High Risk Work

Do you have the license?

It is important to properly assess the risks involved for each job and ensure that you have implemented the highest level of control that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances. Below is some guidance around working at heights, which is considered high risk so is likely to require a worker with the appropriate license.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Eliminate the need to work from heights where possible
  • Use a suitable working platform such as scaffolding, boom lifts or scissor lift
  • Provide adequate edge protection by using jump screens, scaffolding or guardrails – ensuring ALL components are in place
  • Ensure scaffolds are installed and inspected by
    a competent person, and that a handover certificate is provided prior to use, and every 30 days thereafter
  • Securely cover and visibly mark, or edge protect, all open penetrations in formwork or concrete slabs
  • Provide workers with safe means of access and egress to work areas
  • Only use fall restraint or fall arrest systems when edge protection or work platforms are not reasonably practicable
  • Many falls take place when people are using ladders. You should consider whether an elevating work platform or scaffolding would be safer and more efficient.
  • Make sure you have the appropriate license

Licences are required for certain types of work that are considered high risk.
In most cases, workers must be trained and assessed as competent before they are issued with a license to undertake that work.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Check your workers licenses and never let an unlicensed worker do work requiring a license
  • Keep a register of when licenses are due to expire, and make sure they are renewed
  • Undertake refresher training regularly
  • Ensure you hold the appropriate license to do the work you are doing
  • Talk to your workers about how to work safely when undertaking any type of high risk or licensed work.

Scaffolding licenses

Scaffolding work includes putting up, changing or taking down of a temporary structure that is used to support a work platform, where a person or object could fall more than four metres. They are commonly used by electrical contractors so lets have a look at what is required to work safely around scaffolding.

BASIC SCAFFOLDING – SB
To perform basic scaffolding duties you need to have a Basic Scaffolding – SB high risk work license.
Basic scaffolding work includes:

  • modular or prefabricated scaffolds
  • cantilevered hoist with a maximum working load of 500 kg (materials only)
  • ropes
  • gin wheels
  • safety nets and static lines
  • bracket scaffolds (tank and form work).

INTERMEDIATE SCAFFOLDING – SI
To perform intermediate scaffolding duties you need to have an Intermediate Scaffolding – SI high risk work license. To apply for an intermediate scaffolding license you must hold, or have passed assessment for, a basic scaffolding license.
Intermediate scaffolding work includes:

  • scaffolding work included in the class of Basic Scaffolding
  • tube and coupler scaffolds including tube and coupler covered ways and gantries
  • cantilever crane loading platforms
  • cantilever and spurred scaffolds
  • barrow ramps and sloping platforms
  • scaffolding associated with perimeter safety screens & shutters
  • mast climbers.
  • safety nets and static lines
  • bracket scaffolds (tank and form work).

ADVANCED SCAFFOLDING – SA
To perform advanced scaffolding duties you need to have an Advanced Scaffolding – SA high risk work license. To apply for an advanced scaffolding license you must hold, or have previously passed assessment for, a basic scaffolding license and an intermediate scaffolding license.
Advanced scaffolding work includes:

  • scaffolding work included in the Intermediate scaffolding class
  • cantilevered hoists
  • hung scaffolds, including scaffolds hanging from tubes, wire ropes or chains
  • suspended scaffolds.

For more information about how to work safely at heights, or how to obtain a license, visit the SafeWork website in your state.