structure results in a potential fall of a person or object of four metres or more, a high-risk scaffolding work licence is required.

Training workers on the Use of Scaffolding

Invest time to insure that all workers working on scaffolding are thoroughly trained on how to do so. This includes access to and scale of scaffolding, use of scaffolding materials and rated load capacity. Training should also include awareness of hazards such as electrocution, falling objects, worker falls and procedures to deal with them.

Regular inspection of the structure;

In addition to the inspection when the structure is initially erected, insure that structural integrity is regularly reviewed if it is in place for a significant period of time. With the movement and load created by workers, tools and equipment, it is important to insure that the structure remains robust and that no elements have been moved or compromised.

Foster a “first safety” approach to the use of scaffolding

While much of it is common sense, insure that workers understand the guidelines below and feel empowered to report any violations:

Remove all materials or tools from the work platform at the end of the shift.
Never use objects such as boxes or ladders to increase their working height.
Never overload the structure beyond what is rated to hold
Never work on the structure if it appears damaged or damaged
Never climb onto elements of the structure that were not intended for it (such as handrails)

Ensure that personal protective equipment is worn

While the structure is, by definition, designed to keep workers safe, it must not be based on the exclusion of personal protective equipment. Ensure that all workers are wearing hard hats (whether on, around or under the structure) and non-skid work boots, also consider using tool lanyards and fall arrest systems for additional safety.

Watch out for the weather

Conditions can change dramatically over the course of a shift, so make sure you keep an eye on the skies and stop working when the weather is bad. This includes high winds, rain, sleet and even snow, while you’re still working. Ensure that all debris is removed from working platforms after a period of bad weather before workers re-enter the structure.

Can you use a scaffolding ladder?

Freestanding ladders should not be used for scaffolding. Depending on the type of scaffolding structure that has been built, there may be a fixed ladder, built-in ladder or even an access stairway to allow workers to access different levels. They are part of the structure that has been designed and are fine for workers to use.

The general rule of thumb is that if additional height is needed, your trained scaffolder should modify the structure to give you the right access to where you need to perform your next task.

How Long can the Scaffolding be Left?

While there are no set standards for scaffolding as to how long it can be left, the guidance is that it should be as long as possible for all project tasks requiring a secure completion of the structure. There are, however, a few points to be noted concerning the inspection of a scaffolding structure that encompasses this, which state that the competent person must inspect the structure.

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Scaffolding is a temporary support platform designed to assist construction workers and materials in the construction and repair of structures. Unfortunately, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in Australia with the third highest accident and fatality rate that’s why there is a need for a scaffold course Considering that scaffolding is used to assist workers and materials when working at heights, any error can be fatal, so it is essential that the design and assembly of scaffolding equipment is well planned and carried out.

Qualified scaffolders perform a wide range of tasks, ranging from the assembly of scaffolding materials, the laying of flooring on each level of scaffolding, and the disassembly of scaffolding once the work has been completed. In addition, qualified scaffolders are also responsible for complying with various occupational health and safety measures during the design phase of each project. Scaffolding should only be erected where it is safe to do so (away from power lines and other hazards) and the installation of fall prevention systems such as roof safety mesh, guard rails and barriers must also be considered.

Qualifications:

To be able to perform scaffolding work where a person or object can fall more than four metres in height, you must hold a ‘High Risk Scaffolding Work License.’ Even if a person or object can fall below four metres, every construction company has an obligation to insure that health and safety standards for all workers at the construction site are complied with. This includes providing information, instructions, training and supervision to workers to insure that scaffolding is safely erected, dismantled, maintained and modified.

How to get a High Risk Work License for Scaffolding

There are three classes of High Risk Work Licenses that scaffolders can obtain: Basic Scaffolding, Intermediate Scaffolding, and Advanced Scaffolding. The following outlines the type of work that a scaffolder may perform once each of these licences has been obtained.

Basic Scaffolding

Prefabricated scaffolding
Cantilevered hoist with a load limit not exceeding 500 kg (materials only)
Ropes
Gin Wheels
Static safety nets and lines
Bracket scaffolding (tank and formwork)

Intermediate Scaffolding

In addition to all the work that is part of Scaffolding Basic:

Mast Climbers
Tube and coupling scaffolds, including tube and coupling, covered paths and gantries
Cantilever and spurred scaffolding
Cantilever platform loading cranes
Barrow ramps and sloping platform
Scaffolding related to perimeter safety screens and shutters

Advanced Scaffolding

In addition to all the work that falls within Scaffolding Basic and Scaffolding Intermediate:

Hung scaffolds, including scaffolds hung from tubes, wire ropes and chains
Suspended scaffolding

If you are interested in obtaining your Scaffolding Advanced certification, you need to complete both your Scaffolding Basic and Scaffolding Intermediate training.

Once you have completed the relevant training and have been successfully assessed as competent, you must submit your paperwork to the relevant government organisation within 60 days to receive your High Risk Work License. The fees to be charged for each licence vary from state to state.

