Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022

Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022

I, the Governor in and over the State of Tasmania and its Dependencies in the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, make the following regulations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 .

B. BAKER

Governor

By Her Excellency's Command,

ELISE ARCHER

Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs

Chapter 1 - Preliminary

PART 1.1 - Introductory Matters

1.   Short title

These regulations may be cited as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022 .

2.   Commencement

These regulations take effect on 12 December 2022.

3.   Reserved

This regulation has been left blank so as to preserve uniformity with other jurisdictions with regard to numbering of regulations.

4.   Reserved

This regulation has been left blank so as to preserve uniformity with other jurisdictions with regard to numbering of regulations.

5.   Interpretation

(1)  In these regulations –

abrasive blasting means propelling a stream of abrasive material at high speed against a surface using compressed air, liquid, steam, centrifugal wheels or paddles to clean, abrade, etch or otherwise change the original appearance or condition of the surface;

accredited assessor means –

(a) a person who is accredited under Part 4.5 to conduct assessments; or

(b) the regulator;

ADG Code means the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, approved by the Transport and Infrastructure Council, as in force or remade from time to time, and a reference in these regulations to a provision of that document extends to the corresponding provision (if any) of the document as in force or remade;

administrative control means a method of work, a process or a procedure designed to minimise risk, but does not include –

(a) an engineering control; or

(b) the use of personal protective equipment;

airborne contaminant means a contaminant in the form of a fume, mist, gas, vapour or dust, and includes micro-organisms;

amusement device means plant operated for hire or reward that provides entertainment, sightseeing or amusement through movement of the equipment, or part of the equipment, or when passengers or other users travel or move on, around or along the equipment, but does not include –

(a) a miniature train and railway system owned and operated by a model railway society, club or association; or

(b) a ride or device that is used as a form of transport and that is, in relation to its use for that purpose, regulated under another Act or an Act of the Commonwealth; or

(c) a boat or flotation device –

(i) that is solely propelled by a person who is in or on the boat or device; and

(ii) that is not attached to any mechanical elements or equipment outside the boat or device, and that does not rely on any artificial flow of water to move; or

(d) any plant specifically designed for a sporting, professional stunt, theatrical or acrobatic purpose or activity; or

(e) a coin-operated or token-operated device that –

(i) is intended to be ridden, at the one time, by not more than 4 children who must be below the age of 10 years; and

(ii) is usually located in a shopping centre or similar public location; and

(iii) does not necessarily have an operator;

article means a manufactured item, other than a fluid or particle, that –

(a) is formed into a particular shape or design during manufacture; and

(b) has hazard properties and a function that are wholly or partly dependent on the shape or design;

asbestos means the asbestiform varieties of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine or amphibole groups of rock forming minerals including the following:

(a) actinolite asbestos;

(b) grunerite (or amosite) asbestos (brown);

(c) anthophyllite asbestos;

(d) chrysotile asbestos (white);

(e) crocidolite asbestos (blue);

(f) tremolite asbestos;

(g) a mixture that contains 1 or more of the minerals referred to in paragraphs (a) to (f);

asbestos containing material (ACM) means any material or thing that, as part of its design, contains asbestos;

asbestos-contaminated dust or debris (ACD) means dust or debris that has settled within a workplace and is, or is assumed to be, contaminated with asbestos;

asbestos management plan – see regulation 429 or 432 ;

asbestos register – see regulation 425 ;

asbestos-related work means work involving asbestos (other than asbestos removal work to which Part 8.7 applies) that is permitted under the exceptions set out in regulation 419(3) , (4) and (5) ;

asbestos removal licence means a Class A asbestos removal licence or a Class B asbestos removal licence;

asbestos removal work means –

(a) work involving the removal of asbestos or ACM; or

(b) in Part 8.10 , Class A asbestos removal work or Class B asbestos removal work;

asbestos removalist means a person conducting a business or undertaking who carries out asbestos removal work;

asbestos waste means asbestos or ACM removed and disposable items used during asbestos removal work including plastic sheeting and disposable tools;

biological monitoring means –

(a) the measurement and evaluation of a substance, or its metabolites, in the body tissue, fluids or exhaled air of a person exposed to the substance; or

(b) blood lead level monitoring;

blood lead level means the concentration of lead in whole blood expressed in micromoles per litre (µmol/L) or micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL);

blood lead level monitoring means the testing of the venous or capillary blood of a person by a laboratory accredited by NATA, under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner, to determine the blood lead level;

boiler means –

(a) a vessel, or an arrangement of vessels and interconnecting parts, in which steam or vapour is generated or in which water or other liquid is heated at a pressure above that of the atmosphere by the application of fire, the products of combustion, electrical power or similar high temperature means; and

(b) the superheaters, reheaters, economisers, boiler piping, supports, mountings, valves, gauges, fittings, controls, boiler setting and other equipment directly associated with those vessels –

but does not include –

(c) except in Schedules 3 and 4 , a fully flooded or pressurised system where water or another liquid is heated to a temperature lower than the normal atmospheric boiling temperature of the liquid; or

(d) for the purposes of Parts 5.2 and 5.3 and in Schedules 3 and 4 , a boiler designed or manufactured to the following codes:

(i) AMBSC Part 1 – Australian Miniature Boiler Safety Committee Code for Copper Boilers;

(ii) AMBSC Part 2 – Australian Miniature Boiler Safety Committee Code for Steel Boilers;

(iii) AMBSC Part 3 – Australian Miniature Boiler Safety Committee Code for Sub-Miniature Boilers;

(iv) AMBSC Part 4 – Australian Miniature Boiler Safety Committee Code for Duplex Steel Boilers; or

(e) in Schedules 3 and 4  –

(i) a direct fired process heater; or

(ii) boilers with less than 5 square metres heating surface or 150 kilowatt output; or

(iii) unattended boilers certified in compliance with AS 2593:2021 (Boilers – Safety management and supervision systems);

boom-type elevating work platform means a telescoping device, hinged device, or articulated device, or any combination of these, used to support a platform on which personnel, equipment and materials may be elevated;

bridge crane means a crane that –

(a) consists of a bridge beam or beams, that are mounted to end carriages at each end; and

(b) is capable of travelling along elevated runways; and

(c) has 1 or more hoisting mechanisms arranged to traverse across the bridge;

building maintenance equipment means a suspended platform and associated equipment, including a building maintenance unit or a swing stage, that incorporates permanently installed overhead supports to provide access to the faces of a building for maintenance, but does not include a suspended scaffold;

building maintenance unit means a power operated suspended platform and associated equipment on a building specifically designed to provide permanent access to the faces of the building for maintenance;

bulk, in relation to a hazardous chemical, means any quantity of a hazardous chemical that is –

(a) in a container with a capacity exceeding 500 litres or net mass of more than 500 kilograms; or

(b) if the hazardous chemical is a solid, an undivided quantity exceeding 500 kilograms;

capacity, of a container (in Chapter 7 ), means the internal volume of the container at a temperature of 15^oC expressed in litres;

card holder means the person to whom a general construction induction training card is issued;

certificate of medical fitness means a certificate of medical fitness that complies with regulation 169 ;

certification, in relation to a specified VET course, means –

(a) a statement of attainment issued by an RTO stating that the person to whom it is issued has successfully completed the specified VET course; or

(b) in the case of high risk work, a notice of satisfactory assessment stating that the person to whom it is issued has successfully completed the specified VET course; or

(c) an equivalent statement or notice issued by a corresponding RTO;

certified safety management system, in Chapter 8 , means a safety management system that complies with AS ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational health and safety management systems), or an equivalent system determined by the regulator;

chemical identity means a name, in accordance with the nomenclature systems of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or the Chemical Abstracts Service, or a technical name, that gives a chemical a unique identity;

class means the following:

(a) in relation to high risk work, a class of work specified in Schedule 3 ;

(b) in relation to asbestos removal work, Class A asbestos removal work or Class B asbestos removal work;

Class A asbestos removal licence means a licence that authorises the carrying out of Class A asbestos removal work and Class B asbestos removal work by or on behalf of the licence holder;

Class A asbestos removal work means work that is required to be licensed under regulation 485 ;

Class B asbestos removal licence means a licence that authorises the carrying out of Class B asbestos removal work by or on behalf of the licence holder;

Class B asbestos removal work means work that is required to be licensed under regulation 487 , but does not include Class A asbestos removal work;

class label means a pictogram described in the ADG Code for a class, or division of a class, of dangerous goods;

clearance certificate – see regulation 474 ;

clearance inspection – see regulation 473 ;

combustible dust means finely divided solid particles (including dust, fibres or flyings), that are –

(a) suspended in air or settle out of the atmosphere under their own weight; and

(b) able to burn or glow in air; and

(c) able to form an explosive mixture with air at atmospheric pressure and normal temperature;

combustible substance means a substance that is combustible, and includes dust, fibres, fumes, mists or vapours produced by the substance;

Examples

Wood, paper, oil, iron filings.

competency assessment, in Part 4.5 , means an assessment in relation to the completion of a specified VET course to carry out a class of high risk work;

competent person means the following:

(a) for electrical work on energised electrical equipment or energised electrical installations (other than testing referred to in regulations 150 and 165 ), a person who –

(i) holds an electrical practitioner's licence within the meaning of the Occupational Licensing (Electrical Work) Regulations 2018 ; or

(ii) is otherwise permitted under the Occupational Licensing Act 2005 to undertake electrical work which is prescribed work under that Act;

(b) for general diving work, see regulations 174 and 177 ;

(c) for a major inspection of mobile cranes and tower cranes under regulation 235 , see regulation 235 ;

(d) for inspection of amusement devices and passenger ropeways under regulation 241 , see regulation 241 ;

(e) for design verification under regulation 252 , a person who has the skills, qualifications, competence and experience to design the plant or verify the design;

(f) for a clearance inspection under regulation 473 , a person who has acquired through training or experience the knowledge and skills of relevant asbestos removal industry practice and holds –

(i) a certification in relation to the specified VET course for asbestos assessor work; or

(ii) a tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety, occupational hygiene, science, building, construction or environmental health;

(g) for any other case, a person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task;

concrete placing boom means plant incorporating an articulating boom, capable of power operated slewing and luffing to place concrete by way of pumping through a pipeline attached to, or forming part of, the boom of the plant;

confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that –

(a) is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person; and

(b) is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space; and

(c) is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from –

(i) an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level; or

(ii) contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion; or

(iii) harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants; or

(iv) engulfment –

but does not include a mine shaft or the workings of a mine;

confined space entry permit means a confined space entry permit issued under regulation 67 ;

construction project – see regulation 292 ;

construction work – see regulation 289 ;

consumer product means a thing that –

(a) is packed or repacked primarily for use by a household consumer or for use in an office; and

(b) if the thing is packed or repacked primarily for use by a household consumer, is packed in the way and quantity in which it is intended to be used by a household consumer; and

(c) if the thing is packed or repacked primarily for use in an office, is packed in the way and quantity in which it is intended to be used for office work;

container, in relation to a hazardous chemical, means anything in or by which a hazardous chemical is, or has been, wholly or partly covered, enclosed or packed, including anything necessary for the container to perform its function as a container;

contaminant means any substance that may be harmful to health or safety;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 30, Applied:01 Jul 2024] [Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024]

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024] controlled, in relation to processing of a CSS – see regulation 529B ;

control measure, in relation to risk to health and safety, means a measure to eliminate or minimise the risk;

conveyor means equipment or apparatus operated by power other than manual power and by which loads are raised, lowered or transported or capable of being raised, lowered, transported, or continuously driven, by –

(a) an endless belt, rope or chain or other similar means; or

(b) buckets, trays or other containers or fittings moved by an endless belt, rope, chain or similar means; or

