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The Metal Roofing and Cladding Association of Australia Limited (MRCAA) Feedback
DRAFT CODE OF PRACTICE - Preventing Falls in Housing Construction
The MRCAA believe the requirement indicated for batten spacing, in particular when the (position of
the supporting members are at 900mm or in excess of 900mm). The requirement as a safety item is
excessive with regards to spanning capacity of the various roofing products. It would be far more
economical to supply and install safety mesh, than it would be to place battens and or purlins at
450mm centres.
The code only indicates conventional or truss type roof framework, there are numerous
"Architecturally designed" domestic projects where there has been the use of steel sub frame,
combined with the use of either metal battens or purlins.
These supporting frames are often spaced at centres exceeding 900mm+
The current draft of the code would add unnecessary significant cost to the supply and installation of a
metal roofing system.
We believe there needs to be more scope for flexibility it adopting a safe work method for installing a
metal roof, the typical examples may suit "corrugated profile" on a "typical" project home however,
there are many homes constructed which do not fall into this category
Perhaps it is difficult to cover all scenarios, but from our interpretation of the code, it would seem
anything outside of the "corrugated profile" on a "typical" project home could become a contentious
issue should an accident occur. Particularly if there has been no scope for variance on the code
to allow the installation of a metal roof outside of the methods documented
The draft code states "Although there are similarities in the methods used to install metal and tile
roofing"....this may be the case. However most, if not all, tile roofs have battens installed at
approximately 300mm centres which is a product requirement not safety related.
This Association is concerned that a limit of 2m as a falls distance without protection can lead to
injuries as persons could assume that no risk assessment etc., is required at less than this height to
the next flat surface.
The MRCAA has attached below a copy of the Draft Code of Practice and indicated in red our
concerns to assist in locating relevant sections.
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PREVENTING FALLS IN HOUSING
CONSTRUCTION
Draft
Code of Practice
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Table of Contents
FOREWORD ..............................................................................................................................4
SCOPE AND APPLICATION......................................................................................................4
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................6
1.1 Who has health and safety duties in relation to falls?...................................................... 6
1.2 The meaning of key terms .............................................................................................. 7
1.3 What is required to manage the risk of falls? .................................................................. 7
2. SAFE WORK METHODS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE .................................9
2.1 The hierarchy of risk control............................................................................................ 9
2.2 Uneven land (including, cliffs, banks, holes) ................................................................... 9
2.3 Excavations or trenches into which a person could fall ................................................. 10
2.4 Elevated timber floor or concrete slab from which a person could fall ........................... 10
2.5 Standing/erecting the walls for the ground floors .......................................................... 10
2.6 Installing floor joists/beams for the first and second floors ............................................ 10
2.7 Installing flooring sheets at the first and second floor levels .......................................... 10
2.8 Standing/erecting the walls for the first or second floor levels ....................................... 11
2.9 Loading the wall frame with trusses/roof framing .......................................................... 12
2.10 Placing, standing and fixing trusses/rafters to create a roof frame ................................ 13
2.11 Fixing roof battens to trusses / rafters ........................................................................... 19
2.12 Fixing fascias and gutters ............................................................................................. 20
2.13 Installing roof membrane .............................................................................................. 20
3. TEMPORARY ACCESS AND EDGE PROTECTION ........................................................22
3.1 Guardrailing as edge protection .................................................................................... 22
3.2 Catch platforms on scaffolds and hanging brackets ...................................................... 24
3.3 Bricklayer’s heavy duty trestles ..................................................................................... 25
3.4 Hanging brackets incorporating edge protection ........................................................... 25
3.5 Ladders ........................................................................................................................ 26
APPENDIX A – OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION ..............................................................28
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FOREWORD
This Code of Practice on how to prevent the risks of falls in housing construction is an
approved code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act.
An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety
and welfare required under the Work Health and Safety Act (the WHS Act) and the Work
Health and Safety Regulations (the Regulations).
A code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described
in the code. In most cases, following an approved code of practice would achieve
compliance with the health and safety duties in the WHS Act, in relation to the subject matter
of the code. Like regulations, codes of practice deal with particular issues and do not cover
all hazards or risks which may arise. The health and safety duties require duty holders to
consider all risks associated with work, not only those for which regulations and codes of
practice exist.
Codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings under the WHS Act and Regulations.
Courts may regard a code of practice as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or
control and may rely on the code in determining what is reasonably practicable in the
circumstances to which the code relates. The MRCAA considers that this code is not
designed or written to the latest architectural and design standards therefore it makes it
extremely questionable as to the possible extent of litigation because the code has been
designed to the normal standard project design home and includes measurements etc., that
make it not to the latest technology. The code must be directed to requiring people design
safety systems no matter the design of the building.
Compliance with the WHS Act and Regulations may be achieved by following another
method, such as a technical or an industry standard, if it provides an equivalent or higher
standard of work health and safety than the code. The MRCAA considers that this section
needs to be emphasised more than the preceding paragraph.
