Chapter 18- High Risk Activities

Chapter 18: High Risk Activities

18.1 Purposes and Objectives (Introduction)

High Risk Construction Work identifies various high-risk construction activities that require special precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Proper training, equipment, and adherence to regulations are crucial for ensuring worker safety in these environments.

High-Risk Construction Activities

1. Work At Heights: Activities such as roofing installation, skylight fitting, or using ladders and scaffolding in elevated areas. Special harnesses and safety equipment are required to prevent falls.

2. Telecommunication Tower Work: Involves climbing and maintenance on telecommunication towers, necessitating specialized climbing gear and safety training due to the height and potential environmental hazards.

3. Demolition of Load Bearing Structures: Includes the careful disassembly or destruction of multi-story buildings where structural integrity is crucial. Controlled demolition techniques and engineering assessments are necessary to prevent collapse.

4. Asbestos Disturbance: Activities like bathroom renovations involving the removal of asbestos require compliance with strict safety protocols to manage this hazardous material effectively.

5. Structural Alterations: Replacing load-bearing walls or making other significant modifications to ensure the building's safety post-alteration.

6. Confined Spaces Work: Entering confined environments such as sewers, where air quality and space constraints pose significant risks, mandates the use of gas detection and breathing equipment.

7. Trench Work: Pipelaying in trenches deeper than 1.5m must follow specific regulations to prevent cave-ins, with protective systems like trench boxes in place.

8. Explosives Working: Utilized in demolition; specific training and compliance with strict safety standards are required to handle explosives safely.

9. Gas Line Work: Digging near gas distribution lines entails risks of explosion or leaks, requiring careful planning and gas detection measures.

10. Chemical, Fuel, or Refrigerant Lines Work: Activities involving the repair of fuel lines or handling chemicals require proper PPE and compliance with hazardous material handling codes.

11. Energized Electrical Installations Work: Involves working on high-voltage systems, mandating stringent safety protocols to prevent electrocution and other electrical hazards.

12. Contaminated or Flammable Atmosphere Work: Includes working in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres, such as pipelines with hydrogen sulfide gas, requiring gas monitoring and proper PPE.

13. Mobile Plant Areas Work: Utilizing heavy machinery like bobcats in construction areas necessitates rigorous safety protocols and operator training.

14. Work Near Water: Conducting inspections or operations in reservoirs poses drowning risks; safety measures and flotation devices are crucial.

15. Diving Work: Underwater operations, such as pipeline repairs, require specialized training and equipment to ensure diver safety.

18.2 Working at Height

18.2.1 Purposes and Objectives

The main objective of this section is to significantly reduce risks associated with working at heights. Establishing minimum safety standards creates consistent expectations for procedures and practices related to height work. Additionally, a bridge document connects safety standards for work at height with those concerning dropped objects, ensuring comprehensive safety measures.

Recommendations

1. Aim to eliminate the necessity for working at heights during the project design stage whenever feasible, reducing risk from the outset.

18.2.2 Definitions & Acronyms

• 100% Tie-off: A secure fall arrest system attachment that remains in place throughout height work to prevent falls.

• Anchorage Point: A secure connection point for fall protection systems, crucial in preventing falls from elevated surfaces.

• Full Body Harness (FBH): A harness designed to distribute forces across the entire body in the event of a fall, enhancing safety for the worker.

• Independent Lifeline: Provides mobility and fall protection in elevated work areas, crucial for maintaining safety while working at heights.

• Horizontal Lifeline: A safety line that allows movement while keeping fall protection in place, critical in dynamic work environments.

18.3 Diving

18.3.1 Purposes and Objectives

Compliance with established standards is essential for diving work, ensuring safety and efficiency. Internal accountability emphasizes HSSE performance across project governance, reinforcing the importance of safety in depth work.

18.3.4 Responsibilities

• PMT: Responsible for appointing qualified representatives to oversee safety procedures related to diving activities.

• Contractor: Must provide qualified personnel and project-specific dive plans, ensuring adherence to safety standards.

• Diving Supervisor: Ensures all diving operations are conducted safely and maintains clear communication with divers to mitigate risks.

18.4 Drops Prevention

18.4.1 Purpose

The purpose of this section is to establish comprehensive controls aimed at preventing incidents caused by dropped objects. Implementing robust safety measures is essential to mitigate risks associated with items falling from height.

Key Definitions

• Dropped Object: Any item that falls from its position and has the potential to cause injury upon impact.

• DROPS Program: A systematic approach designed to identify and mitigate risks related to dropped objects, emphasizing prevention.

Critical Control Measures

1. Reliable Securing: Ensuring that tools and materials are secured using primary fixings, secondary retention, and safety securing mechanisms to prevent drops.

2. Inspection Regimes: Conducting regular inspections of safety gear and securing mechanisms to maintain high safety standards and prevent dropped objects.

References

Various internal and external standards support these safe practices, including CLP Group documents and international safety standards to ensure compliance with safety regulations.