(c) a rotating screw; or

(d) a vibration or walking beam; or

(e) a powered roller conveyor if the rollers are driven by an endless belt, rope or chain or other similar means –

and includes the superstructure, gear and auxiliary equipment used in connection with that equipment or apparatus;

correct classification means the set of hazard classes and hazard categories assigned to a hazardous chemical when it is correctly classified;

Note

Part 1 of Schedule 9 sets out when a hazardous chemical is correctly classified.

crane means an appliance intended for raising or lowering a load and moving it horizontally including the supporting structure of the crane and its foundations, but does not include any of the following:

(a) an industrial lift truck;

(b) earthmoving machinery;

(c) an amusement device;

(d) a tractor;

(e) an industrial robot;

(f) a conveyor;

(g) building maintenance equipment;

(h) a suspended scaffold;

(i) a lift;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024] crystalline silica – see regulation 529A ;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024] crystalline silica substance (CSS) – see regulation 529A ;

current certificate of medical fitness means a certificate of medical fitness that –

(a) was issued within the past 12 months; and

(b) has not expired or been revoked;

dangerous goods – see regulation 10(1A) ;

demolition work means work to demolish or dismantle a structure, or part of a structure that is loadbearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure, but does not include –

(a) the dismantling of formwork, falsework, or other structures designed or used to provide support, access or containment during construction work; or

(b) the removal of power, light or telecommunication poles;

derrick crane means a slewing strut-boom crane with its boom pivoted at the base of a mast that is –

(a) guyed (guy-derrick) or held by backstays (stiff-legged derrick); and

(b) capable of luffing under load;

designer, in relation to plant, a substance or a structure, has the same meaning as it has in section 22 of the Act;

determined major hazard facility means a facility that has been determined under regulation 541 or 542 to be a major hazard facility;

direct fired process heater means an arrangement of 1 or more coils, located in the radiant zone or convection zone, or both, of a combustion chamber, the primary purpose of which is to raise the temperature of a process fluid circulated through the coils, to allow distillation, fractionalism, reaction or other petrochemical processing of the process fluid, whether that fluid is liquid or gas, or a combination of liquid and gas;

dogging work means –

(a) the application of slinging techniques, including the selection and inspection of lifting gear, to safely sling a load; or

(b) the directing of a plant operator in the movement of a load when the load is out of the operator's view;

duty holder, in Part 3.1 , means a person referred to in regulation 32 ;

EANx, in Part 4.8 , means a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen in which the volume of oxygen is at least 22%;

earthmoving machinery means operator controlled plant used to excavate, load, transport, compact or spread earth, overburden, rubble, spoil, aggregate or similar material, but does not include a tractor or industrial lift truck;

electrical equipment – see regulation 144 (and regulation 148 for Division 3 of Part 4.7 );

electrical installation – see regulation 145 (and regulation 148 for Division 3 of Part 4.7 );

electrical risk means risk to a person of death, shock or other injury caused directly or indirectly by electricity;

electrical work – see regulation 146 ;

electricity supply authority means a person who holds a licence under the Electricity Supply Industry Act 1995 authorising the transmission or distribution of electricity;

emergency service organisation means the following:

(a) the State Emergency Service within the meaning of the Emergency Management Act 2006 ;

(b) Ambulance Tasmania established under the Ambulance Service Act 1982 ;

(c) the Tasmania Fire Service established under the Fire Service Act 1979 ;

(d) the Police Service;

emergency service worker means a member of an emergency service organisation, whether for payment or other consideration or as a volunteer;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 30, Applied:01 Jul 2024] engineered stone see regulation 529A(1) ;

engineering control means a control measure that is physical in nature, including a mechanical device or process;

entry, by a person into a confined space, means the person's head or upper body is in the confined space or within the boundary of the confined space;

essential services means the supply of –

(a) gas, water, sewerage, telecommunications, electricity and similar services; or

(b) chemicals, fuel and refrigerant in pipes or lines;

excavation means a trench, tunnel or shaft, but does not include –

(a) a mine; or

(b) a bore to which the Water Management Act 1999 applies; or

(c) a trench for use as a place of interment;

excavation work means work to –

(a) make an excavation; or

(b) fill or partly fill an excavation;

exposure standard, except in Part 4.1 , means an exposure standard in the Workplace Exposure Standard for Airborne Contaminants dated 16 December 2019, as in force or remade from time to time;

exposure standard for noise – see regulation 56 ;

external review means an external review under Part 11.1 ;

extra-low voltage means voltage that does not exceed 50 volts alternating current (50V AC) or 120 volts ripple-free direct current (120V ripple-free DC);

facility, in Chapter 9 , means a workplace at which Schedule 15 chemicals are present or likely to be present;

fall arrest system means plant or material designed to arrest a fall;

Example

An industrial safety net, a catch platform, a safety harness system (other than a system that relies entirely on a restraint technique system).

fault, in relation to plant, means a break or defect that may cause the plant to present a risk to health and safety;

female of reproductive capacity, in Part 7.2 , means a female other than a female who provides information stating that she is not of reproductive capacity;

fire risk hazardous chemical means a hazardous chemical that –

(a) is any of the following:

(i) a flammable gas;

(ii) a flammable liquid (hazard category 1 to 3);

(iii) a flammable solid;

(iv) a substance liable to spontaneous combustion;

(v) a substance which, in contact with water, emits flammable gases;

(vi) an oxidizing substance;

(vii) an organic peroxide; and

(b) burns readily or supports combustion;

fitness criteria, in relation to diving work, means the fitness criteria specified in clause M4 of Appendix M to AS/NZS 2299.1:2015 (Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice);

flammable gas has the same meaning as it has in the GHS;

flammable liquid means a flammable liquid within the meaning of the GHS that has a flash point of less than 93^oC;

forklift truck, in Schedules 3 and 4 , means a powered industrial truck equipped with lifting media made up of a mast and an elevating load carriage to which is attached a pair of fork arms or other arms that can be raised 900mm or more above the ground, but does not include a pedestrian-operated truck or a pallet truck;

friable asbestos means material that –

(a) is in a powder form or that can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry; and

(b) contains asbestos;

gantry crane means a crane that –

(a) consists of a bridge beam or beams supported at one or both ends by legs mounted to end carriages; and

(b) is capable of travelling on supporting surfaces or deck levels, whether fixed or not; and

(c) has a crab with 1 or more hoisting units arranged to travel across the bridge;

gas cylinder means a rigid vessel –

(a) that does not exceed 3 000 litres water capacity and is without openings or integral attachments on the shell other than at the ends; and

(b) that is designed for the storage and transport of gas under pressure; and

(c) that is covered by AS 2030.1:2009 (Gas cylinders – General requirements);

general construction induction training means training delivered in Australia by an RTO for the specified VET course for general construction induction training;

general construction induction training card means –

(a) in Division 2 of Part 6.5 , a general construction induction training card issued under that Division; or

(b) in any other case, a general construction induction training card issued –

(i) under Division 2 of Part 6.5 or under a corresponding WHS law; or

(ii) by an RTO under an agreement between the regulator and an RTO or a corresponding regulator and an RTO;

general construction induction training certification means a certification for the completion of the specified VET course for general construction induction training;

general diving work means work carried out in or under water while breathing compressed gas, and includes –

(a) incidental diving work; and

(b) limited scientific diving work –

but does not include high risk diving work;

genuine research means systematic investigative or experimental activities that are carried out for either acquiring new knowledge (whether or not the knowledge will have a specific practical application) or creating new or improved materials, products, devices, processes or services;

GHS means the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Seventh revised edition, published by the United Nations as modified under Schedule 6 ;

Note

The Schedule 6 tables replace some tables in the GHS.

GHS 3 means the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Third revised edition, published by the United Nations as modified under Schedule 6 ;

Note

The Schedule 6 tables replace some tables in GHS 3.

hazard category means a division of criteria within a hazard class in the GHS;

hazard class means the nature of a physical, health or environmental hazard under the GHS;

hazard pictogram means a graphical composition, including a symbol plus other graphical elements, that is assigned in the GHS to a hazard class or hazard category;

hazard statement means a statement assigned in the GHS to a hazard class or hazard category describing the nature of the hazards of a hazardous chemical including, if appropriate, the degree of hazard;

hazardous area means an area in which –

(a) an explosive gas is present in the atmosphere in a quantity that requires special precautions to be taken for the construction, installation and use of plant; or

(b) a combustible dust is present, or could reasonably be expected to be present, in the atmosphere in a quantity that requires special precautions to be taken for the construction, installation and use of plant;

hazardous chemical means a substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria for any one or more hazard classes in the GHS (including a classification referred to in Schedule 6 ), unless the only hazard class or classes for which the substance, mixture or article satisfies the criteria are any one or more of the following:

(a) acute toxicity – oral – category 5;

(b) acute toxicity – dermal – category 5;

(c) acute toxicity – inhalation – category 5;

(d) skin corrosion/irritation – category 3;

(e) aspiration hazard – category 2;

(f) flammable gas – category 2;

(g) acute hazard to the aquatic environment – category 1, 2 or 3;

(h) chronic hazard to the aquatic environment – category 1, 2, 3 or 4;

(i) hazardous to the ozone layer;

Note

The Schedule 6 tables replace some tables in the GHS.

hazardous manual task means a task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing that involves 1 or more of the following:

(a) repetitive or sustained force;

(b) high or sudden force;

(c) repetitive movement;

(d) sustained or awkward posture;

(e) exposure to vibration;

Examples
1.	A task requiring a person to restrain live animals.
2.	A task requiring a person to lift or move loads that are unstable or unbalanced or are difficult to grasp or hold.
3.	A task requiring a person to sort objects on a conveyor belt.

Hazchem Code means a Hazchem Code under the ADG Code, also known as an Emergency Action Code;

head or upper body means the area of a person's body at or above the person's shoulders;

health monitoring, of a person, means monitoring the person to identify changes in the person’s health status because of exposure to certain substances;

heritage boiler means a boiler that –

(a) was manufactured before 1952; and

(b) is used for a historical purpose or activity, including an activity that is ancillary to a historical activity;

Examples
1.	Historical activity: a historical display, parade, demonstration or re-enactment.
2.	Activity ancillary to a historical activity: restoring, maintaining, modifying, servicing, repairing or housing a boiler used, or to be used, for a historical activity.

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024] high risk, in relation to the processing of a CSS, means the processing of a CSS that is reasonably likely to result in a risk to the health of a person at the workplace;

high risk construction work – see regulation 291 ;

high risk diving work means work –

(a) carried out in or under water or any other liquid while breathing compressed gas; and

(b) involving 1 or more of the following:

(i) construction work;

Notes
1.	Subparagraph (ii) includes some additional construction-related activities.
2.	For construction work generally, see Chapter 6 . For the meaning of construction work, see regulation 289 .

(ii) work of the kind described in regulation 289(3)(d) ;

(iii) inspection work carried out in order to determine whether or not work described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) is necessary;

(iv) the recovery or salvage of a large structure or large item of plant for commercial purposes –

but does not include minor work carried out in the sea or the waters of a bay or inlet or a marina that involves cleaning, inspecting, maintaining or searching for a vessel or mooring;

high risk work means any work set out in Schedule 3 as being within the scope of a high risk work licence;

high risk work licence means any of the licences listed in Schedule 3 ;

hoist means an appliance intended for raising or lowering a load or people, and includes an elevating work platform, a mast climbing work platform, personnel and materials hoist, scaffolding hoist and serial hoist, but does not include a lift or building maintenance equipment;

ignition source means a source of energy capable of igniting flammable or combustible substances;

importer, in relation to plant, a substance or a structure, has the same meaning as it has in section 24 of the Act;

incidental diving work means general diving work that –

(a) is incidental to the conduct of the business or undertaking in which the diving work is carried out; and

Example

Acting underwater is incidental to the business or undertaking of filming.