Once you have received your High Risk Work License, it is valid for five years and includes the licence class and the expiry date. All qualified scaffolders must carry their licence with them when performing any scaffolding work. Once your licence has expired, you will need to contact the relevant government organisation in your state to renew it. Even though you obtain a High Risk Work License from the relevant body of your state, all High Risk Work Licenses are nationally recognised across Australia.

Are you interested in obtaining your licence?

There are different skills and attributes needed to become a successful scaffolder. Scaffolding is physically demanding, so strength and fitness are needed to be able to perform the work effectively. In addition, a good understanding of the risks associated with working from heights to tools, chemicals and heavy objects is needed. Overall, a high level of awareness of health and safety is needed along with a high level of attention to detail.

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Wondering how to define a confined space?

There is legislation on confined spaces as well as confined spaces training, but we must all remember that the primary reason for managing confined spaces is to insure that we do not put our people at risk.The definition of a confined space may vary depending on jurisdiction, and the one I’m going to talk about is actually based on the Safe Work Australia model, the WHS regulations, and the limited space code of practise.

Confined space can be defined as an enclosed or partially enclosed location. For example, a tank and an open top tank will be considered to be partially enclosed or the vessel may be fully enclosed. It is not intended or intended primarily to be occupied by a person. It’s not something like a control room or something like that.

• It is designed to be at normal atmospheric pressure. If we enter confined spaces where there is no atmospheric pressure, this will be a completely separate set of circumstances.
• It is likely to contain an unsafe oxygen level atmosphere.
• It may contain contaminants, such as airborne gases, vapour dust, which may cause fire or explosion damage.
• It could also contain harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants.
• And last but not least, engulfment could have been included.

In accordance with legislation, to define a confined space as a confined space,

• It has to be enclosed or partially enclosed.
• It must not be intended or intended primarily to be occupied by a person.
• It must be designed to be under normal atmospheric pressure.

And it must include one of the following:

An atmosphere with an unsafe level of oxygen,
A pollutant,
Harmful concentrations of airborne contaminants or
Engulfment, man.

Any one of them is going to make it a confined space.

Once you define it as a confined space, there will be other hazards that we need to look at, for example,

Is there any electrical power entering that confined space?
Is there any mechanical energy in the confined space?
Is there a manual handling of injuries?

These alone would not make it a confined area, but we still need to manage the risks associated with it, and they are often seen and categorised as a restricted area.

In some organisations, they include restricted areas in their enclosed space entry procedures, and it is therefore necessary to check within your workplace to determine what the local requirements are.

Process of risk management

The determination of a confined space should be made through the formal application of the risk management process. In fact, you need to go through and systematically set out the criteria for that confined space.

Now, some examples of confined space are going to be things like that.

Reservoir,
The Choice,
The Pip,
A duct that,
The fireplaces,
Silos, Silos
Pressure ships,
Underwater sewers,
Wastewater drains,
Wells,
Triangles,
It’s tunnels.

The legislation and the specific definition of what a confined space is not. For example, a mine shaft or a place designed for a person to occupy, such as a cool room.

You need to refer specific information on confined spaces to your regulator. And you will generally find that, within the codes of practise in most jurisdictions, there is a flow chart for you to follow to help identify the confined space.

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Working in confined spaces is an increased risk factor in many workplaces across Western Australia.

Due to the inherent risks involved, restricted space and operations require proper permits and safety training.

There are some essential things that every manager, supervisor and employee should know about working in confined spaces. So let’s jump right into… the article, that’s not the confined space. Here, we’re going to give you some general knowledge of the confined spaces that you and your team may find that you have to crawl into as part of your work.
Working in confined spaces is hazardous

8 Some of the confined spaces pose a greater danger than others. But they all come with their share of safety hazards and risks.

Confined spaces include areas of work such as:
Tanks
Silos
Open Ditches
Vaults
Tunnels
Manholes
Wells

Workers entering confined space The risks of working in confined spaces cover risks such as:
Fire
Chemical Burns / Exposure
Air Quality
Asphyxiation
Biohazards
Slips, Falls, Getting Trapped, Etc.
Material Shifting / Falling

As you can see, a combination of risk plus a broad definition of confined space means that many workplaces across Australia are exposed to risk from confined spaces.

Facts About Confined Space Working

In order to further underscore the risk or work in confined spaces and the need for limited space safety training, consider the following facts.

• Accidents in confined spaces have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of workers each year; some of these deaths are labelled “Partners in Death” because coworkers often get hurt or die trying to save victims of confined space accidents.
• Death in confined spaces may be caused by “asphyxiation, engulfment, electrical shock, fall and heat stress”
• 85 per cent of confined space accidents can be prevented if workers are educated about job hazards.
• Confined spaces are large enough for employees to enter and work, but are not designed to be permanently occupied by workers due to their limited or restricted entry or exit options.
• Some confined spaces require permits for entry; they may contain hazardous atmospheres, hazardous materials, internal configurations that may cause the worker to suffocate, etc.