An inspector may refer to an approved code of practice when issuing an improvement or
prohibition notice. An inspector should be of sufficient knowledge of safety principles that he
should be able to assess a competent safety system without the need to refer to codes.
This Code of Practice has been developed by Safe Work Australia as a model code of
practice under the Council of Australian Governments’ Inter-Governmental Agreement for
Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety for adoption by the
Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
A draft of this Code of Practice was released for public consultation on 26 September 2011
and was endorsed by the Select Council on Workplace Relations on [to be completed].
SCOPE AND APPLICATION
The Code provides practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking who
have duties under the WHS Act and the Regulations to eliminate and minimise the risk of
falls in housing construction. The MRCAA considers that this code does not give good
guidance as it is set around timber framed buildings and if you look at building design today
the use of steel framing and steel portal frame structure in housing is increasing due to
designs wanting larger open spaces.
This Code will help to identify hazards and eliminate or minimise the risk of falls when
working on the construction or extension of:
 detached houses
 attached dwellings, separated from each other by a fire resisting wall, such as
terrace, row or town houses
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boarding and guest houses, hostels or similar with a floor area <300m², and
ancillary buildings to the above, such as private garages, gazeboes and carports.
Note: The above points are based on Classes 1, 2 and 10 of the Building Code of Australia.
This Code does not apply to multi-storey buildings (i.e. above two habitable storeys).
This Code should be read in conjunction with the Code of Practice: How to Prevent Falls at
Workplaces and the Code of Practice: Managing Risks in Construction Work.
How to use this Code
In providing guidance, the word ‘should’ is used in this Code to indicate a recommended
course of action, while ‘may’ is used to indicate an optional course of action.
This Code also includes various references to provisions of the WHS Act and regulations to
provide context with legal requirements. These references are not exhaustive.
The words ‘must’, ‘requires’ or ‘mandatory’ indicate that these legal requirements exist,
which must be complied with.
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INTRODUCTION
Falls are a major cause of death and serious injury in Australian workplaces. Fall hazards
are found when carrying out common tasks in the construction of a typical one or two storey
house (see Figure 1). Falls can also occur at ground level into holes, for example trenches
or service pits.
Figure 1: Potential falls in the housing construction industry
1.1
Who has health and safety duties in relation to falls?
A person conducting a business or undertaking has the primary duty under the WHS Act
to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not
exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.
A person conducting a business or undertaking has more specific obligations under the
WHS Regulations to manage the risk of a fall by a person from one level to another,
including requirements to:
 ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that any work involving the risk of a fall is
carried out on the ground or on a solid construction
 provide safe means of access to and exit from the workplace, and
 minimise the risk of falls so far as is reasonably practicable by providing a fall
prevention device, work positioning system or a fall arrest system.
The WHS Regulations classify a number of activities as ‘high risk construction work’ for
which a safe work method statement (SWMS) must be prepared before the work starts. High
risk construction work includes work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2
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metres. Further information on developing a SWMS can be found in the Code of Practice:
Managing Risks in Construction Work.
Designers, manufacturers, suppliers, importers and installers of plant or structures that
could be used for work must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant or
structure is without risks to health and safety. Designers of plant or structures have an
important role in eliminating or minimising the risks of falls in the design stage.
Officers, such as company directors, have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that
the business or undertaking complies with the WHS Act and Regulations. This includes
taking reasonable steps to ensure that the business or undertaking has and uses
appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks of falls from one level to
another that are likely to cause injury.
Workers have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the business or undertaking
complies with the WHS Act and Regulations and to take reasonable care for their own health
and safety and that they do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.
Workers must comply with any reasonable instruction given by the person conducting the
business or undertaking.
1.2
The meaning of key terms
Fall means a fall by a person from one level to another. What is actually meant as one level
to another, this seems ambiguous as one level to another could mean one floor to the next
floor, from floor joist to ground level, what actually does it mean?
Risk of a fall means a circumstance that exposes a worker while at work, or other person
while at or in the vicinity of a workplace, to a risk of a fall that is reasonably likely to cause
injury to the worker or other person. This includes circumstances in which the worker or
other person is:
 in or on plant or a structure that is at an elevated level
 in or on plant that is being used to gain access to an elevated level
 in the vicinity of an opening through which a person could fall
 in the vicinity of an edge over which a person could fall
 on or in the vicinity of a surface through which a person could fall, or
 on or near the vicinity of a slippery, sloping or unstable surface.
Risk control means taking action to eliminate health and safety risks so far as is reasonably
practicable, and if that is not possible, minimising the risks so far as is reasonably
practicable. Eliminating a hazard will also eliminate any risks associated with that hazard.
Competent person means a person who has acquired through training, qualification or
experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task. Any inspector under this code
should be required to satisfy this section as a competent person.
1.3
What is required to manage the risk of falls?
In order to manage risk under the WHS Regulations, a duty holder must:
a) identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to the risk
b) eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable
c) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk – minimise the risk so far as is
reasonably practicable by implementing control measures in accordance with the hierarchy
of risk control
d) maintain the implemented control measure so that it remains effective, and
e) review, and if necessary revise all risk control measures so as to maintain, so far as is
reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety.