(b) involves limited diving;

independent, in relation to clearance inspections and air monitoring under Chapter 8 , means –

(a) not involved in the removal of asbestos; and

(b) not involved in a business or undertaking involved in the removal of asbestos –

in relation to which the inspection or monitoring is conducted;

industrial lift truck means powered mobile plant, designed to move goods, materials or equipment that is equipped with an elevating load carriage and is in the normal course of use equipped with a load-holding attachment, but does not include a mobile crane or earthmoving machinery;

industrial robot means plant that is a multifunctional manipulator and its controllers, capable of handling materials, parts or tools, or specialised devices, through variable programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks;

inflatable device (continuously blown) means an amusement device that is an inflatable device that relies on a continuous supply of air pressure to maintain its shape;

in situ asbestos means asbestos or ACM fixed or installed in a structure, equipment or plant, but does not include naturally occurring asbestos;

intermediate bulk container (IBC) has the same meaning as IBC has in the ADG Code;

internal review means internal review under Part 11.1 ;

in transit, in relation to a thing, means that the thing –

(a) is supplied to, or stored at, a workplace in containers that are not opened at the workplace; and

(b) is not used at the workplace; and

(c) is kept at the workplace for not more than 5 consecutive days;

lead means lead metal, lead alloys, inorganic lead compounds and lead salts of organic acids;

lead process – see regulation 392 ;

lead process area means a workplace or part of a workplace where a lead process is carried out;

lead risk work – see regulation 394 ;

licence holder means –

(a) in the case of a high risk work licence, the person who is licensed to carry out the work; or

(b) in the case of an asbestos assessor licence, the person who is licensed –

(i) to carry out air monitoring during Class A asbestos removal work; and

(ii) to carry out clearance inspections of Class A asbestos removal work; and

(iii) to issue clearance certificates in relation to Class A asbestos removal work; or

(c) in the case of an asbestos removal licence, the person conducting the business or undertaking to whom the licence is granted; or

(d) in the case of a major hazard facility licence, the operator of the major hazard facility to whom the licence is granted or transferred;

licensed asbestos assessor means a person who holds an asbestos assessor licence;

licensed asbestos removalist means a person conducting a business or undertaking who is licensed under these regulations to carry out Class A asbestos removal work or Class B asbestos removal work;

licensed asbestos removal work means asbestos removal work for which a Class A asbestos removal licence or Class B asbestos removal licence is required;

licensed major hazard facility means a major hazard facility that is licensed under Part 9.7 ;

lift means plant that is, or is intended to be, permanently installed in or attached to a structure, in which people, goods or materials may be raised or lowered within a car or cage, or on a platform and the movement of which is restricted by a guide or guides, and includes –

(a) a chairlift and stairway lift; and

(b) any supporting structure, machinery, equipment, gear, lift well, enclosures and entrances;

limited diving means diving that does not involve any of the following:

(a) diving to a depth below 30 metres;

(b) the need for a decompression stop;

(c) the use of mechanical lifting equipment or a buoyancy lifting device;

(d) diving beneath anything that would require the diver to move sideways before being able to ascend;

(e) the use of plant that is powered from the surface;

(f) diving for more than 28 days during a period of 6 months;

limited scientific diving work means general diving work that –

(a) is carried out for the purpose of professional scientific research, natural resource management or scientific research as an educational activity; and

(b) involves only limited diving;

local authority, in relation to a facility, means the local authority for the local authority area in which the facility and the surrounding area are located;

local community, in relation to a major hazard facility, means the community in the surrounding area;

lower explosive limit (LEL) , in relation to a flammable gas, vapour or mist, means the concentration of the gas, vapour or mist in air below which the propagation of a flame does not occur on contact with an ignition source;

maintain, in relation to plant or a structure in Chapter 5 , includes repair or servicing of plant or a structure;

major hazard facility means a facility –

(a) at which Schedule 15 chemicals are present or likely to be present in a quantity that exceeds their threshold quantity; or

(b) that is determined by the regulator under Part 9.2 to be a major hazard facility;

major hazard facility licence means a licence granted under Part 9.7 in relation to a major hazard facility;

major incident – see regulation 531 ;

major incident hazard means a hazard that could cause, or contribute to causing, a major incident;

manifest means a written summary of the hazardous chemicals used, handled or stored at a workplace;

Note

See Schedule 12 (Manifest requirements) for what a manifest must contain.

manifest quantity, in relation to a Schedule 11 hazardous chemical, means the quantity referred to in Schedule 11 , table 11.1, column 5 for that hazardous chemical;

manufacturer, in relation to plant, a substance or a structure, has the same meaning as it has in section 23 of the Act;

mast climbing work platform means a hoist with a working platform used for temporary purposes to raise personnel and materials to the working position by means of a drive system mounted on an extendable mast that may be tied to a structure;

materials hoist means a hoist that –

(a) consists of a car, bucket or platform cantilevered from, and travelling up and down outside, a face of the support of a structure; and

(b) is used for hoisting things and substances but not persons;

membrane filter method means the membrane filter method described in the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC:3003 (2005)];

mixture, in Part 7.1 , means a combination of, or a solution composed of, 2 or more substances that do not react with each other;

mobile crane means a crane capable of travelling over a supporting surface without the need for fixed runways and relying only on gravity for stability;

modification, in relation to a facility – see regulation 534 ;

musculoskeletal disorder means an injury to, or disease of, the musculoskeletal system, whether occurring suddenly or over time, but does not include an injury caused by crushing, entrapment or cutting resulting principally from the mechanical operation of plant;

NATA means the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia;

NATA-accredited laboratory means a testing laboratory accredited by NATA, or recognised by NATA either solely or with someone else;

naturally occurring asbestos means the natural geological occurrence of asbestos minerals found in association with geological deposits including rock, sediment or soil;

non-friable asbestos means material containing asbestos that is not friable asbestos, including material containing asbestos fibres reinforced with a bonding compound;

Note

Non-friable asbestos may become friable asbestos through deterioration (see definition of friable asbestos).

non-slewing mobile crane means a mobile crane incorporating a boom or jib that cannot be slewed, and includes –

(a) an articulated mobile crane; or

(b) a locomotive crane –

but does not include vehicle tow trucks;

notice of satisfactory assessment means a notice stating that the person to whom it is issued has successfully completed a specified VET course;

operator, in relation to a facility or a proposed facility – see regulation 533 ;

operator protective device, includes roll-over protective structure, falling object protective structure, operator restraining device and seat belt;

order-picking forklift truck, in Schedules 3 and 4 , means a forklift truck where the operator’s controls are incorporated with the lifting media and elevate with the lifting media;

packaged hazardous chemicals means Schedule 11 hazardous chemicals in a container with –

(a) a capacity not exceeding 500 litres; or

(b) a net mass not exceeding 500 kilograms;

passenger ropeway means a powered ropeway used for transporting, in a horizontal or inclined plane, passengers moved by a carrier that is –

(a) attached to or supported by a moving rope; or

(b) attached to a moving rope but supported by a standing rope or other overhead structure –

including, in relation to the powered ropeway, the prime mover, any associated transmission machinery and any supporting structure and equipment, but does not include any of the following:

(c) a cog railway;

(d) a cable car running on rails;

(e) a flying fox or similar device;

(f) an elevating system for vehicles or boat style carriers associated with amusement devices;

Example

An elevating system for a log ride or boat flume ride.

person with management or control of plant at a workplace has the same meaning as it has in section 21 of the Act;

person with management or control, of a workplace, means a person with management or control of a workplace, within the meaning of section 20 of the Act;

personal protective equipment means anything used or worn by a person to minimise risk to the person's health and safety, including air supplied respiratory equipment;

personnel and materials hoist means a hoist –

(a) that is a cantilever hoist, a tower hoist or several winches configured to operate as a hoist; and

(b) that is intended to carry goods, materials or people;

pipeline means pipe work that crosses a boundary of a workplace, beginning or ending at the nearest fluid or slurry control point (along the axis of the pipeline) to the boundary;

pipe work means a pipe or assembly of pipes, pipe fittings, valves and pipe accessories used to convey a hazardous chemical;

placard means a sign or notice –

(a) displayed or intended for display in a prominent place, or next to a container or storage area for hazardous chemicals at a workplace; and

(b) that contains information about the hazardous chemical stored in the container or storage area;

placard quantity , in relation to a Schedule 11 hazardous chemical, means the placard quantity referred to in Schedule 11 , table 11.1, column 4 for the Schedule 11 hazardous chemical;

plant, in Parts 5.2 and 5.3 , includes a structure;

platform height, in relation to an inflatable device (continuously blown), means the height of the highest part of the device designed to support persons using it (the platform), as measured from the surface supporting the device to the top surface of the platform when the device is inflated but unloaded;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 30, Applied:01 Jul 2024] porcelain product does not include a porcelain product that contains resin;

portal boom crane means a boom crane or a jib crane that is mounted on a portal frame that, in turn, is supported on runways along which the crane travels;

powered mobile plant means plant that is provided with some form of self-propulsion that is ordinarily under the direct control of an operator;

precautionary statement means a phrase prescribed by the GHS that describes measures that are recommended to be taken to prevent or minimise –

(a) the adverse effects of exposure to a hazardous chemical; or

(b) improper handling of a hazardous chemical;

presence-sensing safeguarding system includes –

(a) a sensing system that uses 1 or more forms of radiation either self-generated or otherwise generated by pressure; and

(b) the interface between the final switching devices of the sensing system and the machine primary control elements; and

(c) the machine stopping capabilities, by which the presence of a person or part of a person within the sensing field will cause the dangerous parts of a machine to be brought to a safe state;

pressure equipment means boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping;

pressure piping –

(a) means an assembly of pipes, pipe fittings, valves and pipe accessories subject to internal or external pressure and used to contain or convey fluid or to transmit fluid pressure; and

(b) includes distribution headers, bolting, gaskets, pipe supports and pressure containing accessories; but

(c) does not include –

(i) a boiler or pressure vessel; or

(ii) any piping that is regulated under the Gas Industry Act 2019 , Gas Safety Act 2019 or the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982;

pressure vessel –

(a) means a vessel subject to internal or external pressure; and

(b) includes –

(i) interconnected parts and components, valves, gauges and other fittings up to the first point of connection to connecting piping; and

(ii) fired heaters; and

(iii) gas cylinders; but

(c) does not include a boiler or pressure piping;

primary emergency service organisation means the Tasmania Fire Service established under the Fire Service Act 1979 ;

principal contractor, in relation to a construction project – see regulation 293 ;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 30, Applied:01 Jul 2024] [Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024]

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024] processing, in relation to a CSS – see regulation 529A ;

product identifier means the name or number used to identify a product on a label or in a safety data sheet;

prohibited carcinogen means a substance –

(a) listed in Schedule 10 , table 10.1, column 2; and

(b) present in a concentration of –

(i) for a solid or liquid, 0·1% or more, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration; and

(ii) for a gas, 0·1% or more, determined as a volume/volume (v/v) concentration;

proposed facility means –

(a) an existing workplace that is to become a facility due to the introduction of Schedule 15 chemicals; or

(b) a facility that is being designed or constructed;

proposed major hazard facility means –

(a) an existing facility or other workplace that is to become a major hazard facility due to the introduction of Schedule 15 chemicals or the addition of further Schedule 15 chemicals; or

