Page 20 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

Be prepared in windy conditions by:

 Securing loose equipment

 Wear eye protection to protect eyes from debris and dust

 Examine structure to ensure they can withstand strong winds
 Secure any object which becomes airborne

 Wear fall protection

 Don’t stand near stack s of materials or structures

Check weather reports daily to ensure conditions don’t become hazardous. Weather
information can be obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology at
http:// www.bom.gov.au/ The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is responsible for providing
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weather services to Australia and surrounding areas.

CONDITION OF STRUCTURES

It is important to inspect the condition of structures before safety systems are put in
place. For any safety equipment to be attached to an existing structure, it must be sound
and have the ability to take the required loads.

Different types of work involve different loads on the supporting surface. Make sure that
the surface and its support s can safely carry the expected loads – including workers,
material, tools, and equipment. When in doubt, make sure a structural engineer
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determines the safe load capacity before use.

The stability of a structure either permanent or temporary must also be considered.

3 Australian Bureau of Meteorology at http://www.bom.gov.au/

4https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1810/model-cop-preventing-falls-in-
housing-construction.pdf

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