Managing risk is a systematic process that involves:
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identifying hazards that may cause injury
if necessary, assessing the risks associated with these hazards
implementing risk control measures, and
reviewing risk control measures to ensure they are effective.
This Code provides guidance on the type of control measures to prevent persons falling from
one level to another on housing construction sites. Specific guidance on the risk
management process for falls is available in the Code of Practice: How to Prevent Falls in
the Workplace.
Consulting workers
Consultation involves sharing of information, giving workers a reasonable opportunity to
express views and taking those views into account before making decisions on health and
safety matters.
The WHS Act requires that you consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with workers
who carry out work for you who are (or are likely to be) directly affected by a work health and
safety matter.
If the workers are represented by a health and safety representative, the consultation must
involve that representative.
Consulting, cooperating and coordinating activities with other duty holders
The WHS Act also requires that you consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with all
other persons who have a work health or safety duty in relation to the same matter, so far as
is reasonably practicable.
There are often multiple contractors involved in building a house, who may each have
responsibility for the same health and safety matters because they are involved in the same
activities or share the same workplace. In these situations, each duty holder should
exchange information to find out who is doing what and work together in a co-operative and
co-ordinated way so that all risks are eliminated or minimised as far as reasonably
practicable.
For example an electrician working on a roof should consult with other tradespersons who
are also working on the site to co-ordinate the provision of suitable fall prevention and cooperate with each other to ensure that each of their activities do not create risks for other
workers on the site.
Further guidance is available in the Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation,
Co-operation and Co-ordination.
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SAFE WORK METHODS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
This section identifies safe work methods for common tasks in the construction of a typical
house. Commonly these houses are constructed of timber or lightweight metal frames. More
specifically, it describes methods that can be used to eliminate or reduce the risk of falls
associated with building and cladding a house structure.
2.1
The hierarchy of risk control
In managing the risks of falls, the WHS Regulations require the following specific control
measures to be implemented where it is reasonably practicable to do so:
1.
Can the need to work at height be avoided to eliminate the risk of a fall?
 Carry out any work that involves the risk of a fall on the ground
2.
Can the fall be prevented by working on solid construction?
 A building or structure that is used as an existing place of work and includes safe
access and egress from which there is no risk of a fall from one level to another, for
example properly constructed stairs with fixed handrails, flat roofs with a parapet or
permanently installed guardrails around the edges.
3.
Can the risk of a fall be minimised by providing and maintaining a safe system of work,
including:
 providing a fall prevention device (for example, temporary work platforms, installing
guard rails) if it is reasonably practicable to do so, or
 providing a work positioning system (for example, an industrial rope access system)
if it is not reasonably practicable to provide a fall prevention device, or
 providing a fall arrest system so far as is reasonably practicable, if it is not
reasonably practicable to provide a fall prevention device or a work positioning
system.
In some cases, a combination of control measures may be necessary, for example, using
safety harnesses while working from an elevating work platform.
Control measures are needed where there is a risk of injury irrespective of fall height. For
low falls, you should assess the risk and provide reasonably practicable measures that
reflect the risk.
Work of long duration and higher frequency will usually require control measures higher up
the hierarchy to provide adequate protection, for example using a mobile scaffold instead of
a ladder.
Further guidance on control measures for falls is available in the Code of Practice: How to
Prevent Falls in the Workplace.
You should also ensure that the control measures you select do not create new hazards, for
example, electrical risks from contact with overhead power lines or crushing and
entanglement from plant, for example elevating work platforms.
2.2
Uneven land (including, cliffs, banks, holes)
When first taking possession of a site and prior to beginning construction work, the person
with management or control of the workplace (for example, the principal contractor) should
conduct a risk assessment of the site. Examples include, where land has been levelled by
the developer in preparation to selling the individual allotments, where construction takes
place adjacent to an escarpment.
Sometimes where sites have been levelled retaining walls between these parcels/blocks of
land can be as high as 4 to 5 metres. Although there is a duty of care on the developer to
manage the risk of falling, this duty becomes the principal contractor’s duty of care once the
principal contractor takes possession of the land.
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2.3
Excavations or trenches into which a person could fall
Prior to beginning erection of a structure as well as during the construction phase, deep
excavations may be created into which a person could fall. Control measures to eliminate or
minimise the risks of workers falling into excavations include:
 installing guard rails or covers on trench shields
 installing fencing around the excavation
 providing clearly defined pedestrian detours, and
 backfilling the excavation as work progresses.
2.4
Elevated timber floor or concrete slab from which a person could fall
Occasionally concrete floor slabs and more commonly timber framed ground floors may be
elevated and present a fall risk.
The risk of falling should be identified and appropriate controls used (for example,
scaffolding, edge protection, etc).
2.5
Standing/erecting the walls for the ground floors
This may only present a serious risk if the ground floor is elevated. Refer to section 2.8 of
this Code for further information.
2.6
Installing floor joists/beams for the first and second floors
The setting out, placing and fixing of floor joists should be done by working from access
equipment set up on the floor below. Access equipment may include mobile scaffolds, trestle
scaffolds, platforms with legs, stools and ladders.