(b) a major hazard facility that is being designed or constructed;

psychosocial hazard – see regulation 55A ;

psychosocial risk – see regulation 55B ;

quantity, in Chapter 7 , means –

(a) for a hazardous chemical that is not a liquid or a gas or a gas under pressure and is in a container or storage or handling system, the mass in kilograms of the hazardous chemical in the container or storage or handling system; and

(b) for a hazardous chemical that is a liquid and is not a gas under pressure and is in a container or storage or handling system, the net capacity in litres of the container or storage or handling system; and

(c) for a hazardous chemical that is a gas or gas under pressure in a container or storage or handling system, the water capacity in litres of the container or storage or handling system; and

(d) for a hazardous chemical that is not a liquid and is in bulk and not in a container, the undivided mass in kilograms; and

(e) for a hazardous chemical that is a thing and is not a gas, the net capacity of the part of the thing that comprises a hazardous chemical;

reach stacker means a powered reach stacker that incorporates an attachment for lifting and lowering a shipping container;

reciprocating steam engine means equipment that is driven by steam acting on a piston causing the piston to move, and includes an expanding (steam) reciprocating engine;

registered medical practitioner means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the medical profession (other than as a student);

registered training organisation (RTO) means a training organisation listed as a registered training organisation on the National Register established under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 of the Commonwealth;

relevant fee, in relation to a matter, means the fee specified in Schedule 2 for that matter;

research chemical means a substance or mixture that –

(a) is manufactured in a laboratory for genuine research; and

(b) is not for use or supply for a purpose other than analysis or genuine research;

respirable asbestos fibre means an asbestos fibre that –

(a) is less than 3 micrometres wide; and

(b) more than 5 micrometres long; and

(c) has a length to width ratio of more than 3:1;

restricted carcinogen means a substance –

(a) listed in Schedule 10 , table 10.2, column 2 for a use listed in column 3; and

(b) present in a concentration of –

(i) for a solid or liquid, 0·1% or more, determined as a weight/weight (w/w) concentration; and

(ii) for a gas, 0·1% or more, determined as a volume/volume (v/v) concentration;

retailer means a person whose principal business is supplying consumer products to members of the public who are not engaged in the further supply of those products;

rigging work means –

(a) the use of mechanical load shifting equipment and associated gear to move, place or secure a load using plant, equipment or members of a structure to ensure the stability of those members; or

(b) the setting up or dismantling of cranes or hoists;

safe oxygen level means a minimum oxygen content of air of 19·5% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure and a maximum oxygen content of air of 23·5% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure;

Safe Work Australia means Safe Work Australia as established under section 5 of the Safe Work Australia Act 2008 of the Commonwealth;

safe work method statement means –

(a) in relation to electrical work on energised electrical equipment, a safe work method statement prepared under regulation 161 ; and

(b) in relation to high risk construction work, a safe work method statement referred to in regulation 299 (or revised under regulation 302 );

safety data sheet means a safety data sheet prepared under regulation 330 or 331 ;

scaffold means a temporary structure specifically erected to support access or working platforms;

scaffolding work means erecting, altering or dismantling a temporary structure that is or has been erected to support a platform and from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres from the platform or the structure;

Schedule 11 hazardous chemical means a hazardous chemical or combination of hazardous chemicals specified in Schedule 11 , table 11.1;

Schedule 15 chemical means a hazardous chemical that –

(a) is specified in Schedule 15 , table 15.1; or

(b) belongs to a class, type or category of hazardous chemicals specified in Schedule 15 , table 15.2;

self-erecting tower crane means a crane –

(a) that is not disassembled into a tower element and a boom or jib element in the normal course of use; and

(b) where the erection and dismantling processes are an inherent part of the crane's function;

shaft means a vertical or inclined way or opening, from the surface downwards or from any underground working, the dimensions of which (apart from the perimeter) are less than its depth;

signal word means the word danger or warning used on a label to indicate to a label reader the relative severity level of a hazard, and to alert the reader to a potential hazard, under the GHS;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 36, Applied:01 Sep 2024] silica risk control plan means, in relation to the processing of a CSS that is high risk, a silica risk control plan prepared under regulation 529CB ;

[Regulation 5 Subregulation (1) amended by S.R. 2024, No. 30, Applied:01 Jul 2024] sintered stone does not include a sintered stone product that contains resin;

slewing mobile crane means a mobile crane incorporating a boom or jib that can be slewed, but does not include –

(a) a front-end loader; or

(b) a backhoe; or

(c) an excavator; or

(d) other earth moving equipment –

when configured for crane operation;

slinging techniques means the exercising of judgement in relation to the suitability and condition of lifting gear and the method of slinging, by consideration of the nature of the load, its mass and its centre of gravity;

specified VET course means –

(a) in relation to general construction induction training, the VET course Work Safely in the Construction Industry or a corresponding subsequent VET accredited course; or

(b) in relation to Class A asbestos removal work, the VET course Remove friable asbestos; or

(c) in relation to Class B asbestos removal work, the VET course Remove non-friable asbestos; or

(d) in relation to the supervision of asbestos removal work, the VET course Supervise asbestos removal; or

(e) in relation to asbestos assessor work, the VET course Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal; or

(f) in relation to high risk work, the relevant VET course specified in Schedule 4 ;

steam turbine means equipment that is driven by steam acting on a turbine or rotor to cause a rotary motion;

structure, in Chapter 6 – see regulation 290 ;

substance, in Part 7.1 , means a chemical element or compound in its natural state or obtained or generated by a process –

(a) including any additive necessary to preserve the stability of the element or compound and any impurities deriving from the process; but

(b) excluding any solvent that may be separated without affecting the stability of the element or compound, or changing its composition;

supplier, in relation to plant, a substance or a structure, has the same meaning as it has in section 25 of the Act;

surrounding area, in relation to a facility, means the area surrounding the facility in which the health and safety of persons could potentially be adversely affected by a major incident occurring;

suspended scaffold means a scaffold incorporating a suspended platform that is capable of being raised or lowered when in use;

technical name, in the definition of chemical identity, means a name that is –

(a) ordinarily used in commerce, regulations and codes to identify a substance or mixture, other than an International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or Chemical Abstracts Service name; and

(b) recognised by the scientific community;

temporary work platform means –

(a) a fixed, mobile or suspended scaffold; or

(b) an elevating work platform; or

(c) a mast climbing work platform; or

(d) a work box supported by a crane, hoist, forklift truck or other form of mechanical plant; or

(e) building maintenance equipment, including a building maintenance unit; or

(f) a portable or mobile fabricated platform; or

(g) any other temporary platform that –

(i) provides a working area; and

(ii) is designed to prevent a fall;

the Act means the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 ;

theatrical performance means acting, singing, playing a musical instrument, dancing or otherwise performing literary or artistic works or expressions of traditional custom or folklore;

threshold quantity, in relation to a Schedule 15 chemical, means –

(a) the threshold quantity of a specific hazardous chemical as determined under clause 3 of Schedule 15 ; or

(b) the aggregate threshold quantity of 2 or more hazardous chemicals as determined under clause 4 of Schedule 15 ;

tower crane means –

(a) a crane that has a boom or a jib mounted on a tower structure; and

(b) in Schedule 3  –

(i) the crane, if a jib crane, may be a horizontal or luffing jib type; and

(ii) the tower structure may be demountable or permanent –

but does not include a self-erecting tower crane;

tractor means a motor vehicle, whether wheeled or track mounted, designed to provide power and movement to any attached machine or implement by a transmission shaft, belt or linkage system but does not include earthmoving machinery;

trench means a horizontal or inclined way or opening –

(a) the length of which is greater than its width and greater than or equal to its depth; and

(b) that commences at and extends below the surface of the ground; and

(c) that is open to the surface along its length;

tunnel means an underground passage or opening that –

(a) is approximately horizontal; and

(b) commences at the surface of the ground or at an excavation;

UN number has the same meaning as it has in Attachment 2 of the ADG Code;

vehicle hoist means a device to hoist vehicles designed to provide access for under-chassis examination or service;

vehicle loading crane means a crane mounted on a vehicle for the purpose of loading and unloading the vehicle;

VET course has the same meaning as it has in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 of the Commonwealth;

WHS management plan, in relation to a construction project, means a management plan prepared or revised under Part 6.4 ;

work box means a personnel carrying device, designed to be suspended from a crane, to provide a working area for a person elevated by and working from the device;

work positioning system means any plant or structure, other than a temporary work platform, that enables a person to be positioned and safely supported at a location for the duration of the relevant work being carried out.

(1A)  In these regulations, a reference to an authorisation that is granted or issued under a corresponding WHS law is taken to include a reference to an authorisation that is saved or preserved (however described) under a corresponding WHS law.

(2)  Unless the context otherwise requires –

(a) a reference in these regulations to a Chapter by a number must be construed as reference to the Chapter, designated by that number, of these regulations; and

(b) a reference in these regulations to a Part by a number must be construed as reference to the Part, designated by that number, of these regulations.

6.   Determination of safety management system

The regulator may make a determination for the purposes of the definition of certified safety management system.

7.   Meaning of person conducting a business or undertaking – persons excluded

(1)  For the purposes of section 5(6) of the Act, a strata title body corporate that is responsible for any common areas used only for residential purposes may be taken not to be a person conducting a business or undertaking in relation to those premises.

(2)  Subregulation (1) does not apply if the strata title body corporate engages any worker as an employee.

(3)  For the purposes of section 5(6) of the Act, an incorporated association may be taken not to be a person conducting a business or undertaking if the incorporated association consists of a group of volunteers working together for 1 or more community purposes where –

(a) the incorporated association, either alone or jointly with any other similar incorporated association, does not employ any person to carry out work for the incorporated association; and

(b) none of the volunteers, whether alone or jointly with any other volunteers, employs any person to carry out work for the incorporated association.

(4)  In this regulation, strata title body corporate means a body corporate formed under the Strata Titles Act 1998 .

8.   Meaning of supply

For the purposes of section 6(3)(b) of the Act, a supply of a thing does not include the supply of a thing by a person who does not control the supply and has no authority to make decisions about the supply.

Examples
1.	An auctioneer who auctions a thing without having possession of the thing.
2.	A real estate agent acting in his or her capacity as a real estate agent.

9.   Provisions linked to health and safety duties in Act

If a note at the foot of a provision of these regulations states "WHS Act" followed by a reference to a section number, the regulation provision sets out the way in which a person's duty or obligation under that section of the Act is to be performed in relation to the matters and to the extent set out in the regulation provision.

Note

A failure to comply with a duty or obligation under a section of the Act referred to in a "WHS Act" note is an offence to which a penalty applies.

PART 1.2 - Application

10.   Application of the Act to dangerous goods and high risk plant

(1)  The following provisions of the Act are excluded from the operation of Schedule 1 to the Act:

(a) Divisions 2 to 8 of Part 5 ;

(b) Part 6 ;

(c) Part 7 .

(1A)  Dangerous goods (within the meaning of the ADG Code) listed in column 2 of the table to regulation 328(1A) are prescribed for the purposes of Schedule 1 to the Act as dangerous goods if the quantity of the goods at a place is more than the relevant threshold for the goods referred to in column 3 of that table.

11.   Application of these regulations

A duty imposed on a person under a provision of these regulations in relation to health and safety does not limit or affect any duty the person has under the Act or, unless otherwise expressly provided, any other provision of these regulations.

12.   Assessment of risk in relation to a class of hazards, tasks, circumstances or things

If these regulations require an assessment of risks to health and safety associated with a hazard, task, thing or circumstance, an assessment of risks associated with a class of hazards, tasks, things or circumstances may be conducted if –

(a) all hazards, tasks, things or circumstances in the class are the same; and

(b) the assessment of risks for the class does not result in any worker or other person being exposed to a greater, additional or different risk to health and safety than if the risk assessment were carried out in relation to each individual hazard, task, thing or circumstance.

