Principal Contractor Audit for PCBU's QLD WHSQ

Prepared by

Workers have been informed of the site-specific health and safety rules.

Suitable and adequate information, training, and instruction have been provided to workers about the work they are carrying out.

Control measures have been maintained and reviewed to ensure they remain effective, fit for purpose, suitable, and set up and used correctly.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been provided to workers where it is prescribed as a control measure.

PPE is:

suitable for the relevant hazards

of suitable size and fit

Maintained such that it is clean, hygienic and in good working order.

Workers have been provided with information, training, and instruction on the proper use and wearing of PPE.

Where it is prescribed as a control measure, PPE is being used by workers.

Consultation is carried out with workers by the Act and the WHS management plan.

Consultation, cooperation, and coordination with other duty holders on site are carried out by the WHS management plan.

Workgroups have been formed in negotiations between workers and the Person Conducting the Business or Undertaking (PCBU), and health and safety representatives have been duly elected.

Health and safety representatives (HSRS) have been involved in the consultation.

A safe work method statement (SWMS) has been prepared for each high-risk construction work activity that is underway or about to commence.

Each SWMS identifies the high-risk construction work to which it applies.

Each SWMS states the hazards relating to the high-risk construction work and risks to health and safety associated with those hazards.

Each SWMS describes the control measures to be implemented.

Each SWMS describes how control measures are to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

The relevant workers and HSRS were consulted in the preparation of each SWMS.

Each SWMS has been set out and expressed in a way that is readily accessible and understandable to the workers who are or will be required to use it.

High-risk construction work activities are being carried out by the relevant SWMS.

Where control measures have been revised, the relevant SWMS have been reviewed and, if necessary, revised.

A safe system has been implemented for the collection, storage, and disposal of excess or waste materials.

Protruding objects that are a hazard have been made safe (e.g. exposed nails, vertical reinforcing steel).

Adequate facilities have been provided for workers, including toilets, drinking water, washing facilities, and eating facilities.

Facilities provided for workers are in good working order and are clean, safe, and accessible.

Amenities are maintained in a hygienic, safe, and serviceable condition through a system for inspecting and cleaning the amenities.

At least one toilet has been provided for each 15, or part of 15, construction persons.

Toilets are provided by the regulations, including the requirements for:

A room or sheltered area to eat meals and take breaks in is reasonably available to each construction person and complies with the requirements relating to:

Adequate clean water for washing the hands and face supplied through an appropriate facility is reasonably available to each construction person.

An appropriate and adequate supply of potable, clean, and cool drinking water is reasonably available to each construction person.

First aid equipment has been provided for the workplace and is accessible to each worker.

An adequate number of workers have been trained to administer first aid.

The first aid provisions for the workplace are appropriate for the:

Where the workplace is located within an existing workplace, the plan specifies how unauthorised access by staff will be prevented, including how the PCBU will communicate with the relevant facility to manage this issue.

A SWMS is available for all construction work carried out in or near a confined space that has commenced or is about to commence.

All confined spaces have been identified.

All hazards associated with confined spaces have been identified.

For each hazard associated with a confined space, a competent person has carried out a documented risk assessment.

Risk assessments for confined space hazards are reviewed by a competent person to reflect any review and revision of control measures.

Workers who have been or are about to be directed to enter a confined space to carry out work must hold a confined spaces entry permit under the regulations.

Appropriate signage has been erected for all confined spaces.

For all workers required to enter a confined space, there is a system of work implemented that ensures:

Any risks associated with the introduction of substances or conditions into the confined space from or by any plant or services connected to the space have been identified, assessed, and controlled.

Any risks associated with the activation or energising in any way of any plant or services connected to the confined space have been identified, assessed, and controlled.

Atmospheric testing and monitoring are being carried out in all confined spaces by a competent person using suitable, correctly calibrated gas detectors.

While work is being carried out in a confined space a safe oxygen level exists. If it is not reasonably practicable to ensure a safe oxygen level, workers carrying out work in the confined space have been provided with air-supplied respiratory equipment.

Unauthorised entry into confined spaces has been prevented using locks, fixed barriers, or other security devices.

If relevant, the specific controls associated with the atmosphere, flammable gases and vapours, and ignition sources within a confined space have been complied with.

First aid procedures and rescue procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency in a confined space have been developed and practised, ensuring they are efficient and effective.

The entry and exit openings of all confined spaces are large enough to allow emergency access and are not obstructed.