Where a step ladder is used on the floor below to gain access, the ladder should be tall
enough avoid standing on the top two treads.
Figure 2: Installing ceiling joists or upper level floor joists.
2.7
Installing flooring sheets at the first and second floor levels
Laying flooring is a task that potentially exposes workers to the risk of both internal and
external falls and therefore the risk of falling between the floor joists or from the edge of the
structure, should be identified and appropriate controls used (for example, scaffolding, edge
protection, etc). Similarly, stairwells and voids should be protected prior to laying the floor.
Access
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Safe access should also be provided to the area where the floor is being laid. Access should
be restricted to only those workers who are laying the flooring.
Risk of falling through the floor frame
It is good practice for the laying of floor sheets to begin adjacent to an internal or external
access point. This provides some initial fall protection for workers.
Once an initial platform has been established by the first sheet, it is recommended that the
laying of sheets proceed from this point in a systematic manner and in compliance with the
applicable Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). This effectively extends the platform until
the full floor is in place.
Where strip flooring is to be installed, temporary sheet flooring (or example plywood
sheeting) may be laid and secured as a temporary work platform that provides fall through
protection.
Figure 3: Laying sheet flooring at upper level
Fall from edge of the structure
Where the potential fall is reasonably likely to cause injury, adequate protection, such as
edge protection, must be provided. This may be achieved using external scaffolding or
guardrailing.
2.8
Standing/erecting the walls for the first or second floor levels
Provision of a work platform
As working from open floor joists is an unacceptable work practice a solid platform should be
constructed and used as a work area for the construction and/or erection of wall frames. In
order to construct this platform flooring should be laid to avoid the joists being used for
access.
Once sheet flooring or strip flooring has been laid and openings in the floor have been
guarded, work on wall framing may commence.
Access to the floor should be restricted to those workers erecting the wall frames.
Edge protection
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Where the potential fall is reasonably likely to cause injury for persons constructing or
erecting wall frames, edge protection should be installed prior to the construction and
standing of exterior walls.
For window penetrations and balconies, ensure all open gaps and penetrations from which a
person can fall are protected using methods such as:
 specialized floor edge protection system
 timber railings installed at point of manufacture or on site
 guard railing system
 platform system, or
 full perimeter scaffold.
External wall frames used as edge protection
This approach, where external walls are to be used as edge protection, may be appropriate
where wall frames are built elsewhere and craned onto the floor in prefabricated form.
Prior to standing the frame, window and door openings in those external wall frames should
be fitted with guardrails. Similarly, all braces and fixings must be prepared prior to raising the
frames.
Figure 4: Erecting upper level wall frames
2.9
Loading the wall frame with trusses/roof framing
This section provides guidance on the installation of prefabricated timber roof trusses. Parts
of this guidance may also apply to the installation of metal roof trusses. Because of the
preceding statement the MRCAA considers that there needs to be a separate section on
installing metal roof trusses and roof systems as this code is designed around timber roof
design.
Preparing for the lifting of roof trusses
Where practicable, roof trusses should be placed by crane on the wall top plates at the time
of delivery. The truss erector, supplier and transporter should liaise to confirm the order in
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which the trusses are to be loaded onto the truck. Where possible, the trusses should be
able to be unloaded at the site in the order that minimises the amount of handling by the
truss erectors. When working at height, the erectors should be able to access the next
required truss from the top of the truss stack.
It is important that relevant workers are consulted to ensure that any locations designated for
the landing of trusses will not overload the wall frames. The manufacturer/supplier should
provide the necessary detail and instructions for the installation of prefabricated timber roof
trusses. Where trusses have not been landed directly onto the top plates, a safe system of
lifting the trusses to the upper level needs to be developed. At no time should any worker
stand on the top plate to receive roof trusses passed up from below.
The person erecting trusses should ensure that all wall frames are adequately braced to
withstand loads during construction.
Lifting roof trusses
If the size, weight and positioning of the roof trusses pose a risk to the health and safety of
the person/s lifting trusses, then a crane with a certificated operator can be used to help
undertake this task.
When cranage is required where erection height is too great or trusses are too large for
manual handling the trusses can be craned into position, laid flat and suitably supported
prior to erection. Where trusses cannot be self-supporting, use temporary props or internal
walls for support (see Figure 5).
Figure 5: Method of supporting long trusses
2.10 Placing, standing and fixing trusses/rafters to create a roof frame All of this
section is displaying timber frame it must be emphasised that steel framing
installation either truss design or portal frame is different to what is stated below in
section 2.10
Preparation for the standing and fixing of roof trusses onto wall frame top plates
At no time is any person to stand on or work from an external wall top plate without suitable
fall protection.
