WHS Regulation Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following checklists is specifically designed for ladder safety inspections?

Elevated Work Platform Risk Checklist

Ladder Safety Inspection Checklist (correct)

Fall Arrest Rescue Plan Checklist

Excavation Planning Checklist

Which jurisdiction did not adopt the 'Model' WHS Act during the period from 2011 to 2020?

Victoria (correct)

New South Wales

Queensland

Tasmania

What is the main purpose of a Risk Register in workplace safety?

To record equipment used on site

To identify and document potential risks (correct)

To outline safety regulations

To detail training requirements

What is indicated by the next full review date in the regulatory documents?

The timeframe for reviewing the effectiveness of the safety regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which document is likely to be reviewed alongside the SWMS Register?

Pro Forma SWMS (EXC. RISK REGISTER) Signup and view all the answers

What does SWMS stand for in a workplace safety context?

Safe Work Method Statement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following checklists is used for identifying risks associated with excavation tasks?

Excavation Planning Checklist Signup and view all the answers

Which role is responsible for approving the safety regulatory documents?

HSEQ Manager Signup and view all the answers

What must a person in control ensure when using plant to lift or suspend loads?

That the plant is specifically designed for the load. Signup and view all the answers

If it's not practical to use specifically designed plant, what must a person ensure?

That the plant causes less risk than specifically designed plant. Signup and view all the answers

What criteria must lifting attachments meet when lifting or suspending a load?

They must be suitable for the load being lifted. Signup and view all the answers

What is required if loads are to be suspended over a person?

The plant must be specifically designed for that purpose. Signup and view all the answers

How should loads be lifted or suspended?

In a way that ensures the load remains under control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of plant items allowed to lift a load simultaneously?

One item at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a significant risk associated with plant use in the workplace?

Work-related death and injury. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Code of Practice (CoP) outline regarding plant in the workplace?

Common risks associated with mobile plant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing an Exclusion Zone?

To manage risks and prevent unauthorized access Signup and view all the answers

When is a ‘drop zone’ necessary in work at height?

When objects may fall or be dropped Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance for an Exclusion Zone around mobile plant operations?

5 meters Signup and view all the answers

What might be included in the assessment for establishing a mobile plant Exclusion Zone?

The type of plant and its potential movement Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of mobile plant create additional risks during work at height?

By potentially destabilizing the work area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the contents of Part 3 regarding common controls?

Outlines the importance of managing work at height and mobile plant Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component when assessing the Exclusion Zone for mobile plant operations?

The potential movement of implements and counterweights Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be a reason for establishing an Exclusion Zone?

To reduce work efficiency for safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of secant piling in ground support systems?

To install intersecting reinforced concrete piles. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the management of powered mobile plant is NOT a requirement?

Allow non-operators to ride the plant without protective equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured when installing secondary piles in secant piling?

Primary piles must gain sufficient strength first. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key risks that must be managed during the operation of powered mobile plant?

Mechanical failure of pressurized elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a person in control of powered mobile plant regarding collision risks?

Provide a warning device if there is a collision risk. Signup and view all the answers

In secant piling, which types of piles are referred to as primary and secondary?

Primary are female piles; secondary are male piles. Signup and view all the answers

What must be maintained and used by the operator of powered mobile plant?

Operator protective devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of non or low cohesive soil types?

Minor variations in moisture content can cause rapid crumbling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of warning devices on powered mobile plant?

To warn individuals at risk from the plant's movement. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions may an excavated face fail?

When surface loads are excessively high. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'slope stability' refer to?

The ground remaining stable without material movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ground collapse is often formed at a horizontal distance of 0.5 to 0.75 times the depth of the excavation?

Tension crack. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does groundwater or rainfall have on excavated soil?

It can increase soil weight and volume, leading to instability. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'benching' or 'battering' refer to in excavation practices?

Controlling risks associated with excavation. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT necessary for an excavated slope to be considered safe?

The soil is completely dry. Signup and view all the answers

What can excessive vibration from construction activities cause in relation to excavation risks?

Lead to ground collapse. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

WHS Regulation

Work Health and Safety laws are specific to each jurisdiction. Each state, territories have specific laws dealing with WHS.
All jurisdictions other than Victoria have adopted the ‘Model’ WHS Act and Regulations
The zone of influence is generally in that area at a 45° angle from the base of the excavation to the surface.
Excavated slope is safe when the ground is stable. The slope does not change shape, there is no movement of material down the slope, and the toe of the slope remains in place.
Different soil types have widely varying degrees of cohesion and frictional resistance.
Dry sand, saturated sand and gravel with low clay content have particularly low cohesive strength.
Non or low cohesive faces are hazardous.
Minor variations in moisture content can cause rapid crumbling
As soil stresses increase, the excavated face may fail under adverse weather vibration or excessive loads.
Be particularly aware of deep cuts and steep slopes where the side support has been removed, excessive loads on the surface near the top of the face, vibration, groundwater or rainfall affecting soil weight and volume.

Ground Collapse

The text describes 5 different types of ground collapse in excavations: Tension crack, Sliding or sloughing, Toppling, Subsidence and Bulging, Sliding, Base heave
Tension crack often formed at a horizontal distance of 0.5 to 0.75 times the depth of the excavation.
Sliding or sloughing occurs as a result of tension cracks
Toppling occurs as a result of tension cracks
Subsidence and bulging occurs as a result of tension cracks
Sliding
Base heave caused by downward pressure from adjoining soil

Ground Support Systems

Sheet piling is the construction of a ground support system by installing interlocking steel sheet piles.
Each sheet pile is driven into the ground using a piling hammer.
Sheet piling can be used to provide support for excavations and to retain soil, water, or other materials
Different types of sheet piles available, such as steel, timber, concrete, and composite.

Secant Piling Walls

Secant piling is the construction of a ground support system by installing intersecting reinforced concrete piles.
Primary piles are installed first with secondary (male) piles constructed in between primary (female) piles once the latter gain sufficient strength.

Mobile Plant Risks

This section provides guidance on working with mobile plant.
The person in control must ensure that the plant does not collide with pedestrians or other powered mobile plant.
The person must ensure that no loads are suspended or travel over a person unless the plant is specifically designed for that purpose.
The person must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that loads are lifted or suspended in a way that ensures that the load remains under control during the activity.

Plant Risks In The Workplace

Plant is a major cause of work-related death and injury in Australian workplaces.

Explosives

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Diving Work

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Exclusion Zones

An Exclusion Zone is an area of work that is physically delineated so as to prevent workers and other persons from accessing the area without authorisation.
Exclusion Zones are often used to manage risks associated with work at height, mobile plant, the loading and unloading of vehicles and during lifting operations.

Exclusion Zone: Work At Height

Work at Height creates a risk of objects falling or being dropped. Where this risk is present a ‘drop zone’ should be delineated and an exclusion zone established.
In addition, where mobile plant is in use near work at height activity, there is a risk that it could destabilise ground or make contact with scaffolding, falsework or formwork; creating risk to the workers above.
Where this risk is present a mobile plant Exclusion Zone should be established.

Exclusion Zone: Mobile Plant

All mobile plant operations must take place within an Exclusion Zone.
The exclusion zone should be a minimum of 5 metres from the area where the plant is operating. This assessment must include the type of plant, what work is being performed and the potential movement of the plant – including slewing ranges of implements, arms and counterweights, as well as any stabilising equipment.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, focusing on jurisdictional variations, excavation safety, and soil stability. Understand the factors affecting excavated slopes and the importance of cohesive and frictional properties of different soil types. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence safety measures in construction.