Employers and Employees Responsibility
The installation and maintenance of gas wall furnaces and flue systems, 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 actions 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:
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?
zAre all ladders, tools and equipment suitable and in good condition?
zWhere 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 i.e. excessive roof pitch, limited ground area,
fragile roof, electrical power lines?
Other Important Requirements:
zTHIS HEATER TO BE INSTALLED BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON ONLY
zDO NOT Operate this appliance before reading the instruction booklet.
zDO NOT Place articles on or against this appliance.
zDO NOT Use or store flammable materials near this appliance.
zDO NOT Operate this appliance with the front cover removed.
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