The work required to place a truss into the correct location, stand it into the vertical position
and then fix it into that position, can potentially create the risk of a fall either, into the
structure or over the edge of structure. This process of placing, standing and fixing roof
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trusses may be undertaken from a platform such as scaffold planks supported on timber
cleats, trestle ladders or a mobile platform providing that:
 structural support for the planks complies with the appropriate good carpentry
practice and any applicable standards
 where work platforms are used, they are a minimum of 450mm wide
 where there is no edge protection or other fall prevention device in place, a person
should not work closer than 1.5 metres from an external wall, including gable end
walls, and
 no person is exposed to the additional risk of a fall into a stairwell or other void (i.e. a
void protection system should be installed).
There is no mention of safety harnesses or fall restraint systems that could be used in
specific applications.
Where trusses are used to support a person’s weight
Truss bottom chords are considered a safe working area for a competent person if the
conditions below are met. If the person erecting trusses is to walk or work from the bottom
chords of the trusses, the following conditions should be applied:
 trusses are adequately braced to stabilize the structure – bracing should be at a
maximum of 3000mm apart if the bottom chord is used to support the person erecting
trusses (see Figure 6)
Figure 6: ‘No go’ zone for persons erecting trusses
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only a competent person is to work at heights
footwear that provides good grip and support are worn
a competent person or the truss manufacturer/supplier has provided the necessary
detail and instructions, including advice in regard to installers standing on the bottom
chord, and
the bottom chord is visually checked by a nominated competent person for defects
that may compromise the material's structural integrity (i.e. knots, splits, cracks and
rotting timber) before walking on it. If a defect is found, rectification details should be
obtained from the truss manufacturer and the person with control should be notified.
If the apex or other high bracing points cannot be reached, subject to a risk assessment and
work method statement the following method can be used:
 fix waling plates for standing or supporting temporary work platforms at the
appropriate height to reach the apex or high points
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the waling plate should be fixed to the face of the truss according to manufacturer's
recommendations to ensure the load is transferred to the bottom chord
the waling plate can be used by the person erecting trusses to support temporary
working platforms
the waling plate should be timber of 70 x 35mm F5, or equivalent, to a maximum of
1500mm long, fixed at each end by a minimum of two 65mm x 3.15mm nails (see
Figure 7)
Figure 7: Suggested method of fixing temporary waling plate
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the web strut to support the waling plate should be a minimum 70 x 35mm F5, or
equivalent, fixed at each end by a minimum of two 65mm x 3.15mm nails, and
waling plates should be erected in pairs every fourth truss, or as required, to enable
adequate access to fixing points for bracing (see Figure 8).
Figure 8: Showing the positions for pairs of waling plates
Erecting first and second standard trusses
The person conducting a business or undertaking responsible for standing and fixing trusses
should assess the team’s capability to handle the roof trusses.
Erect the first truss at the location specified by the roof manufacturer/supplier. This may be
repeated a number of times for each common span series of trusses, depending on the roof
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layout design. Once the first and second trusses are fixed and temporarily braced, the
bottom chord may be used for the person erecting trusses to stand on or to support
temporary working platforms.
The person conducting a business or undertaking responsible for truss erection should
consider the following:
 smaller trusses for single storey roofs can be separated from the pack and lifted
individually into position along the top plates, or
 if the truss needs to be repositioned, the person erecting the trusses should do this
from below to avoid working at heights.
The person conducting a business or undertaking responsible for truss erection should
place, stand, fix and brace the first and second truss in the following manner:
 set up an appropriate working platform with a platform height not greater than 2
metres from the floor level at each end where the truss is to be fixed to the top plate
 if a perimeter scaffold system is installed this work can be done from the outside
rather than using internal working platforms or ladders
 fix temporary braces to solid fixing points ready for connection to the truss. The
braces can be timber of adequate size and length fixed by nails
 fix skid blocks to top plate at first truss position to prevent the truss from slipping
during standing
 use a minimum of two people, one at each end, to stand the first truss; a third person
may be required at mid-span to assist in stabilising a long span truss with a ‘v’ end
push stick (see Figure 9)
Figure 9: Recommended method of manually standing trusses with a high apex
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after standing the first truss to the vertical position, secure it to temporary braces. At
this point, the first truss should be in a stable condition
erect the second truss using procedure above, and
temporarily brace the second truss to the first truss.
The person conducting a business or undertaking responsible for truss erection should
inspect the temporary bracing materials for obvious defects that may compromise the
material's structural integrity (i.e. knots, splits, cracks and rotting timber).
Erecting subsequent roof trusses
Additional roof trusses should not be erected unless the prescribed fixing, bracing and any
additional support requirements have been undertaken for the first and second truss.
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Each subsequent roof truss should be placed with each end of the truss controlled by a
person on the working platform or ladder. A third person at the apex may be required to
assist.
Each subsequent roof truss should be fixed and braced according to the
manufacturer’s/suppliers’ specifications using safe methods for working at heights.
Fixing of top and bottom chord temporary bracing
Temporary ties/bracing for roof truss erection should be fixed according to AS 4440
Installation of nailplated timber roof trusses. This standard requires that temporary ties be
used on the top chords at spacings no greater than 3000mm and at spacing no greater than
4000mm on the bottom chord.
If the person erecting trusses is to be supported by the bottom cords of the roof trusses, the
ties/bracing should be at spacings no greater than 3000mm.