Plant, equipment, and PPE provided for first aid or emergency rescue in a confined space are maintained and in good working order.

PPE that is provided for emergencies relating to confined spaces is appropriate to the risks associated with each confined space.

Workers required to work in or around a confined space have been provided with information, instruction, and training about the:

Records of all training provided to workers about confined spaces are available and will be kept for two years.

Copies of confined spaces risk assessments and confined spaces entry permits have been kept for the period required by the regulations.

Hoarding has been used as a control measure: Will prevent any object that may reasonably be expected to hit it from entering the adjoining area. It is strong enough, and appropriately designed and erected, for the circumstances in which it is used, including the location of the workplace and the type of work to be carried out near the hoarding. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315e and S. 315f.

Perimeter containment screening has been used as a control measure: It is made of mesh, timber, plywood or metal sheeting. Has a gap of no more than 25mm between: screens immediately next to each other, a screen and the framework supporting it. Has a supporting framework that can bear the load of the screen. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315i.

Perimeter containment screening that has been used as a control measure complies with the regulations. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315i.

Where catch platforms that are used or are to be used as a control measure are installed, extended, or reduced, controls have been implemented to prevent a component of the platform from falling on people while the platform is installed, extended, or reduced. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315j.

Gantries that have been used as a control measure have been designed by an engineer to withstand the required downward forces for the work being carried out. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315 K.

Gantries that have been used as control measures: It can stop an object from falling that may reasonably be expected to fall on it. Have an overhead platform that is secured to prevent it from lifting or coming apart. Have solid sheeting erected along the outer edge of its overhead platform to the required height. Can stop water or dust from falling on people. Have natural or other lighting of at least 50 lux illuminating all of the area below it. Will not tip over or rotate if a force that could reasonably be expected to be applied is applied to it. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315 K. Any gantry that is being used to store materials or has had a shed erected on it has been designed by an engineer to take the additional load. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315 K.

Written approval has been obtained from the relevant authority for the closure of any area. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) s.315M. Note: This criterion does not apply to civil or housing construction work.

Barricading or hoarding has been used as a control measure: is of the required height. It is constructed from appropriate materials.

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) S. 315f

Where a load is being lifted over an adjoining area:

Where the measured angle between the horizontal is formed by an imaginary straight line drawn between:

The highest point at which work is being done on the structure

A SWMS is available for all high-risk construction work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2m, that has commenced or is about to commence.

For all high-risk construction work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2m, where the only control measures to be implemented will be administrative or the provision of PPE, the SWMS describes all control measures considered in determining which control measure to implement (including by addressing the general fall protection requirements in section 79(3)).

Where a risk of fall of less than 3m in housing construction work or less than 2m in other construction work or construction work on a roof with a slope not over 26° exists:

Each hazard that may result in a fall or cause death or injury if a person were to fall has been identified.

Where a risk of fall of at least 3m in housing construction work or at least 2m in other construction work or construction work on a roof with a slope over 26° exists, control measures have been used which:

Prevent a person from falling from any distance.

Edge protection has been erected and is used according to the instructions:

Edge protection has been designed to withstand the downward or outward force of the impact of a fall against any person who may reasonably be

Edge protection has:

Each fall protection cover can withstand the impact of a fall on any person who may reasonably be expected to fall onto it.

Each fall protection cover is securely fixed in place to prevent it from being moved or removed accidentally.

Travel restraint systems have been installed by a competent person.

Travel restraint systems have an anchorage point with a capacity to withstand any load that could be exerted on them in the normal operation of

Travel restraint system users have been trained in the safe and correct use of the system.

Travel restraint systems in use do not show any evidence of wear or weakness that may affect the system's safety.

Travel restraint systems have been inspected by a competent person at least every six months, and a written record of the inspection exists.

Each fall arrest platform can withstand the impact of any person who may reasonably be expected to fall onto it.

Each fall arrest platform provides an unobstructed landing area for a falling person of at least 675mm wide for the length of the platform.

For each fall arrest platform where the slope of the surface from which construction work is to be carried out is not over 26°, the platform is not

For each fall arrest platform where the slope of the surface from which construction work is to be carried out is over 26°, the platform is not over 300mm lower than the surface.

Each fall arrest platform has edge protection along the outer edge of the length and along each end of the platform that complies with the regulations.

For each fall arrest platform where the gap between the inner edge of the length of the platform and the structure that it is immediately beside is greater than 225mm, controls to eliminate or minimise the risk of a person falling off the inner edge have been implemented.

