OzFlux Tower Safety Guidelines

PREFACE
The objective of these guidelines are to provide designers, manufacturers,
employers, proprietors and operating personnel with safety specific
information for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of
research structures.

Installing equipment, and working on, towers, masts, and scaffolds is defined
as high-risk work by Safe Work Australia. Such work is only to be
undertaken by qualified personnel.

Employers and personnel have related specific duties as highlighted in the

supporting documentation listed below. This document is an overview of
current best practice safety measures, highlighting that employers and
operating personnel must follow procedures in the following:

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

State based OHS is currently undergoing harmonisation to a National system
the model Work Health and Safety Act.

Australian and New Zealand Standards

AS/NZS 1891.1 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices: Harnesses and
Ancillary Equipment
AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices: Selection, Use
and Maintenance
OHS Regulations 2007: Part 3.3 Prevention of Falls
Compliance Code: Prevention of Falls in the Construction Industry Sept 2008
WorkSafe Victorias
Prevention of Falls - Basic Steps to Preventing Falls from Heights 2005
Prevention of Falls - Ladders 2005 - AS 1892.5
Working safely in the general construction industry 2008
Tower Frame Scaffolds 2006
Industrial Rope Access 2006
Working Safely with Trees 2001

Acknowledgements
The National Safety Council of Australia, with editorial advice from Stuart
Dempster.
Holmesglen Institute of Tafe, Industrial Skills Training Unit:
(a) Height Safety and (b) Tower Rescue.
A Guide to Rigging, 1997, West,D. (Ed.) Workcover NSW.
Dogging Training Manual, 1999, Fitzgerald C., and Fitzgerald M., Fitzgerald
and Assoc, Morley, WA.
These guidelines were prepared by Darren J. Hocking,
School of Geography and Environmental Science,
Monash University, Clayton.
Please email suggested improvements to:
[email protected]
Personnel: training and competency
Working safely requires the ability to competently follow safe work
procedures.

Two tower rescue trained personnel are required when tower

access takes place.

Personnel should hold current certification for:

Work Safely at Heights MNMG237A
Tower Rescue PUASAR001B
These need to be re-certified every 3 years, and rescue training
every 6 months.
This must be documented.

Site Risk Control Measures

Sites shall reduce risk where reasonably practicable, use the following
hierarchy of control, in order of preference:
1. Work on the ground or solid platform where possible.

2. The tower/mast and climbing/rescue equipment to be inspected before

climbing. Rescue equipment needs to be placed at the base of tower for rapid
deployment, along with first aid kit. See tower/equipment checklist attached.
Climbing equipment must be in date, and rated for intended use.

3. All climber personal harness fitment to be checked by the designated safety

officer before vertical work commences.

4. Work Positioning Systems: suitable full body harness; travel restraint

system - DBI-SALAs Lad-Saf flexible cable ladder safety system, double
hooks (eg Petzl MGO), pole-straps, slings, locking carabiners; industrial rope
access system.

5. Injury Prevention System personal energy absorbers, rated

rescue/climbing/caving helmet. Some first aid supplies to be carried by
climbers (eg triangular bandages taped to inside of helmet).
 STRUCTURES.
Towers and Masts are to be installed and annually inspected by suitably
qualified riggers. Installation is to manufacturers specifications.

All Guyed Masts & Towers

Daily check all structures before any work undertaken on site
check guy anchors for structural integrity in concrete/steel
components, check guy wires for tension, swages/wire rope grips
for correct grip (check nuts on grips tight), wire rope for rust or
damage (pinched/kinked/frayed), turnbuckles are locked and not
over extended, and mast/tower for correct alignment.

Climbing: As the access ladder is most often vertical there need to be an

independent fall protection system. Climbers shall attach to the strongest
members of the tower (eg the vertical chord rather than a ladder rung or cross
bracing)
In tall forests & woodlands there is a significant risk of limbs/trees falling on
guy wires. This can damage / fell a mast. An arborist can prune / remove
dangerous trees / limbs.
Consider setting a maximum wind speed for safe access. Trees and limbs are
more likely to fall. Different sites limits might be 10-30km/hr

Wind-Up (Telescoping) Masts. Winch cables should be rust free and

neatly wound. When climbing or telescoping the mast body parts should be
kept outside the internal mast until moving sections are bolted together or
have a suitable bar inserted through the slots and holes of the locking plates.
Do not climb above the first fixed section of tower until all sections are bolted
together and all guy wires are correctly tensioned.