All bracing and fixing should take into consideration all imposed loads during the course of
construction. As such, flat strapping or an equivalent, or trimmers nailed to the face of
trusses where the nailing is from the outer face of the truss, should not be used (see Figure
10).
Figure 10: Temporary bracing/ties to bottom chord of trusses. Note: Bracing to top chord similar
Erection of gable roof assembly and verge truss assembly
This section covers the erection of gable roof assembly and verge truss assembly which
includes diminishing trusses, verge trusses, verge trimmers and gable studs/droppers.
The erection should be done using appropriate safe work methods.
Note that where reasonably practicable, elements of the roof structure, such as a verge
sprocket and outriggers, should be pre-assembled on the ground as a complete unit and
lifted onto the supporting structure.
Erection of ancillary items
Girder boots, hangers and the like should be installed to the manufacturer’s/suppliers’
specifications prior to working in the truss space.
Using a crane to lift and position domestic trusses (rare)
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The person conducting a business or undertaking responsible for truss erection should
place, stand, fix and brace the first and second truss in the following manner:
 set up an appropriate working platform with a platform height not greater than 2
metres from the floor level at each end where the truss is to be fixed to the top plate
 if a perimeter scaffold system is installed this work can be done from the outside
rather than using internal working platforms or ladders
 fix temporary braces to solid fixing points ready for connection to the truss. The
braces can be timber of adequate size and length fixed by nails
 guide the first truss into position while supported by the crane
 use a minimum of two people, one at each end, to fix the truss to top plates and to
the temporary braces. At this point, the first truss should be in a stable condition
 erect the second truss using the same procedure as above, and
 temporarily brace the second truss to the first truss.
Truss spacings of up to 600mm centres
When trusses are erected at up to 600mm centres, persons working between the trusses to
fix or brace them can use the erected trusses as a form of fall protection under controlled
conditions.
Truss spacings of greater than 600mm centres
In certain situations, the spacing of the truss may exceed 600mm centres, in which case
other fall protection should be provided when working at heights to fix and brace the trusses.
Such fall protection may include:
 mobile scaffolding system complying with AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding series and
AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding
 mesh or netting installed to the manufacturer's specifications
 fencing and handrails within adjacent trusses installed to the designer’s or
manufacturer’s specifications
 working platforms, elevating platforms, including motorised single person lift
platforms complying with AS 1418.10 Cranes, Hoists and Winches - Elevating work
platforms, or
 planks placed across internal and external top plates and across the bottom chords
of the truss.
Constructing conventional or stick roof
Once the ceiling frame has been securely fixed, the ceiling frame may act as a base to install
a platform. Planks or sheet flooring plywood can then be used as a platform to pitch the roof.
Where additional height is required above the platform on the ceiling frame, an additional
platform may be erected.
When constructing a conventional roof, ceiling joists and hanging beams can be passed up
internally through a stair opening or externally through the upper level wall frame when it
does not expose the receiver to further risk.
Where ceiling joists are erected prior to pitching the rafters, the placement of the ridge beam,
and the fixing of rafters to it, may be done from planks or a working deck placed on the
ceiling joists. Where ceiling joists are not erected, a work platform will need to be provided
for framers to work from.
The practice of roof carpenters balancing on a ceiling hanger while nailing ceiling joists to
the hanger is to be avoided.
Framers working at the external wall should work internally from either scaffolding or ladders
or from an external perimeter scaffold. A person can work from an external top-plate if fall
protection measures are in place. An external working platform will also provide a work
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platform for tasks such as trimming rafters and installing eaves.
Where a bracket scaffold system is used, the wall frames should be braced as necessary to
ensure adequate strength and to prevent excessive deflection. Scaffold planks may be used
from waling plates or across bottom chords or top plates where necessary.
Where practicable, roofing members should be pre-cut at ground level.
2.11 Fixing roof battens to trusses / rafters The section below has no relation to the
installation of metal structure roof framing and also the spacing’s allowed if a metal
roof is installed on the structure. It is the opinion of the MRCAA that these
requirements suit the installation of roof tiles and is restrictive on the installation of
metal roofs as there is alternate ways of applying safety requirements. The metal
roofing industry utilises many various methods of protection especially with the
introduction of sandwich panel roofing.
The process for installation of the roof battens will depend on the types of roofing material
that is to be installed. Although there are similarities in the methods used to install metal and
tile roofing, there are also differences. Guidelines for the installation of roof battens for each
type of roofing material are outlined below. For all roof work physical fall protection at the
perimeter of the roof is required.
Roof battens need to be capable of supporting the expected loadings from installers.
In addition to the external fall prevention, batten and truss spacing should be reduced to
minimise the risk of internal falls:
Batten where trusses are installed at 600mm centres or less
Where roof trusses are installed and secured at spacings not exceeding 600mm centres the
batten spacings should not exceeding 900mm centres.
If the trusses are installed at 600mm centres or less, a person may position the body so that
the feet are on adjacent trusses at all times and walk to the apex of the roof in order to mark
out measurements.