Each anchorage point of a fall arrest harness system has been designed by an engineer for that purpose and inspected and approved by a competent person before that point's first use by any person.

Each anchorage point has sufficient capacity for the number of people using the anchorage point, as per the regulations.

Each fall arrest harness system's device absorbs the energy of a falling person, limiting the force applied to the person by a fall to not more than 6kn.

Each fall arrest harness system has been installed, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer or supplier, where they have been provided, or an engineer or competent person.

Sufficient distance is available for a person using the system to fall to prevent the person from hitting an object, the ground, or another surface other than a vertical surface.

No part of a fall arrest harness system can come into contact with anything that could affect the safe use of the system.

People using the fall arrest harness system have been trained in the safe and correct use of the system.

Fall arrest harness systems show no evidence of wear or weakness to an extent that may affect the system's safety.

Anchorage points that are worn or have an impaired load-bearing capacity are not used, and appropriate measures have been taken to prevent their use.

Note: This criterion does not apply to anchorage points.

Fall arrest harness systems are inspected by a competent person at least every six months, and a written record of the inspection exists.

If a fall arrest harness system has been used to arrest a fall, the system has been removed from use until its manufacturer or a competent person has inspected it and decided it is fit for purpose.

Fall arrest systems are not used by workers when they are alone.

Emergency and rescue procedures have been developed and tested.

Workers have been provided information, training, and instruction about emergency and rescue procedures.

Safety nets used as a control measure must:

It should be designed by an engineer or a competent person for the purpose for which it is intended to be used.

It should be made from a material designed to minimize injury to a person falling into the net.

Have energy-absorbing characteristics to reduce the shock or injury to a person falling into the net.

Each safety net has been installed:

So that a person falling into the net will not hit anything below the net

As close as possible below the surface from which people might fall, but not more than the distance specified by the manufacturer or supplier or, where the manufacturer or supplier has not specified a distance, an engineer or competent person.

Each safety net has been installed by:

The manufacturer or supplier, where they have been provided, or

An engineer or competent person.

Each safety net is used, inspected, and maintained by:

the manufacturer or supplier, or

An engineer or competent person.

Note: This criterion does not apply to permitted work, as defined by s306a.

Single or extension ladders are only used to gain access to a place (i.e. not to perform construction work).

When using a single or extension ladder to gain access to a place, workers maintain at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder from when the person is fully on the ladder to when the person is leaving the ladder.

The person using the single or extension ladder: Has at least three limbs holding, wrapped around, or standing on the ladder in any combination, or is holding a stable object with one or both hands instead of the ladder, or is prevented from falling by a control measure, or Is using a fall arrest harness system that is not attached to the ladder.

Each single or extension ladder is secured at the top or the bottom to prevent it from moving.

A single or extension ladder used against a pole to do construction work has a device fitted at or near the top of the ladder between its sides that helps to ensure the ladder's stability by partly accepting the shape of the pole.

Ladders have a load rating of at least 120kg and have been manufactured for industrial use.

Ladders are used only for the purpose for which they have been designed.

Ladders are not used to support a weight greater than that for which they have been designed.

Ladders are no longer than: 6.1m for single ladders 9.2m for extension ladders used to do electrical work within the meaning of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld) 7.5m for other extension ladders.

Ladders are used where the: The bottom of the ladder is on a stable surface. Rungs of the ladder are approximately level.

Ladders are not used to support a platform.

Single or extension ladders are only used at the appropriate angle, as per the regulations.

Each trestle ladder is secured to prevent it from moving.

Edge protection that complies with the regulations has been erected along the outer edge of the length of the platform.

Control measures are in place to eliminate or minimise the risk of a person falling off the inner edge or the end of the platform.

Platforms are unobstructed.

For construction work being carried out on a platform supported by trestle ladders where there is a risk that the person carrying out the work could fall less than 3m, for housing construction, or less than 2m for all other construction:

For construction work being carried out on a platform supported by trestle ladders where there is a risk that the person carrying out the work could fall at least 3m, for housing construction, or at least 2m for all other construction:

Scaffolding has been erected by appropriately licensed workers.

Scaffolding is or has been erected and/or dismantled to eliminate or minimise the risk of falling at least 3m, in housing construction, or 2m in all other construction, to people carrying out the work, by the regulations.

Safe access to and egress from the scaffold has been provided during erection, use, and dismantling.

Written confirmation from a competent person stating that the construction of a particular scaffold has been completed has been obtained before the use of that particular scaffold.