PART 1.3 - Incorporated Documents

13.   Documents incorporated as in force when incorporated

A reference to any document applied, adopted or incorporated by, or referred to in, these regulations is to be read as a reference to that document as in force at the time the document is applied, adopted, incorporated or referred to unless express provision is made to the contrary.

14.   Inconsistencies between provisions

If a provision of any document applied, adopted or incorporated by, or referred to in, these regulations is inconsistent with any provision in these regulations, the provision of these regulations prevails.

15.   References to standards

(1)  In these regulations, a reference consisting of the words "Australian Standard" or the letters "AS" followed in either case by a number or a number accompanied by a reference to a calendar year is a reference to the standard so numbered published by or on behalf of Standards Australia.

(2)  In these regulations, a reference consisting of the expression "Australian/New Zealand Standard" or "AS/NZS" followed in either case by a number or a number accompanied by a reference to a calendar year is a reference to the standard so numbered published jointly by or on behalf of Standards Australia and the Standards Council of New Zealand.

Note

A person is only required to comply with an Australian Standard or Australian/New Zealand Standard that is applied, adopted or incorporated by, or otherwise referred to in, a regulation to the extent the regulation provides, whether expressly or by necessary implication.

For example, in regulation 5, definition boiler, there is an exception in paragraph (e)(iii). The definition does not require a person to comply with AS 2593:2021, but equipment must be certified in compliance with AS 2593:2021 in order to fall within that particular exception.

The reference to an Australian Standard in this case is part of a description of equipment excluded from the definition boiler. As a result, the equipment is not covered by particular provisions of these regulations relating to high risk work.

Chapter 2 - Representation and Participation

PART 2.1 - Representation

Division 1 - Work groups

16.   Negotiations for and determination of work groups

Negotiations for and determination of work groups and variations of work groups must be directed at ensuring that the workers are grouped in a way that –

(a) most effectively and conveniently enables the interests of the workers, in relation to work health and safety, to be represented; and

(b) has regard to the need for a health and safety representative for the work group to be readily accessible to each worker in the work group.

Note

Under the Act, a work group may be determined for workers at more than 1 workplace ( section 51(3) of the Act) or for workers carrying out work for 2 or more persons conducting businesses or undertakings at 1 or more workplaces ( Subdivision 3 of Division 3 of Part 5 of the Act).

17.   Matters to be taken into account in negotiations

For the purposes of sections 52(6) and 56(4) of the Act, negotiations for and determination of work groups and variation of agreements concerning work groups must take into account all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) the number of workers;

(b) the views of workers in relation to the determination and variation of work groups;

(c) the nature of each type of work carried out by the workers;

(d) the number and grouping of workers who carry out the same or similar types of work;

(e) the areas or places where each type of work is carried out;

(f) the extent to which any worker must move from place to place while at work;

(g) the diversity of workers and their work;

(h) the nature of any hazards at the workplace or workplaces;

(i) the nature of any risks to health and safety at the workplace or workplaces;

(j) the nature of the engagement of each worker, for example as an employee or as a contractor;

(k) the pattern of work carried out by workers, for example whether the work is full-time, part-time, casual or short-term;

(l) the times at which work is carried out;

(m) any arrangements at the workplace or workplaces relating to overtime or shift work.

Division 2 - Health and safety representatives

18.   Procedures for election of health and safety representatives

(1)  This regulation sets out minimum procedural requirements for the election of a health and safety representative for a work group for the purposes of section 61(2) of the Act.

(2)  The person conducting the election must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the following procedures are complied with:

(a) each person conducting a business or undertaking in which a worker in the work group works is informed of the date on which the election is to be held as soon as practicable after the date is determined;

(b) all workers in the work group are given an opportunity to –

(i) nominate for the position of health and safety representative; and

(ii) vote in the election;

(c) all workers in the work group and all relevant persons conducting a business or undertaking are informed of the outcome of the election.

19.   Person conducting business or undertaking must not delay election

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not unreasonably delay the election of a health and safety representative.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

20.   Removal of health and safety representatives

(1)  For the purposes of section 64(2)(d) of the Act, the majority of the members of a work group may remove a health and safety representative for the work group if the members sign a written declaration that the health and safety representative should no longer represent the work group.

(2)  A member of the work group nominated by the members who signed the declaration must, as soon as practicable –

(a) inform the following persons of the removal of the health and safety representative:

(i) the health and safety representative who has been removed;

(ii) each person conducting a business or undertaking in which a worker in the work group works; and

(b) take all reasonable steps to inform all members of the work group of the removal.

(3)  The removal of the health and safety representative takes effect when the persons referred to in subregulation (2)(a) and the majority of members of the work group have been informed of the removal.

21.   Training for health and safety representatives

(1)  For the purposes of section 72(1) of the Act, a health and safety representative is entitled to attend the following courses of training in work health and safety:

(a) an initial course of training of up to 5 days;

(b) up to 1 day's refresher training each year, with the entitlement to the first refresher training commencing 1 year after the initial training.

(2)  In approving a course of training in work health and safety for the purposes of section 72(1) of the Act, the regulator may have regard to any relevant matters, including –

(a) the content and quality of the curriculum, including its relevance to the powers and functions of a health and safety representative; and

(b) the qualifications, knowledge and experience of the person who is to provide the training.

Notes
1.	This regulation prescribes courses of training to which a health and safety representative is entitled. In addition to these courses, the health and safety representative and the person conducting the business or undertaking may agree that the representative will attend or receive further training.
2.	Under the Acts Interpretation Act 1931 , the power to approve a course of training includes the power to revoke or vary the approval.

PART 2.2 - Issue Resolution

22.   Agreed procedure – minimum requirements

(1)  This regulation sets out minimum requirements for an agreed procedure for issue resolution at a workplace.

(2)  The agreed procedure for issue resolution at a workplace must include the steps set out in regulation 23 .

(3)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that the agreed procedure for issue resolution at the workplace –

(a) complies with subregulation (2) ; and

(b) is set out in writing; and

(c) is communicated to all workers to whom the agreed procedure applies.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

23.   Default procedure

(1)  This regulation sets out the default procedure for issue resolution for the purposes of section 81(2) of the Act.

(2)  Any party to the issue may commence the procedure by informing each other party –

(a) that there is an issue to be resolved; and

(b) the nature and scope of the issue.

(3)  As soon as parties are informed of the issue, all parties must meet or communicate with each other to attempt to resolve the issue.

(4)  The parties must have regard to all relevant matters including the following:

(a) the degree and immediacy of risk to workers or other persons affected by the issue;

(b) the number and location of workers and other persons affected by the issue;

(c) the measures (both temporary and permanent) that must be implemented to resolve the issue;

(d) who will be responsible for implementing the resolution measures.

(5)  A party may, in resolving the issue, be assisted or represented by a person nominated by the party.

(6)  If the issue is resolved, details of the issue and its resolution must be set out in a written agreement if any party to the issue requests this.

Note

Under the Act, parties to an issue include not only a person conducting a business or undertaking, a worker and a health and safety representative, but also representatives of these persons (see section 80 of the Act).

(7)  If a written agreement is prepared all parties to the issue must be satisfied that the agreement reflects the resolution of the issue.

(8)  A copy of the written agreement must be given to –

(a) all parties to the issue; and

(b) if requested, to the health and safety committee for the workplace.

(9)  To avoid doubt, nothing in this procedure prevents a worker from bringing a work health and safety issue to the attention of the worker's health and safety representative.

PART 2.3 - Cessation of Unsafe Work

24.   Continuity of engagement of worker

For the purposes of section 88 of the Act, the prescribed purposes are the assessment of eligibility for, or the calculation of benefits for, any benefit or entitlement associated with the worker's engagement, including 1 or more of the following:

(a) remuneration and promotion, as affected by seniority;

(b) superannuation benefits;

(c) leave entitlements;

(d) any entitlement to notice of termination of the engagement.

PART 2.4 - Workplace Entry by WHS Entry Permit Holders

25.   Training requirements for WHS entry permits

(1)  The prescribed training for the purposes of sections 131 and 133 of the Act is training, that is provided or approved by the regulator, in relation to the following matters:

(a) the right of entry requirements under Part 7 of the Act;

(b) the issue resolution requirements under the Act and these regulations;

(c) the duties under, and the framework of, the Act and these regulations;

(d) the requirements for the management of risks under section 17 of the Act;

(e) the meaning of reasonably practicable as set out in section 18 of the Act;

(f) the relationship between the Act and these regulations and the Fair Work Act 2009 of the Commonwealth and the Industrial Relations Act 1984 .

(2)  The training must include providing the participant with information about the availability of any guidance material published by the regulator in relation to the Act and these regulations.

(3)  For the purpose of approving training, the regulator may have regard to any relevant matters, including –

(a) the content and quality of the curriculum, including its relevance to the powers and functions of a WHS permit holder; and

(b) the qualifications, knowledge and experience of the person who is to provide the training.

Note

Under the Acts Interpretation Act 1931 , the power to approve training includes a power to revoke or vary the approval.

26.   Form of WHS entry permit

A WHS entry permit must include the following:

(a) the section of the Act under which the WHS entry permit is issued;

(b) the full name of the WHS entry permit holder;

(c) the name of the union that the WHS entry permit holder represents;

(d) a statement that the WHS entry permit holder is entitled, while the WHS entry permit is in force, to exercise the rights given to the WHS entry permit holder under the Act;

(e) the date of issue of the WHS entry permit;

(f) the expiry date for the WHS entry permit;

(g) the signature of the WHS entry permit holder;

(h) any conditions on the WHS entry permit.

27.   Notice of entry - general

A notice of entry under Part 7 of the Act must –

(a) be written; and

(b) include the following:

(i) the full name of the WHS entry permit holder;

(ii) the name of the union that the WHS entry permit holder represents;

(iii) the section of the Act under which the WHS entry permit holder is entering or proposing to enter the workplace;

(iv) the name and address of the workplace entered or proposed to be entered;

(v) the date of entry or proposed entry;

(vi) the additional information and other matters required under regulation 28 , 29 or 30 (as applicable).

28.   Additional requirements – entry under Part 7, Division 2

A notice of entry under section 119 of the Act in relation to an entry under Part 7, Division 2 of the Act must also include the following:

(a) so far as is practicable, the particulars of the suspected contravention to which the notice relates;

(b) a declaration stating –

(i) that the union is entitled to represent the industrial interests of a worker who carries out work at the workplace entered and is a member, or eligible to be a member, of that union; and

(ii) the provision in the union's rules that entitles the union to represent the industrial interests of that worker; and

(iii) that the suspected contravention relates to, or affects, that worker.

Note

Section 130 of the Act provides that a WHS entry permit holder is not required to disclose the name of any worker to the person conducting the business or undertaking, and may do so only with the consent of the worker.

29.   Additional requirements – entry under section 120

A notice of entry under section 120 of the Act in relation to an entry under that section must also include the following:

(a) so far as is practicable, the particulars of the suspected contravention to which the notice relates;

(b) a description of the employee records and other documents, or of the classes of records and documents, directly relevant to the suspected contravention, that are proposed to be inspected;

(c) a declaration stating –

(i) that the union is entitled to represent the industrial interests of a worker who is a member, or eligible to be a member, of that union; and

(ii) the provision in the union's rules that entitles the union to represent the industrial interests of that worker; and

(iii) that the suspected contravention relates to, or affects, that worker; and

(iv) that the records and documents proposed to be inspected relate to that contravention.

Note

Section 130 of the Act provides that a WHS entry permit holder is not required to disclose the name of any worker to the person conducting the business or undertaking, and may do so only with the consent of the worker.