Batten where trusses are installed at 600mm to 900mm centres
Where roof trusses are installed and secured at spacings greater than 600mm but not
exceeding 900mm centres, batten spacing should not exceed 450mm centres.
Batten where trusses are installed at greater than 900mm centres
Where roof truss spacing exceeds 900mm centres and manufacturers/suppliers instructions
permit, battens should not exceed 450mm centres.
Battens should also be installed sequentially and in a manner that controls the risk to
installers, otherwise other fall protection should be used.
Trusses installed at greater than 600mm centres
If trusses are at greater than 600mm centres, a person should not walk on the top chord of
unbattened trusses unless internal fall protection is in place. Marking/setting out should be
done sequentially throughout the batten installation process or by working from a ladder or
work platform. If this is not a viable solution, internal fall prevention options such as internal
catch platforms, or the use of planks across waling plates, internal top plates and bottom
chords should be used.
Installation of battens
Working off a ladder or a working platform, place the battens to be used on top of the trusses
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or pass/pull them up from the ground. Then secure the lower battens working from a ladder
or internal or external work platform prior to roof access being required.
Secure remaining battens sequentially up to the apex of the roof by positioning the body
over the truss (see Figure 11) making sure that there is at least one secured batten at waist
level or above to minimise the risk of a fall.
Figure 11: Fixing roof battens to trusses
Installation of Perimeter Battens – Metal Roofing
Fastening of the perimeter battens to the hips and valleys may be done by affixing those
parts of the perimeter battens which can be easily reached from a position on ladders or
from inside the trusses. During the sequential battening of the body of the roof, the
remaining length of the perimeter battens can then be secured.
2.12
Fixing fascias and gutters
On houses with no eaves that have adequate fall-through protection in place, fascias and
gutters may be installed by working from trestle scaffolds or ladders from inside the house
frame.
Where the design involves eaves, an external platform should be provided for fascia and
gutter installation work. Guardrailing should be fitted where the potential fall is reasonably
likely to cause injury. If a gutter is not present, then the 100mm maximum distance of the
platform from the roof face is measured from the fascia board.
2.13
Installing roof membrane
Roofing tasks
Roofing work involves several tasks which potentially expose persons to the risk of falls both
through and from the edge of the roof structure. Physical edge protection should be provided
for work on a roof surface.
This section gives basic advice on the provision of fall protection for roofing construction
work. This Code is not intended as complete guidance where the roofing work involves
dismantling or demolition work.
Steep roofs where slope exceeds 35 degrees
Where the slope of a roof exceeds 35 degrees the roof is an inappropriate surface to stand
on, even with guardrailing or a catch platform. In these circumstances, roof workers need a
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system to prevent sliding and to prevent falls from the perimeter, comprising two or more of
the following:
 a work positioning system
 a roof ladder, or
 a scaffold platform, located at the roof edge.
Critical Angle
The pitch of the roof is one of the key risk factors to be considered when determining the
type of risk control measures to be put in place for roofing work.
The critical angle is the roof pitch below which is considered that roof workers may
reasonably be able to work and walk across the roof. The critical angle can be taken as
greater than
 26 degrees, or
 10 degrees where there is a likelihood of surface moisture, oil or other conditions
makes the roof slippery. Also give consideration to the fact that the critical angle may
be reduced in the presence of fully glazed and wet tiles.
Persons conducting a business or undertaking should determine the critical angle as part of
their risk assessment and use appropriate fall prevention measures to control the risk.
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TEMPORARY ACCESS AND EDGE PROTECTION
Prior to commencing work ensure that all work areas have safe means of access and are
free of obstructions.
Safe access systems must be provided for workers to access the upper floors and the roof to
undertake work at those levels, for example, stairs incorporated into scaffolding or used as a
part of a guard rail or platform system.
3.1
Guardrailing as edge protection
Guardrail systems should include top, mid and bottom rails or toeboards. Where toeboards
are used in place of bottom rails they should be able to withstand the likely impact loads.
The design and testing should comply with the relevant Australian Standards and include the
following:
 toeboards or mesh infill to prevent tools, materials or debris falling from the roof,
unless a 2 metre ‘no go’ zone has been established to prevent persons entering the
area below
 a clear gap between rails not exceeding 450mm
 the gap between the roof edge, including the gutter, and a guardrail located outside
the roof line shall not exceeding 100mm
 a clear distance between the roof cladding and the bottom rail of not less than
150mm and not greater than 275mm
 an effective guardrail height above the roof surface of not less than 900mm (for roofs
with a pitch over 10 degrees the effective height should be measured from a point
300mm inside the roof edge)
 infill panels where the pitch of the roof exceeds 26 degrees.
Floor edge protection
Persons should be able to access the roof through the roof edge protection without having to
climb over the top rail or midrail or between the rails
Figure 12: Examples of upper floor edge protection
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Figure 13: Examples of upper floor edge protection
Edge protection around any holes or voids in the floor
Regardless of the fall distance, where persons have to access upper level floor platforms, all
holes such as stairwells, atriums and voids should be either—
 sheeted over with a properly designed cover and a “Danger: Void below” sign, or
 guarded using guardrailing that is compliant with applicable standards.