Each scaffold and its supporting structure has been inspected by a competent person:

Scaffold or supporting structures that have been identified by an inspection as creating a risk to health and safety are repaired, altered, and added to as necessary, and inspected again by a competent person before use.

Unauthorised access to the scaffold is prevented while the scaffold is incomplete or unattended.

A scaffold plan is available for each scaffold and complies with the Scaffolding Code of Practice 2021, 3. Planning for scaffold work.

Each scaffold has been erected, used, and dismantled by the scaffold plan, manufacturer's instructions and specifications, Scaffolding Code of Practice 2021, AS/NZS 1576:2010 Scaffolding.

The regulator has been notified at least five days before any demolition work specified under this section.

A SWMS is available for all work that involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure that has commenced or is about to commence.

The risk of falling objects has been controlled by the regulations.

The PCBU performing the demolition work holds the appropriate licence, and it is readily available for inspection.

The nominated supervisor for the demolition work is readily available to workers when the demolition work is being carried out.

Information about asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM) has been obtained and reviewed before demolition work is carried out.

If no asbestos register exists, the structure or plant has been inspected by a competent person to determine whether asbestos or ACM exist.

Asbestos likely to be disturbed by the demolition has been identified and, so far as reasonably practicable, removed.

A procedure has been developed that reduces the risk of exposure of workers and other people to asbestos to below the exposure standard.

Workers are not exposed to welding fumes that contain a substance or mixture in an airborne concentration that exceeds the exposure standard for the substance or mixture.

Welding Processes Code of Practice 2021, 3.1 Airborne contaminants.

Non-flammable screens or partitions have been installed where appropriate.

Signs have been erected to warn workers and passers-by that welding is occurring and that entry into the work area is not permitted unless PPE is worn.

Appropriate PPE has been provided for and is being used by workers performing welding work, i.e. filter shades for goggles and face shields to protect the eyes from radiation, gloves and other protective clothing to cover exposed skin.

The risk of electric shock from contact with the electrode, live parts, the work piece, or through contact with an unearthed cable, lead, or tool has been controlled.

Welding equipment is used with earth leakage current protection using a residual current device.

Risks to workers from equipment that generates strong electromagnetic fields have been identified and controlled.

All sources of ignition have been identified and isolated from fuel sources.

Firefighting equipment is located near the welding work area.

Workers are isolated from contacting hot work pieces and otherwise protected from burns and exposure to heat.

Compressed and liquefied gas cylinders are stored and handled by AS 4332-2004 - The storage and handling of gases in cylinders.

Cylinders are stored in an upright position and have been secured to prevent dislodgement.

Flashback arrestors on hoses have been installed and have been tested at intervals of at least every 12 months.

Cylinder valves are closed when the cylinder is not being used.

Cylinders have been fitted with a bursting disc safety device or an operational spring-loaded pressure relief valve as appropriate.

The work area is well ventilated, and an air-supplied respirator has been supplied when necessary.

Cylinder fittings, hoses, and connections are not damaged or in poor condition.

The risks to health and safety associated with any essential services at the workplace have been identified and managed.

A SWMS is available for all work that has commenced or is about to commence that involves work on or near:

Current underground essential services information is available for inspection for all areas where excavation work is being carried out and for all adjacent areas.

Workers carrying out excavation work have been provided with the current underground essential services information.

A SWMS is available for all excavation work that includes the use of powered mobile plant that has commenced or is about to commence.

The risks to health and safety associated with any excavation work have been identified and managed, including the risk of a person:

For trenches 1.5m or deeper, the work area has been, so far as is reasonably practicable, secured from unauthorised access, including inadvertent entry.

For trenches 1.5m or more deep, the sides of the trench have been adequately supported by one of the following: shoring by shielding or other comparable means, benching, battering.

Note: This does not apply if PCBU has written advice, which complies with the regulations, from a geotechnical engineer that all sides of the trench are safe from collapse, has been obtained.

All electrical equipment for the performance of work is by the requirements of AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites.

The appropriate exclusion zones have been established and are enforced.

Work is conducted in an electrically safe way.

A SWMS is available for all work that is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services that has commenced or is about to commence at the workplace.

Electrical leads are arranged to avoid damage.

Leads and tools are not used in damp conditions unless they have been specifically designed to do so.

Residual current devices are installed and tested regularly.

Electrical equipment has been inspected, tested, and tagged by AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites.

Electrical work is carried out by an appropriately licensed individual.