30.   Additional requirements – entry under section 121

A notice of entry under section 122 of the Act in relation to an entry under section 121 of the Act must also include a declaration stating –

(a) that the union is entitled to represent the industrial interests of a worker who carries out work at the workplace proposed to be entered and is a member, or eligible to be a member, of that union; and

(b) the provision in the union's rules that entitles the union to represent the industrial interests of that worker.

Note

Section 130 of the Act provides that a WHS entry permit holder is not required to disclose the name of any worker to the person conducting the business or undertaking, and may do so only with the consent of the worker.

31.   Register of WHS entry permit holders

For the purposes of section 151 of the Act, the regulator must publish on its website –

(a) an up-to-date register of WHS entry permit holders; and

(b) the date on which the register was last updated.

Chapter 3 - General Risk and Workplace Management

PART 3.1 - Managing Risks to Health and Safety

32.   Application of Part 3.1

This Part applies to a person conducting a business or undertaking who has a duty under these regulations to manage risks to health and safety.

33.   Specific requirements must be complied with

Any specific requirements under these regulations for the management of risk must be complied with when implementing the requirements of this Part.

Examples
1.	A requirement not to exceed an exposure standard.
2.	A duty to implement a specific control measure.
3.	A duty to assess risk.

34.   Duty to identify hazards

A duty holder, in managing risks to health and safety, must identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to risks to health and safety.

35.   Managing risks to health and safety

A duty holder, in managing risks to health and safety, must –

(a) eliminate risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable; and

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks to health and safety, minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

36.   Hierarchy of control measures

(1)  This regulation applies if it is not reasonably practicable for a duty holder to eliminate risks to health and safety.

(2)  A duty holder, in minimising risks to health and safety, must implement risk control measures in accordance with this regulation.

(3)  The duty holder must minimise risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, by doing 1 or more of the following:

(a) substituting (wholly or partly) the hazard giving rise to the risk with something that gives rise to a lesser risk;

(b) isolating the hazard from any person exposed to it;

(c) implementing engineering controls.

(4)  If a risk then remains, the duty holder must minimise the remaining risk, so far as is reasonably practicable, by implementing administrative controls.

(5)  If a risk then remains, the duty holder must minimise the remaining risk, so far as is reasonably practicable, by ensuring the provision and use of suitable personal protective equipment.

Note

A combination of the controls set out in this regulation may be used to minimise risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, if a single control is not sufficient for the purpose.

37.   Maintenance of control measures

A duty holder who implements a control measure to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety must ensure that the control measure is, and is maintained so that it remains, effective, including by ensuring that the control measure is and remains –

(a) fit for purpose; and

(b) suitable for the nature and duration of the work; and

(c) installed, set up and used correctly.

38.   Review of control measures

(1)  A duty holder must review and as necessary revise control measures implemented under these regulations so as to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health or safety.

(2)  Without limiting subregulation (1) , the duty holder must review and as necessary revise a control measure in the following circumstances:

(a) the control measure does not control the risk it was implemented to control so far as is reasonably practicable;

Examples
1.	The results of monitoring show that the control measure does not control the risk.
2.	A notifiable incident occurs because of the risk.

(b) before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different risk to health or safety that the measure may not effectively control;

(c) a new relevant hazard or risk is identified;

(d) the results of consultation by the duty holder under the Act or these regulations indicate that a review is necessary;

(e) a health and safety representative requests a review under subregulation (4) .

(3)  Without limiting subregulation (2)(b) , a change at the workplace includes –

(a) a change to the workplace itself or any aspect of the work environment; or

(b) a change to a system of work, a process or a procedure.

(4)  A health and safety representative for workers at a workplace may request a review of a control measure if the representative reasonably believes that –

(a) a circumstance referred to in subregulation (2)(a) , (b) , (c) or (d) affects or may affect the health and safety of a member of the work group represented by the health and safety representative; and

(b) the duty holder has not adequately reviewed the control measure in response to the circumstance.

PART 3.2 - General Workplace Management

Division 1 - Information, training and instruction

39.   Provision of information, training and instruction

(1)  This regulation applies for the purposes of section 19 of the Act to a person conducting a business or undertaking.

(2)  The person must ensure that information, training and instruction provided to a worker is suitable and adequate having regard to –

(a) the nature of the work carried out by the worker; and

(b) the nature of the risks associated with the work at the time the information, training or instruction is provided; and

(c) the control measures implemented.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The person must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the information, training and instruction provided under this regulation is provided in a way that is readily understandable by any person to whom it is provided.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Division 2 - General working environment

40.   Duty in relation to general workplace facilities

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the following:

(a) the layout of the workplace allows, and the workplace is maintained so as to allow, for persons to enter and exit and to move about without risk to health and safety, both under normal working conditions and in an emergency;

(b) work areas have space for work to be carried out without risk to health and safety;

(c) floors and other surfaces are designed, installed and maintained to allow work to be carried out without risk to health and safety;

(d) lighting enables –

(i) each worker to carry out work without risk to health and safety; and

(ii) persons to move within the workplace without risk to health and safety; and

(iii) safe evacuation in an emergency;

(e) ventilation enables workers to carry out work without risk to health and safety;

(f) workers carrying out work in extremes of heat or cold are able to carry out work without risk to health and safety;

(g) work in relation to or near essential services does not give rise to a risk to the health and safety of persons at the workplace.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

41.   Duty to provide and maintain adequate and accessible facilities

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision of adequate facilities for workers, including toilets, drinking water, washing facilities and eating facilities.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  The person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the facilities provided under subregulation (1) are maintained so as to be –

(a) in good working order; and

(b) clean, safe and accessible.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  For the purposes of this regulation, a person conducting a business or undertaking must have regard to all relevant matters including the following:

(a) the nature of the work being carried out at the workplace;

(b) the nature of the hazards at the workplace;

(c) the size, location and nature of the workplace;

(d) the number and composition of the workers at the workplace.

Division 3 - First aid

42.   Duty to provide first aid

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure –

(a) the provision of first aid equipment for the workplace; and

(b) that each worker at the workplace has access to the equipment; and

(c) access to facilities for the administration of first aid.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that –

(a) an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace; or

(b) workers have access to an adequate number of other persons who have been trained to administer first aid.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  For the purposes of this regulation, the person conducting the business or undertaking must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) the nature of the work being carried out at the workplace;

(b) the nature of the hazards at the workplace;

(c) the size and location of the workplace;

(d) the number and composition of the workers and other persons at the workplace.

Division 4 - Emergency plans

43.   Duty to prepare, maintain and implement emergency plan

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that an emergency plan is prepared for the workplace, that provides for the following:

(a) emergency procedures, including –

(i) an effective response to an emergency; and

(ii) evacuation procedures; and

(iii) notifying emergency service organisations at the earliest opportunity; and

(iv) medical treatment and assistance; and

(v) effective communication between the person authorised by the person conducting the business or undertaking to coordinate the emergency response and all persons at the workplace;

(b) testing of the emergency procedures, including the frequency of testing;

(c) information, training and instruction to relevant workers in relation to implementing the emergency procedures.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must maintain the emergency plan for the workplace so that it remains effective.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  For the purposes of subregulations (1) and (2) , the person conducting the business or undertaking must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) the nature of the work being carried out at the workplace;

(b) the nature of the hazards at the workplace;

(c) the size and location of the workplace;

(d) the number and composition of the workers and other persons at the workplace.

(4)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must implement the emergency plan for the workplace in the event of an emergency.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Division 5 - Personal protective equipment

44.   Provision to workers and use of personal protective equipment

(1)  This regulation applies if personal protective equipment is to be used to minimise a risk to health and safety in relation to work at a workplace in accordance with regulation 36 .

(2)  The person conducting a business or undertaking who directs the carrying out of work must provide the personal protective equipment to workers at the workplace, unless the personal protective equipment has been provided by another person conducting a business or undertaking.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Example

Equipment that has been provided by a labour hire company.

(3)  The person conducting the business or undertaking who directs the carrying out of work must ensure that personal protective equipment provided under subregulation (2) is –

(a) selected to minimise risk to health and safety, including by ensuring that the equipment is –

(i) suitable having regard to the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work; and

(ii) a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the worker who is to use or wear it; and

(b) maintained, repaired or replaced so that it continues to minimise risk to the worker who uses it, including by ensuring that the equipment is –

(i) clean and hygienic; and

(ii) in good working order; and

(c) used or worn by the worker, so far as is reasonably practicable.

(4)  The person conducting a business or undertaking who directs the carrying out of work must provide the worker with information, training and instruction in the –

(a) proper use and wearing of personal protective equipment; and

(b) the storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Note

A person conducting a business or undertaking must not charge or impose a levy on a worker for the provision of personal protective equipment (see section 273 of the Act).

45.   Personal protective equipment used by other persons

The person conducting a business or undertaking who directs the carrying out of work must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that –

(a) personal protective equipment to be used or worn by any person other than a worker at the workplace is capable of minimising risk to the person's health and safety; and

(b) the person uses or wears the equipment.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

46.   Duties of worker

(1)  This regulation applies if a person conducting a business or undertaking provides a worker with personal protective equipment.

(2)  The worker must, so far as the worker is reasonably able, use or wear the equipment in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction by the person conducting the business or undertaking.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(3)  The worker must not intentionally misuse or damage the equipment.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(4)  The worker must inform the person conducting the business or undertaking of any damage to, defect in or need to clean or decontaminate any of the equipment of which the worker becomes aware.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

47.   Duty of person other than worker

A person other than a worker must wear personal protective equipment at a workplace in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction provided by the person conducting the business or undertaking at the workplace.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

Division 6 - Remote or isolated work

48.   Remote or isolated work

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to the health and safety of a worker associated with remote or isolated work, in accordance with Part 3.1 .

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  In minimising risks to the health and safety of a worker associated with remote or isolated work, a person conducting a business or undertaking must provide a system of work that includes effective communication with the worker.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  In this regulation –

assistance includes rescue, medical assistance and the attendance of emergency service workers;

remote or isolated work, in relation to a worker, means work that is isolated from the assistance of other persons because of location, time or the nature of the work.

Division 7 - Managing risks from airborne contaminants

49.   Ensuring exposure standards for substances and mixtures not exceeded

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that no person at the workplace is exposed to a substance or mixture in an airborne concentration that exceeds the exposure standard for the substance or mixture.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

50.   Monitoring airborne contaminant levels

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that air monitoring is carried out to determine the airborne concentration of a substance or mixture at the workplace to which an exposure standard applies if –

(a) the person is not certain on reasonable grounds whether or not the airborne concentration of the substance or mixture at the workplace exceeds the relevant exposure standard; or

(b) monitoring is necessary to determine whether there is a risk to health.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that the results of air monitoring carried out under subregulation (1) are recorded, and kept for 30 years after the date the record is made.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that the results of air monitoring carried out under subregulation (1) are readily accessible to persons at the workplace who may be exposed to the substance or mixture.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

Division 8 - Hazardous atmospheres

51.   Managing risks to health and safety

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage risks to health and safety associated with a hazardous atmosphere at the workplace, in accordance with Part 3.1 .

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  An atmosphere is a hazardous atmosphere if –

(a) the atmosphere does not have a safe oxygen level; or

(b) the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere increases the fire risk; or

(c) the concentration of a flammable gas, vapour, mist or fumes exceeds 5% of the LEL for the gas, vapour, mist or fumes; or

(d) combustible dust is present in a quantity and form that would result in a hazardous area.

52.   Ignition sources

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage risks to health and safety associated with an ignition source in a hazardous atmosphere at the workplace, in accordance with Part 3.1 .

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  This regulation does not apply if the ignition source is part of a deliberate process or activity at the workplace.

