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SAFETY INFORMATION
The installation and maintenance of evaporative air conditioning units, particularly at height, has the potential to
create Occupational Health and Safety issues for those involved. Installers are advised to ensure they are familiar
with relevant State and Federal legislation, such as Acts, Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Australian
Standards, which offer practical guidance on these health and safety issues. Compliance with these regulations
will require appropriate work practices, equipment, training and qualification of workers.
Seeley International provides the following information as
a guide to contractors and employees to assist in minimising risk.
Risk Assessment:
A risk assessment of all hazardous tasks is required under legislation. A risk assessment is an essential element
that should be conducted before the commencement of work. To identify and eliminate the risk of falls and other
risks, or to minimise these risks by implementing control measures. This does not need to be a complicated
process - it is a matter of assessing the job to be done and considering what action(s) are necessary so the person
doing the job does not injure themselves.
This should be considered in terms of:
zWhat are the chances of an incident occurring?
zWhat could the possible consequences be?
zWhat can be done to reduce, or better still, eliminate the risk?
Some points to consider when working on or in a roof:
zCheck State regulations regarding working at height.
zWhat is the best and safest access to the roof and working areas?
zWhat condition is the roof in? Should the roof structure and surface be checked?
zDoes the worker have appropriate footwear?
zAre all power cables/extension leads safe and appropriately rated?
Are all ladders, tools and equipment suitable and in good condition?
Where ladders are to be used, is there a firm, stable base for them to stand on? Can they be tied or secured
in some way at the top?
zIs there a roof anchor to attach a harness and lanyard to? If so, instruction should be issued for the use of an
approved harness or only suitably trained people used
zAre all tools and materials being used, prevented from slipping and falling onto a person at ground level? Is
the area below the work area suitably protected to prevent people entering this area?
zDoes the work schedule take into account weather conditions, allowing for work to be suspended in high
winds, thunder storms/lightning or other types of weather giving wet, slippery surfaces?
zIs there an on-going safety check system of harnesses, ropes, ladders and access/lifting equipment, and
where they exist on roofs, anchor points before the commencement of work?
zIs there a system which prevents employees from working on or in roofs if they are unwell or under the
influence of drugs or alcohol?
zAre there any special conditions to consider ie. excessive roof pitch, limited ground area, fragile roof,
electrical power lines?
zUse the appropriate lifting equipment.
THINK SAFE
WORK SAFE
EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Contact Technical
Support Centre for an
example of a Risk
Assessment Form