Hydraulic Poles -ensure solid guy Anchors, Jacking Plate Raft on Bracing
Feet, Ladder AS 1892.5, Raise/Lower Tower in still conditions

Fixed (Butt Section) Masts Access ladder to be protected by Lad-Saf

flexible cable ladder safety system, or the use of a secondary climbing back
up such as the use of double hooks.

Scaffold Towers Suppliers information is to include: the purpose for

design; conditions required to ensure the system is safe and without risks to
user health; a guide to safe working practices; duty of scaffold
(light/medium/heavy) and max capacity (kg load); maximum height; secured
ladder access to between 1:4 an 1:6 with a hinged trapdoor in working
platform.
Rescue AS/NZS 1891
The rescue method must be considered and planned for.
Emergency procedures developed and documented.

This should include pre-prepared and tested communication/

access/ directions for emergency services to each site.

Rescue equipment should pre-rigged at tower base.

Ensure a second set of climbing gear has been checked and is
pre-rigged at the base of the tower.

The rescue rope needs to be longer than the tower height.

Treat suspension trauma as a crush injury.

Identify nearest hospital / medical treatment facility.
The first aid kit should be accessible and suitable.

Communication
Tower workers need to be in contact with the ground personnel at
all times. If two climbers are required to be on the tower
communication is vital throughout the task to ensure that each is
aware of the others position at all times.

Emergency contact information should be on site, with all staff

aware of location.

Communication systems may include 2way radio, mobile phones,

satellite phones, epirb, spot.

Other personnel on ground

Toolbox meeting before work starts so everyone understands
SWMS particulars.
Demarcate an exclusion zone around tower, ground staff to wear
helmets, hi-vis clothing.
One team member on the ground is responsible to keep any
unplanned visitors away.
Signage and fencing may be needed in public areas.
Personal Protective Equipment

To be inspected before each use & every six months by a competent person.

Helmet a rated rescue, climbing or caving safety helmet.

Gloves riggers gloves protect hands from sharp edges, cold, UV.
Boots footwear that is supportive, comfortable, and has maximum grip and
protection, AS 2210 Safety Footwear.
Eye Protection for Industrial Applications AS 1337, radiation damage from
exposure to sun, physical damage from flying parts.
Self-Rescue Kit carried.
First Aid Kit basic personal first aid may include a triangular bandage
taped to inside of helmet.
Clothing shall suit the environmental conditions sun and heat exposure,
cold, and rain
Whistle a safety whistle is the last resort means of comms
All jewellery to be removed, and long hair restrained before climbing.

Environmental Exposure
It is essential for workers at heights to be healthy, alert, and in good condition.
When working at an exposed site regular breaks are required to minimise
exposure to elements.
In extreme environments work periods may be limited to short, focussed
efforts, to avoid over exposure.

Both hyper- and hypo-thermia quickly effect bodily and mental functions, as
such personnel need to watch out for each other, and make sure exposure to
elements is minimized. Workers health and safety take priority over the job to
be done.
In hot environments rehydration breaks, somewhere in the shade, are
required regularly. It is advised not to climb when tower is wet, but on tall
towers in SE rain can begin when already on tower.

Installation of Equipment on Tower

Secure all equipment/tools/haul bags to prevent dropping.
All equipment/tools over 8kg to be independently suspended using a separate
line.
All tools secured with a line adequate to prevention dropping.
Work action plan for installation of / on towers

1. All researchers, contractors, & volunteers:

a) Meet at start of day to discuss jobs to be done
b) Conduct a SWMS, all to sign
c) Must be suitably qualified and experienced
d) Wear a hard hat / hi-vis clothing / required PPE

2. All tools / machinery:

a) Suitable for the tasks allocated
b) Inspected & properly maintained (with records)
c) Vehicles cleaned down before entering the site and at the
conclusion of the job

3. Site Conditions:
a) Access may be dry weather only, with low soil moisture
especially when off tracks
b) Any access track damage to be repaired
c) When excavation creates excess subsoil remove from site
d) Topsoil to be stored for site/track repairs
e) Remove excess concrete & building materials
f) Uninstall of site to return site to original condition
Tower Inspection Checklist. To be documented for each use
before leaving the ground

Is tower upright and true Evidence of tower

movement
Are the anchors secure Are turnbuckles locked off
Are wire rope grips tight Are guy wires tight and in
good condition
Is there evidence of trespassers on site - check boundary fence
condition
Is there evidence of animals within the fenced enclosure

Monash & CDU use an iPhone/iPad app that records site name, date, who
visited, logger values etc.