That’s why it’s important to have a proper training plan in place for any employee who may encounter or work in a confined space.

Confined Space Training

A safe work place is crucial, ensuring that you have the right safety procedures and policies in place for the entry of confined spaces will help you reduce the risk of accidents and injuries at work.

Our diverse team of certified health and safety professionals has taken great pride in our ability to deliver timely, cost-effective and relevant occupational health and safety solutions.

We look forwards to discussing how Perth Training Centre can help with your company’s safety requirements.

The post The Essentials for Working in Confined Spaces appeared first on Perth Training Courses.

There are many possible circumstances in which an employee may be required to enter a confined space. While working in enclosed areas is sometimes unavoidable, workers in enclosed areas often face significant risks to their health and safety.

Whether working in a tank, tunnel, chimney or similar enclosed area, individuals experience unique occupational risks because these areas are not generally intended for human habitation. Specific hazards within confined spaces include unsafe oxygen levels, engulfment and inhalation of atmospheric contaminants.

That is why it is vital that any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is required to insure that their employees have adequate supervision, training in confined spaces and access to personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever they are required to enter an enclosed work environment.

The Safe Work Australia Confined Spaces Code of Practice lists “information, instruction and training” as one of the key factors for the protection of occupational health and safety (OHS) standards in confined spaces.

Training must, in particular, cover five key competencies:

What are the hazards within a confined space?
Why is risk control important and how are you going to implement these measures?
What is appropriate for the PPE and how you can fit, use, store and maintain these devices
Understanding and working within the limits of the entry permit
How to respond to an emergency situation

Individuals working in any industry that may require them to enter a confined space as part of their professional undertaking should have access to training in confined spaces.

Due to the diversity of the enclosed spaces in the workplace, many sectors and occupations could be at risk. In particular, the following four industries are most likely to benefit from relevant training and OHS practises.

Agriculture and agriculture

Confined spaces are frequently found in farms and other agricultural workplaces. Common examples of areas where an employee may be required to enter include silos, grain storage, water tanks and manure pits.

Serious OHS risks are present at each of these locations and more, according to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. The most significant risks to employee well-being include oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide build-up, airborne organic contaminants, poisoning and suffocation.

Many of the materials, stock and equipment used in or around confined spaces may contribute to these hazards. Grains and other organic matter, for example, can absorb oxygen within silos, leading to difficulty breathing in silos and storage tanks.

Confined space training is an important factor in improving the health and safety of agricultural workers. In addition, all duties performed within the enclosed areas should include the use of protective equipment, atmospheric testing and the use of a stand-by person who can raise an alarm if an emergency has occurred.

Mining:

The mining industry is one of Australia’s largest employers, with some 267,000 people working in mining and related services, according to Mining Australia.

Unfortunately, while employed in this industry, many workers will suffer injury. A few employees will even perish in the course of their professional activities. In fact, a recent report from Mining Australia shows that miners are dying more frequently in Australia than in Iran.

Iran, a country with approximately 5,600 operating mines, reports that one miner dies every 16 days across the country’s resource industry. Comparatively, the 446 mines in Australia have seen 12 workers die so far this year.

With just 180 days to go before a dozen deaths, one mining worker dies every 15 days in Australia.

Of these deaths, a significant number were caused by cave-ins, while one worker succumbed to smoke in a confined space. The frequency of such fatalities could have decreased if risk assessments were carried out by trained individuals and supervised by qualified management personnel.

Freight & Storage

It is vital for employees to understand the risks of transporting and working in close quarters with hazardous materials when working in the freight and storage industry.

Ships’ containers, freight containers and truck tanks are just three examples of the types of confined spaces that may be required to be used in this industry.

In many cases, it is vital that PPE devices, such as atmospheric monitors and breathing apparatus, are made available to employees. In addition to providing workers with such equipment, it is also important to insure that individuals can properly fit, use and maintain such equipment.

Construction work

Whether working in residential construction or civil works, those employed in this sector may be required to enter confined spaces during the undertaking of their duties.

Common confined spaces found in this sector include crawling areas, drainage or sewer pipes and trenches. A variety of OHS risks may be present in these areas, such as unsafe oxygen levels, engulfment and wall collapse or cave-ins.

Minimizing the risk of injury or death within the construction industry is an important objective for all employers, as this sector accounts for approximately 9 per cent of the total Australian workforce and 11 per cent of all workers’ compensation claims, according to Safe Work Australia.

Any PCBU operating within the construction industry must have access to training in confined spaces for all employees who may be required to enter confined spaces. In addition, the same training should also be offered to supervisors or stand-by personnel responsible for those within a confined space.

If you are working in one of these industries, or would like more information on improving OHS performance in any of these sectors, get in touch with AlertForce today to access nationally recognised training in confined spaces!

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