The edge of these holes must be guarded as soon as the hole is created, as illustrated in
Figure 14.
Figure 14: Void at upper level guarded
Any coverings or temporary floors and their supports should be of robust construction
capable of withstanding impact loads from any potential falls.
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Roof edge protection
Persons should be able to access the roof through the roof edge protection without having to
climb over the top rail or midrail
Figure 15: Guardrail systems for roofing work
3.2
Catch platforms on scaffolds and hanging brackets
Catch platforms may be constructed on scaffolding or hanging bracket systems (see Figure
16) and may be used to control the risk of a fall where the following applies:
 the roof pitch is not greater than 26 degrees, the catch platform should be positioned
as close as feasible to the underside of the roof, and in no case greater than 1 metre
below the roof edge
 the pitch of the roof is greater than 26 degrees, the catch platform should be
positioned as close as feasible to the underside of the roof and in no case more than
500mm below the roof edge
 catch platforms must be fitted with a guardrail, the top rail should be located at an
effective height of not less than 900mm above the point where the roofline projection
intersects the guardrailing, with midrails installed at 450mm spacings
 where there is an increased risk of falling due to slippery roofing materials (such as
fully glazed tiles), the platform should be positioned not more than 500mm below the
roof edge, regardless of roof pitch
 where a platform is located more than 500mm below the roof edge, then additional
means of access to the roof should be provided
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

platforms below the eaves should be extended to finish not more than 225mm from
the building face or be fitted with edge protection on the platform’s inner edge, and
platforms should be kept clear of equipment, materials and debris.
For further information about the protection components refer to AS/NZS 4994 Temporary
edge protection series.
Figure 16: Catch platforms for roofing work
3.3
Bricklayer’s heavy duty trestles
For low level brick work, a bricklayer’s heavy duty trestle may be used with ladder access.
Edge protection is not required if a risk assessment indicates that injury due to a fall is
unlikely and the surrounding area is clear earth.
3.4
Hanging brackets incorporating edge protection
A bracket scaffold with at least two planks and guardrailing is suitable for fascia/gutter
installation work (see Figure 17) or suitable as edge protection if the requirements of catch
platforms is complied with.
The scaffold should be erected from within the structure, so that the upper level wall frame
provides fall protection for the erectors.
Other controls for fixing fascia and gutters may include perimeter scaffolds (for two storey
construction) and elevated work platforms.
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Figure 17: Fixing gutters using a typical bracket scaffold
3.5
Ladders
Ladders are primarily a means of access and egress. Many falls take place when people
are working from ladders. In addition, when using a ladder:
 the working width and movement is limited
 the time involved in moving and setting up ladders is often underestimated when
planning work
 the working position on ladders is often uncomfortable (the need to stretch sideways,
work above shoulder height and stand on narrow rungs for a long time) and may
cause musculoskeletal disorders.
For these reasons, you should consider whether an elevating work platform or scaffolding
would be safer and more efficient.
When a ladder is used, check that:
 the ladder is in good condition—the ladder should be inspected for faults, such as
broken rungs, stiles and footing before it is used
 damaged ladders are removed from service
 the ladder is on firm, stable and level ground
 the ladder is the correct height for the task to avoid reaching or stretching
 the ladder is not too close or too far from the support structure—the distance
between the ladder base and the supporting structure should be about one metre for
every four metres of working ladder height (4:1 ratio)
 the ladder is secured against displacement (i.e. slipping or sliding) and/or there is
another person holding the base of the ladder
 the ladder is not placed so that the weight of the ladder and any person using the
ladder is supported by the rungs
 all the locking devices on the ladder are secure
 materials or tools are not carried while climbing the ladder—use a tool belt or side
pouch
 only light duty work is undertaken while on the ladder, where three points of contact
can be maintained and tools can be operated safely with one hand
 slip resistant base, rungs or steps are provided
 slip resistant shoes are worn
 ladders are not used without additional appropriate precautions:
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o
o
o
o
o
in access areas or next to doors
on scaffolding or an elevating work platform to get extra height
next to power lines unless the worker is trained and authorised and the
appropriate ladder is being used
in very wet or windy conditions
next to traffic areas unless the working area is barricaded.
Further guidance on the safe use of ladders is available in the Code of Practice: How to
Prevent Falls in the Workplace.
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APPENDIX A – OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
Codes of Practice


Code of Practice: How to Prevent Falls in the Workplace
Code of Practice: Managing Risks in Construction Work
Australian Standards
(At the time of publication, the Australian Standards referenced in this appendix are current.
Users of this document should ensure that the referenced standard has not been updated or
replaced.)





AS 1418.10(Int)
AS/NZS 1576 series
AS 4440
AS/NZS 4576
AS/NZS 4994.1 series
Cranes, hoists and winches - Elevating work platforms
Scaffolding
Installation of nailplated timber roof trusses
Guidelines for scaffolding
Temporary edge protection
Other relevant documents

National Construction Code of Australia, published by the Australian Building Codes
Board