Temporary Structures

Temporary structures are used during the construction, rehabilitation and retrofit of buildings, or any other type of permanent structure.

Other temporary structures used on Baseline Projects sites, such as scaffold, formwork/falsework and shoring, are covered in relevant High Risk Standards.

Working with Temporary Structures can involve a range of hazards and risks including falls from height, falling objects, structural collapse, working near powerlines, interaction with mobile plant and traffic and manual tasks. Risks associated with the use of temporary structures can include people falling, crush injuries, being struck by falling objects, and structure collapse etc

The risks arising from structural alterations or use of temporary structures are to be identified, assessed, and controlled in the Project Risk Register, in accordance with the hierarchy of controls

A structural or geotechnical engineer shall conduct an assessment and identify controls prior to commencing construction of temporary structures

The type of temporary structure will require design by an appropriately qualified person to ensure structural integrity throughout the duration of the installation

An emergency procedure shall be established for the potential collapse of the structure

All contractors MUST identify all High-Risk activities within their scope of work, evidence of experience carrying out these activities, provision for full time supervision, relevant licenses and competencies of supervisors, workers and those with design and engineering responsibility

Prior to structural support systems or temporary structures arriving on site, subcontractors must submit to Baseline Projects a safe system of work, which may include SWMS, work procedures and/or ITPs, addressing methodologies for, at a minimum:

− The erection and dismantling of the system.

− Prevention of persons falling from heights.

− A management strategy for potential falling objects; and − Where applicable, how penetrations will be managed (see expanded process below), in accordance with Working at Heights requirements

This MUST include an Emergency Procedure / Rescue Plan, evidence that supervisors and workers are trained in the procedure

The Baseline expectation is that our contractors will follow all safety requirements listed within our standards

Note: All temporary structures MUST be accompanied with ITPs, a propriety design, or a drawing/design plan certified by an appropriately qualified engineer

Proposed methodology to be reviewed by Project Team and assess for need to conduct activity specific High Risk Workshop.

(If required) High Risk Workshop to be conducted with contractor undertaking activity and Baseline Project Team.

All temporary structures and works MUST have a detailed methodology, relevant competencies and timing MUST be confirmed and agreed with all stakeholders

Structural or geotechnical engineers’ assessment, and approved design MUST be provided and reviewed prior to erection of structure

Inspection Test Plans MUST be provided, reviewed and approved prior to works commencing

High risk workshop actions MUST be reviewed and closed prior to commencing works

Any relevant permits e.g. Isolation/Hot works/Work at heights MUST be submitted and approved

For complex installations, a toolbox talk MUST be conducted by a Baseline Project Team member immediately prior to commencing works, and include all workers involved in the activity

Baseline site manager / supervisor MUST monitor the erection and dismantling sequence until the work activity has been completed.

A Task Observation should be conducted by a Baseline Project Team member to record the works being carried out as per approved SWMS.

The Subcontractor Supervisor/Engineer MUST conduct periodic inspections to ensure structural integrity is not affected and sign off Hold and Witness points on approved ITP

The system or structure must be inspected and certified as being in accordance with the design plan, manufacturer’s instructions, relevant legislation, codes of practice and Australian standards by a structural engineer, or competent person, prior to allowing access to it, in or around it. Certification MUST be provided to Baseline and held on site for inspection

Where possible, fabricate structures on the ground to eliminate workers being exposed to working at heights risks.

Sacrifice structure and remain in-situ removing risk from removal works

Re-route motor vehicles and mobile plant away from the location of the scaffold (e.g., by using traffic controllers to redirect traffic), refer to Traffic Management High Risk Standard

Selecting a less hazardous form temporary structure based on the requirements of its use i.e., resistance, weight load, occupancy load etc.

Use mechanical aids like cranes, hoists, pallet jacks or trolleys to move equipment and materials wherever possible instead of manually lifting equipment.

Exclusion zones must be established around temporary support structures including during erection and dismantling

Temporary support structures adjacent plant operating areas or traffic corridors shall be protected by physical barriers, such as concrete barriers or water filled barriers

Proprietary edge protection or designed penetration covers

A temporary structure must be adequately separated from another temporary structure or an existing permanent building

Temporary working platforms, perimeter handrails or scaffolds are to be designed by appropriately qualified persons, e.g. Structural Engineers, Advanced Scaffolder

Effective containment, including toe boards, catch nets, mesh blankets and/or tool lanyards are to be used when there is a risk of objects falling through openings

Safe Work Method Statements to be provided that identify risk and provide adequate controls

All temporary structures MUST be accompanied with a propriety design, or a drawing/design plan certified by an appropriately qualified engineer

Structural or geotechnical engineer assessment of building structures/materials/foundations and identify controls prior to commencing construction of temporary structures

Engineering certification to be provided for all relevant structures

Temporary Structures are to be regularly inspected to monitor the effectiveness of the system/structure

Complex design requires third party inspection reports to be provided prior to works being approved

Appropriate PPE should be worn for the work being conducted, including but not limited to, gloves, hard hat, safety glasses, and steel cap boots

Additional PPE shall be worn as required, including respirators, safety glasses and hearing protection