Division 9 - Storage of flammable or combustible substances

53.   Flammable and combustible material not to be accumulated

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that, if flammable or combustible substances are kept at the workplace, the substances are kept at the lowest practicable quantity for the workplace.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  In this regulation, flammable or combustible substances include –

(a) flammable and combustible liquids, including waste liquids, in containers, whether empty or full; and

(b) gas cylinders, whether empty or full.

Division 10 - Falling objects

54.   Management of risk of falling objects

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage, in accordance with Part 3.1 , risks to health and safety associated with an object falling on a person if the falling object is reasonably likely to injure the person.

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

55.   Minimising risk associated with falling objects

(1)  This regulation applies if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk referred to in regulation 54 .

(2)  The person conducting the business or undertaking at a workplace must minimise the risk of an object falling on a person by providing adequate protection against the risk in accordance with this regulation.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The person provides adequate protection against the risk if the person provides and maintains a safe system of work, including –

(a) preventing an object from falling freely, so far as is reasonably practicable; or

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to prevent an object from falling freely, providing, so far as is reasonably practicable, a system to arrest the fall of a falling object.

Examples
1.	Providing a secure barrier.
2.	Providing a safe means of raising and lowering objects.
3.	Providing an exclusion zone persons are prohibited from entering.

Division 11 - Psychosocial risks

55A.   Meaning of psychosocial hazard

In these regulations, a psychosocial hazard is a hazard that –

(a) arises from, or relates to –

(i) the design or management of work; or

(ii) a work environment; or

(iii) plant at a workplace; or

(iv) workplace interactions or behaviours; and

(b) may cause psychological harm (whether or not it may also cause physical harm).

55B.   Meaning of psychosocial risk

A psychosocial risk is a risk to the health or safety of a worker or other person arising from a psychosocial hazard.

55C.   Managing psychosocial risks

A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage psychosocial risks in accordance with Part 3.1 other than regulation 36 .

55D.   Control measures

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must implement control measures –

(a) to eliminate psychosocial risks so far as is reasonably practicable; and

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate psychosocial risks, to minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

(2)  In determining the control measures to implement, the person must have regard to all relevant matters, including –

(a) the duration, frequency and severity of the exposure of workers and other persons to the psychosocial hazards; and

(b) how the psychosocial hazards may interact or combine; and

(c) the design of work, including job demands and tasks; and

(d) the systems of work, including how work is managed, organised and supported; and

(e) the design and layout, and environmental conditions, of the workplace, including the provision of –

(i) safe means of entering and exiting the workplace; and

(ii) facilities for the welfare of workers; and

(f) the design and layout, and environmental conditions, of workers’ accommodation; and

(g) the plant, substances and structures at the workplace; and

(h) workplace interactions or behaviours; and

(i) the information, training, instruction and supervision provided to workers.

(3)  In this regulation –

workers' accommodation means premises to which section 19(4) of the Act applies.

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

Chapter 4 - Hazardous Work

PART 4.1 - Noise

56.   Meaning of exposure standard for noise

(1)  In these regulations, exposure standard for noise, in relation to a person, means –

(a) L_Aeq,8h of 85 dB(A); or

(b) L_C,peak of 140 dB(C).

(2)  In this regulation –

L_Aeq,8h means the eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels (dB(A)) referenced to 20 micropascals, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.1:2005 (Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure);

L_C,peak means the C-weighted peak sound pressure level in decibels (dB(C)) referenced to 20 micropascals, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.1:2005 (Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure).

57.   Managing risk of hearing loss from noise

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage, in accordance with Part 3.1, risks to health and safety relating to hearing loss associated with noise.

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that the noise that a worker is exposed to at the workplace does not exceed the exposure standard for noise.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

58.   Audiometric testing

(1)  This regulation applies in relation to a worker who is frequently required by the person conducting the business or undertaking to use personal protective equipment to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise.

(2)  The person conducting the business or undertaking who provides the personal protective equipment as a control measure must provide audiometric testing for the worker –

(a) within 3 months of the worker commencing the work; and

(b) in any event, at least every 2 years.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  In this regulation, audiometric testing means the testing and measurement of the hearing threshold levels of each ear of a person by means of pure tone air conduction threshold tests.

59.   Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant

(1)  A designer of plant must ensure that the plant is designed so that its noise emission is as low as is reasonably practicable.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A designer of plant must give to each person who is provided with the design for the purpose of giving effect to it adequate information about –

(a) the noise emission values of the plant; and

(b) the operating conditions of the plant when noise emission is to be measured; and

(c) the methods the designer has used to measure the noise emission of the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  A manufacturer of plant must ensure that the plant is manufactured so that its noise emission is as low as is reasonably practicable.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(4)  A manufacturer of plant must give to each person to whom the manufacturer provides the plant adequate information about –

(a) the noise emission values of the plant; and

(b) the operating conditions of the plant when noise emission is to be measured; and

(c) the methods the manufacturer has used to measure the noise emission of the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(5)  An importer of plant must take all reasonable steps to –

(a) obtain information about –

(i) the noise emission values of the plant; and

(ii) the operating conditions of the plant when noise emission is to be measured; and

(iii) the methods the designer or manufacturer has used to measure the noise emission of the plant; and

(b) give that information to any person to whom the importer supplies the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(6)  A supplier of plant must take all reasonable steps to –

(a) obtain the information the designer, manufacturer or importer is required to give a supplier under subregulation (2) , (4) or (5) ; and

(b) give that information to any person to whom the supplier supplies the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

PART 4.2 - Hazardous Manual Tasks

60.   Managing risks to health and safety

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health and safety relating to a musculoskeletal disorder associated with a hazardous manual task, in accordance with Part 3.1 .

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  In determining the control measures to implement under subregulation (1) , the person conducting the business or undertaking must have regard to all relevant matters that may contribute to a musculoskeletal disorder, including –

(a) postures, movements, forces and vibration relating to the hazardous manual task; and

(b) the duration and frequency of the hazardous manual task; and

(c) workplace environmental conditions that may affect the hazardous manual task or the worker performing it; and

(d) the design of the work area; and

(e) the layout of the workplace; and

(f) the systems of work used; and

(g) the nature, size, weight or number of persons, animals or things involved in carrying out the hazardous manual task.

61.   Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant or structures

(1)  A designer of plant or a structure must ensure that the plant or structure is designed so as to eliminate the need for any hazardous manual task to be carried out in connection with the plant or structure.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  If it is not reasonably practicable to comply with subregulation (1) , the designer must ensure that the plant or structure is designed so that the need for any hazardous manual task to be carried out in connection with the plant or structure is minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The designer must give to each person who is provided with the design for the purpose of giving effect to it adequate information about the features of the plant or structure that eliminate or minimise the need for any hazardous manual task to be carried out in connection with the plant or structure.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(4)  A manufacturer of plant or a structure must ensure that the plant or structure is manufactured so as to eliminate the need for any hazardous manual task to be carried out in connection with the plant or structure.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(5)  If it is not reasonably practicable to comply with subregulation (4) , the manufacturer must ensure that the plant or structure is manufactured so that the need for any hazardous manual task to be carried out in connection with the plant or structure is minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(6)  The manufacturer must give to each person to whom the manufacturer provides the plant or structure adequate information about the features of the plant or structure that eliminate or minimise the need for any hazardous manual task to be carried out in connection with the plant or structure.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(7)  An importer of plant or a structure must take all reasonable steps to –

(a) obtain the information the designer or manufacturer is required to give under subregulation (3) or (6) ; and

(b) give that information to any person to whom the importer supplies the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(8)  A supplier of plant or a structure must take all reasonable steps to –

(a) obtain the information the designer, manufacturer or importer is required to give a supplier under subregulation (3) , (6) or (7) ; and

(b) give that information to any person to whom the supplier supplies the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

PART 4.3 - Confined Spaces

Division 1 - Preliminary

62.   Confined spaces to which this Part applies

(1)  This Part applies to confined spaces that –

(a) are entered by any person; or

(b) are intended or likely to be entered by any person; or

(c) could be entered inadvertently by any person.

(2)  In this Part, a reference to a confined space in relation to a person conducting a business or undertaking is a reference to a confined space that is under the person's management or control.

63.   Application to emergency service workers

Regulations 67 and 68 do not apply to the entry into a confined space by an emergency service worker if, at the direction of the emergency service organisation, the worker is –

(a) rescuing a person from the space; or

(b) providing first aid to a person in the space.

Division 2 - Duties of designer, manufacturer, importer, supplier, installer and constructor of plant or structure

64.   Duty to eliminate or minimise risk

(1)  This regulation applies in relation to plant or a structure that includes a space that is, or is intended to be, a confined space.

(2)  A designer, manufacturer, importer or supplier of the plant or structure, and a person who installs or constructs the plant or structure, must ensure that –

(a) the need for any person to enter the space and the risk of a person inadvertently entering the space are eliminated, so far as is reasonably practicable; or

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the need to enter the space or the risk of a person inadvertently entering the space –

(i) the need or risk is minimised so far as is reasonably practicable; and

(ii) the space is designed with a safe means of entry and exit; and

(iii) the risk to the health and safety of any person who enters the space is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable or, if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, the risk is minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Division 3 - Duties of person conducting business or undertaking

65.   Entry into confined space must comply with this Division

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that a worker does not enter a confined space before this Division has been complied with in relation to that space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

66.   Managing risks to health and safety

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage, in accordance with Part 3.1 , risks to health and safety associated with a confined space at a workplace including risks associated with entering, working in, on or in the vicinity of the confined space (including a risk of a person inadvertently entering the confined space).

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a risk assessment is conducted by a competent person for the purposes of subregulation (1) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(3)  The person must ensure that a risk assessment conducted under subregulation (2) is recorded in writing.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(4)  For the purposes of subregulations (1) and (2) , the person conducting a business or undertaking must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) whether the work can be carried out without the need to enter the confined space;

(b) the nature of the confined space;

(c) if the hazard is associated with the concentration of oxygen or the concentration of airborne contaminants in the confined space, any change that may occur in that concentration;

(d) the work required to be carried out in the confined space, the range of methods by which the work can be carried out and the proposed method of working;

(e) the type of emergency procedures, including rescue procedures, required.

(5)  The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a risk assessment under this regulation is reviewed and as necessary revised by a competent person to reflect any review and revision of control measures under Part 3.1 .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

67.   Confined space entry permit

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct a worker to enter a confined space to carry out work unless the person has issued a confined space entry permit for the work.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A confined space entry permit must –

(a) be completed by a competent person; and

(b) be in writing; and

(c) specify the following:

(i) the confined space to which the permit relates;

(ii) the names of persons permitted to enter the space;

(iii) the period of time for which the work in the space will be carried out;

(iv) measures to control risk associated with the proposed work in the space; and

(d) contain space for an acknowledgement that work in the confined space has been completed and that all persons have left the confined space.

(3)  The control measures specified in a confined space permit must –

(a) be based on a risk assessment conducted under regulation 66 ; and

(b) include –

(i) control measures to be implemented for safe entry; and

(ii) details of the system of work provided under regulation 69 .

(4)  The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that, when the work for which the entry permit was issued is completed –

(a) all workers leave the confined space; and

(b) the acknowledgement referred to in subregulation (2)(d) is completed by the competent person.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

68.   Signage

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that signs that comply with subregulation (2) are erected –

(a) immediately before work in a confined space commences and while the work is being carried out; and

(b) while work is being carried out in preparation for, and in the completion of, work in a confined space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(2)  The signs must –

(a) identify the confined space; and

(b) inform workers that they must not enter the space unless they have a confined space entry permit; and

(c) be clear and prominently located next to each entry to the space.