The risks to health and safety associated with any plant at the workplace have been identified and managed.

Unauthorised alterations or interference with the plant have been prevented.

The plant is used only for the purpose for which it has been designed or otherwise in a way that does not increase the risk to health and safety.

Health and safety features and warning devices are operational and are used according to the relevant instructions and information. Examples include: guarding, operational controls, emergency stops, other warning devices.

Plant that is not in use has been left in a state that does not create a risk to the health and safety of any person.

The principal contractor has managed the risks to health and safety associated with the storage of workplace plant that is not in use.

Warning devices are positioned on the plant to ensure that the device will work to best effect.

Guarding used as a control measure must be solidly constructed and mounted, make bypassing or disabling difficult, and not create a risk to health and safety. He properly maintains control of the risk of broken or ejected parts and workpieces being removable to allow maintenance while the plant is not in normal operation. Be replaced before the plant can be restarted.

Pipes or other parts of the plant associated with heat or cold are guarded or insulated.

Ensure that any operator's controls are: identified on the plant and indicates the nature, function and direction of operation, located to be readily accessible for convenient operation, located or guarded to prevent unintentional operation/activation, able to be locked in the off position.

Where the plant is operated by more than one person, the emergency stops are fitted and must:

Be prominently, clearly and durably marked.

Be immediately accessible to the operator(s)

Has a red coloured handle, bar or push button

Not be adversely affected by electrical or electronic malfunction.

Maintenance, inspection, and testing are carried out by a competent person.

Maintenance, inspection, and testing are carried out:

By the manufacturer's recommendations, where there are no manufacturer's recommendations, by the recommendations of a competent person

Annually.

Records of all tests, inspections, maintenance, commissioning, decommissioning, dismantling, and alteration of each item of plant are available.

Assess risks associated with:

Plant overturning, things falling on the operator, the operator being ejected, or the plant colliding with any person or thing. Mechanical failure of pressurised elements of the plant that may release fluids that pose a risk to health and safety has been identified and managed.

A SWMS is available for work that includes the use of a powered mobile plant that has commenced or is about to commence.

Mobile plant operators hold the appropriate high-risk work licence or, for earthmoving equipment and particular cranes, have been deemed competent.

A suitable combination of operator protective devices for each item of powered mobile plant has been provided, maintained, and used.

People other than the operator of an item of mobile plant are prevented from riding on the plant or are otherwise provided with a level of protection that is equivalent to that provided to the operator.

The powered mobile plant is prevented from colliding with pedestrians or another powered mobile plant.

Where there is a possibility of a powered mobile plant colliding with pedestrians or another powered mobile plant, a warning device has been fitted.

A spill containment system has been implemented in each part of the workplace where there is a risk from a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical.

Fire protection and firefighting equipment that has been designed and built for the types of hazardous chemicals at the workplace have been provided.

Emergency equipment is available at the workplace.

Appropriate levels and types of health monitoring is provided to workers that use, handle, generate, or store hazardous chemicals mentioned in Schedule 14, Table 14.1, column 2 of the regulation.

Workers have been provided with information about any health monitoring requirements.

The PCBU must ensure health monitoring is carried out by the regulations, and:

Appropriate supervision is provided to workers about hazardous chemicals.

The risks to health and safety associated with noise at the workplace have been identified and managed.

Workers are not exposed to noise above the exposure standard for noise.

The principal contractor has managed the risks to health and safety associated with traffic in the vicinity of the workplace that may be affected by construction work carried out in connection with the construction project.

A SWMS is available for all work that is carried out on, in, or adjacent to a road or other traffic corridor. That is in use by traffic (other than pedestrians) that has commenced or is about to commence.

Contractors have been prequalified and approved by the company's procedures, including verification of licences, insurances, and WHS performance.

Contractors have completed site-specific inductions before commencing work.

A site-specific risk assessment has been completed collaboratively between the contractor and PCBU.

Contractors are supervised appropriately for the scope of work and level of risk involved.

Any non-conformances involving contractors are recorded, and corrective actions are tracked and closed out.

Contractor permit-to-work processes are followed where applicable (e.g. hot work, confined space, working at heights, excavation).

Contractor performance and compliance are periodically reviewed, including during toolbox talks, audits, or shutdown reviews.

Contractors are included in incident reporting, emergency drills, and safety consultation processes.

A SWMS is available for all work that is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere that has commenced or is about to commence.

The risks to health and safety associated with hazardous atmospheres have been identified and managed.