Climbing Checklist

All climbing equipment to be rated for indended use and inspected

before each tower ascent. All equipment needs records of use,
transported and stored appropriately. Keep ropes/harnesses/slings
clean, dry, and away from heat / acids / alkalis / organic solvents.

Have you established emergency procedures

Is there at least two sets of inspected climbing gear
Does all hardware function correctly
Manual check of rope pass
Are personnel healthy, alert, and hydrated
Do personnel have appropriate PPE / clothing
Is the scope of work reasonable for time allowed
Does the climber have to drive afterwards
Is the rescue kit appropriate for the tower
Is the rescue kit pre-rigged at tower base
Are emergency contacts / first aid kit accessible
Are all tools / equipment securely fastened
Safe Work Method Statement
Employers duties are: to ensure a SWMS is prepared before any high-risk
work is carried out; that work is carried out according to the SWMS: and that a
copy is documented.
The SWMS lists: the type of high-risk work to be done; states health and
safety hazards, and risks arising from this work; describes how these risks will
be controlled: and describes how the risk control measures will be put into
place.
example only, blank copy attached last
Safe Work Method Statement
For each site, prepared daily for any high risk work.
Location Whroo Nature Conservation Date 25/12/11
Reserve
-36.673233,145.029373
High Risk Work Undertaken Installation of Instrumentation on Research Tower

Person Responsible Darren Hocking

All Personnel Onsite Sign In/ out print name / initial
Darren Hocking
Jason Beringer

High Risk Tasks Hazards / Risks Control Measures

Climb Tower, working Falling. Always use a two attachment point system,
@ heights. e.g. climbing use ladsaf
If off ladder use scaffolding hooks, pole straps,
or slings& locking carabiners.
Pendulum into tower. Keep attachment points close to body.
With long slings or scaf hooks keep
attachment points as high as possible.
Suspension trauma, Pre-rig all rescue equipment for rapid
deployment in case of required rescue.
Practice rescues as per training.
Call 000 for ambulance.
Perform rescue asap, and place patient in
sitting position curled up to minimise blood
flow from legs to body (until help arrives).
Exposure Dress appropriately for given environmental
conditions.
Keep hydrated (carry water if required).
Avoid working in windy & rainy weather.
Tools &/or Use lanyards for all gear bags, heavy tools &
equipment restraint equipment (2 point system)
form dropping. Keep people on ground informed & with
helmets
Create exclusion zone when heavy items
being installed.
BELOW call system if small object dropped
so those below dont look up.

Driving Home after Fatigue driving Share driving (person who was up tower last
tower work after working at might need a break)
heights Take a break every 2 hours or as required.
Safe Work Method Statement Guide

SWMS is current best practice for safety in High Risk Work.

Aim: To plan structures and processes to eliminate / minimise risks

for tower research.

Methods:
A. Communicate to all researchers, contractors, & volunteers on
site the plan for work for the day, any high-risk work to be
undertaken, hazards, risks, and control measures.

B. The Tasks Risks and Controls section to be filled in expected

completion order.
Controls to be prioritised to preference of highest level of
control:
1. Eliminate risks, eg access from ground where possible.
2. Reduce risks by: substituting action/procedure/technology
with safer alternative; isolating people from the hazard eg
barricade or fence; appropriate mechanical devices eg a fall arrest
system.
3. Use administrative controls, such as change way work is
done.
4. Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

C. Everyone on site to be briefed before commencing work, and to

sign on to the SWMS to indicate an understanding of the process.

D. During the day, all work to follow the SWMS process, and
everyone knows to stop if SWMS not being followed.

E. At end of day: review the process; suggest safer improvements;

then sign out. The SWMS to be kept for the duration of the job,
and in the case of any incident the SMWS must be retained.

In addition to the SWMS, a trip intentions form should list

emergency contacts within your organization, nearest emergency
services, nearest first aid support, emergency evacuation
procedures, and insurance details. It may be required to list the
approval for site access, cite owner contacts, site inductions, work
permits.
Safe Work Method Statement
For each site, prepared daily for any high risk work.
Location Date
High Risk Work Undertaken
Person Responsible
All Personnel Onsite Sign In/ out print name / initial

High Risk Hazards / Risks Control Measures

Tasks
Safe Work Method Statement
For each site, prepared daily for any high risk work.
Location Date
High Risk Work Undertaken
Person Responsible
All Personnel Onsite Sign In/ out print name / initial

High Risk Hazards / Risks Control Measures

Tasks