69.   Communication and safety monitoring

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a worker does not enter a confined space to carry out work unless the person provides a system of work that includes –

(a) continuous communication with the worker from outside the space; and

(b) monitoring of conditions within the space by a standby person who is in the vicinity of the space and, if practicable, observing the work being carried out.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

70.   Specific control – connected plant and services

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must, so far as is reasonably practicable, eliminate any risk associated with work in a confined space in either of the following circumstances:

(a) the introduction of any substance or condition into the space from or by any plant or services connected to the space;

(b) the activation or energising in any way of any plant or services connected to the space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(2)  If it is not reasonably practicable for the person to eliminate risk under subregulation (1) , the person must minimise that risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

71.   Specific control – atmosphere

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, in relation to work in a confined space, that –

(a) purging or ventilation of any contaminant in the atmosphere of the space is carried out, so far as is reasonably practicable; and

(b) pure oxygen or gas mixtures with oxygen in a concentration exceeding 21% by volume are not used for purging or ventilation of any airborne contaminant in the space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  The person must ensure that, while work is being carried out in a confined space –

(a) the atmosphere of the space has a safe oxygen level; or

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with paragraph (a) and the atmosphere in the space has an oxygen level less than 19.5% by volume, any worker carrying out work in the space is provided with air supplied respiratory equipment.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  In this regulation, purging means the method used to displace any contaminant from a confined space.

Notes
1.	Regulation 44 applies to the use of personal protective equipment, including the equipment provided under subregulation (2) .
2.	Regulation 50 also applies to airborne contaminants.

72.   Specific control – flammable gases and vapours

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that, while work is being carried out in a confined space, the concentration of any flammable gas, vapour or mist in the atmosphere of the space is less than 5% of its LEL.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  If it is not reasonably practicable to limit the atmospheric concentration of a flammable gas, vapour or mist in a confined space to less than 5% of its LEL and the atmospheric concentration of the flammable gas, vapour or mist in the space is –

(a) equal to or greater than 5% but less than 10% of its LEL, the person must ensure that any worker is immediately removed from the space unless a suitably calibrated, continuous-monitoring flammable gas detector is used in the space; or

(b) equal to or greater than 10% of its LEL, the person must ensure that any worker is immediately removed from the space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

73.   Specific control – fire and explosion

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that an ignition source is not introduced into a confined space (from outside or within the space) if there is a possibility of the ignition source causing a fire or explosion in the space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

74.   Emergency procedures

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must –

(a) establish first aid procedures and rescue procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency in a confined space; and

(b) ensure that the procedures are practised as necessary to ensure that they are efficient and effective.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  The person must ensure that first aid and rescue procedures are initiated from outside the confined space as soon as practicable in an emergency.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The person must ensure, in relation to any confined space, that –

(a) the entry and exit openings of the confined space are large enough to allow emergency access; and

(b) the entry and exit openings of the space are not obstructed; and

(c) plant, equipment and personal protective equipment provided for first aid or emergency rescue are maintained in good working order.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Note

See Part 3.2 for general provisions relating to first aid, personal protective equipment and emergency plans.

75.   Personal protective equipment in emergencies

(1)  This regulation applies in relation to a worker who is to enter a confined space in order to carry out first aid or rescue procedures in an emergency.

(2)  The person conducting the business or undertaking for which the worker is carrying out work must ensure that air supplied respiratory equipment is available for use by, and is provided to, the worker in an emergency in which –

(a) the atmosphere in the confined space does not have a safe oxygen level; or

(b) the atmosphere in the space has a harmful concentration of an airborne contaminant; or

(c) there is a serious risk of the atmosphere in the space becoming affected in the way referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) while the worker is in the space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The person conducting the business or undertaking for which the worker is carrying out work must ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is available for use by, and is provided to, the worker in an emergency in which –

(a) an engulfment has occurred inside the confined space; or

(b) there is a serious risk of an engulfment occurring while the worker is in the space.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Note

Regulation 44 applies to the use of personal protective equipment, including the equipment provided under this regulation.

76.   Information, training and instruction for workers

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that relevant workers are provided with suitable and adequate information, training and instruction in relation to the following:

(a) the nature of all hazards relating to a confined space;

(b) the need for, and the appropriate use of, control measures to control risks to health and safety associated with those hazards;

(c) the selection, fit, use, wearing, testing, storage and maintenance of any personal protective equipment;

(d) the contents of any confined space entry permit that may be issued in relation to work carried out by the worker in a confined space;

(e) emergency procedures.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  The person must ensure that a record of all training provided to a worker under this regulation is kept for 2 years.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  In subregulation (1) , relevant worker means –

(a) a worker who, in carrying out work for the business or undertaking, could –

(i) enter or work in a confined space; or

(ii) carry out any function in relation to work in a confined space or the emergency procedures established under regulation 74 , but who is not required to enter the space; or

(b) any person supervising a worker referred to in paragraph (a) .

77.   Confined space entry permit and risk assessment must be kept

(1)  This regulation applies if a person conducting a business or undertaking –

(a) prepares a risk assessment under regulation 66 ; or

(b) issues a confined space entry permit under regulation 67 .

(2)  Subject to subregulation (3) , the person must keep –

(a) a copy of the risk assessment until at least 28 days after the work to which it relates is completed; and

(b) a copy of the confined space entry permit until the work to which it relates is completed.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  If a notifiable incident occurs in connection with the work to which the assessment or permit relates, the person must keep the copy of the assessment or permit (as applicable) for at least 2 years after the incident occurs.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(4)  The person must ensure that, for the period for which the assessment or permit must be kept under this regulation, a copy is available for inspection under the Act.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(5)  The person must ensure that, for the period for which the assessment or permit must be kept under this regulation, a copy is available to any relevant worker on request.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

PART 4.4 - Falls

78.   Management of risk of fall

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage, in accordance with Part 3.1 , risks to health and safety associated with a fall by a person from 1 level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury to the person or any other person.

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  Subregulation (1) includes the risk of a fall –

(a) in or on an elevated workplace from which a person could fall; or

(b) in the vicinity of an opening through which a person could fall; or

(c) in the vicinity of an edge over which a person could fall; or

(d) on a surface through which a person could fall; or

(e) in any other place from which a person could fall.

(3)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that any work that involves the risk of a fall to which subregulation (1) applies is carried out on the ground or on a solid construction.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(4)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must provide safe means of access to and exit from –

(a) the workplace; and

(b) any area within the workplace referred to in subregulation (2) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(5)  In this regulation, solid construction means an area that has –

(a) a surface that is structurally capable of supporting all persons and things that may be located or placed on it; and

(b) barriers around its perimeter and any openings to prevent a fall; and

(c) an even and readily negotiable surface and gradient; and

(d) a safe means of entry and exit.

79.   Specific requirements to minimise risk of fall

(1)  This regulation applies if it is not reasonably practicable for the person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace to eliminate the risk of a fall to which regulation 78 applies.

(2)  The person must minimise the risk of a fall by providing adequate protection against the risk in accordance with this regulation.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The person provides adequate protection against the risk if the person provides and maintains a safe system of work, including by –

(a) providing a fall prevention device if it is reasonably practicable to do so; or

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to provide a fall prevention device, providing a work positioning system; or

(c) if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with either paragraph (a) or (b) , providing a fall arrest system, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Examples
1.	Providing temporary work platforms.
2.	Providing training in relation to the risks involved in working at the workplace.
3.	Providing safe work procedures, safe sequencing of work, safe use of ladders, permit systems and appropriate signs.
Note
A combination of the controls set out in this subregulation may be used to minimise risks, so far as is practicable, if a single control is not sufficient for the purpose.

(4)  This regulation does not apply in relation to the following work:

(a) the performance of stunt work;

(b) the performance of acrobatics;

(c) a theatrical performance;

(d) a sporting or athletic activity;

(e) horse riding.

Note

Regulation 36 applies to the management of risk in relation to this work.

(5)  In this regulation, fall prevention device includes –

(a) a secure fence; and

(b) edge protection; and

(c) working platforms; and

(d) covers.

Note

See regulation 5(1) for definitions of fall arrest system and work positioning system.

80.   Emergency and rescue procedures

(1)  This regulation applies if a person conducting a business or undertaking provides a fall arrest system as a control measure.

(2)  Without limiting regulation 79 , the person must establish emergency procedures, including rescue procedures, in relation to the use of the fall arrest system.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The person must ensure that the emergency procedures are tested so that they are effective.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(4)  The person must provide relevant workers with suitable and adequate information, training and instruction in relation to the emergency procedures.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(5)  In this regulation, relevant worker means –

(a) a worker who, in carrying out work in the business or undertaking, uses or is to use a fall arrest system; and

(b) a worker who may be involved in initiating or implementing the emergency procedures.

PART 4.5 - High Risk Work

Division 1 - Licensing of high risk work

Subdivision 1 - Requirement to be licensed

81.   Licence required to carry out high risk work

A person must not carry out a class of high risk work unless the person holds a high risk work licence for that class of high risk work, except as provided in regulation 82.

Notes
1.	See section 43 of the Act.
2.	Schedule 3 sets out the high risk work licences and classes of high risk work that are within the scope of each licence. Schedule 4 sets out the qualifications required for a high risk work licence.

82.   Exceptions

(1)  A person who carries out high risk work is not required to be licensed to carry out the work if the work is carried out –

(a) in the course of training towards a certification in order to be licensed to carry out the high risk work; and

(b) under the supervision of a person who is licensed to carry out the high risk work.

(1A)  A person who holds a certification in relation to a specified VET course for high risk work is not required to be licensed to carry out the work –

(a) for 60 days after the certification is issued; and

(b) if the person applies for the relevant high risk work licence within that 60 day period, until –

(i) the person is granted the licence; or

(ii) the expiry of 28 days after the person is given written notice under regulation 91(2) of a decision to refuse to grant the licence.

(1B)  A person who carries out high risk work is not required to be licensed to carry out the work if the work is carried out while an accredited assessor is conducting an assessment of the person's competency in relation to the work.

(2)  A person who carries out high risk work involving plant is not required to be licensed if –

(a) the work is carried out at a workplace solely for the purpose of the manufacture, testing, trialling, installation, commissioning, maintenance, servicing, repair, alteration, demolition or disposal of the plant at that workplace or moving the plant within the workplace; and

(b) the plant is operated or used without a load except when standard weight loads with predetermined fixing points are used for calibration of the plant.

(3)  For the purposes of subregulation (2)(a) , moving includes operating the plant in order to load the plant onto, or unload it from, a vehicle or equipment used to move it.

(4)  A person who carries out high risk work with a crane or hoist is not required to be licensed as a crane operator if –

(a) the work is limited to setting up or dismantling the crane or hoist; and

(b) the person carrying out the work holds a licence in relation to rigging, which qualifies the person to carry out the work.

Note

See Schedule 3 for the classes of crane operator licence.

(5)  A person who carries out high risk work with a heritage boiler is not required to be licensed as a boiler operator.

83.   Recognition of high risk work licences in other jurisdictions

(1)  In this Subdivision, a reference to a high risk work licence includes a reference to an equivalent licence –

(a) granted under a corresponding WHS law; and

(b) that is being used in accordance with the terms and conditions under which it was granted.

(2)  Subregulation (1) does not apply to a licence that is suspended or cancelled or has expired in the corresponding jurisdiction.

84.   Duty of person conducting business or undertaking to ensure direct supervision

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a person supervising the work of a person carrying out high risk work as required by regulation 82(1) provides direct supervision of the person except in the circumstances set out in subregulation (2) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  Direct supervision of a person is not required if –

(a) the nature or circumstances of a particular task make direct supervision impracticable or unnecessary; and

(b) the reduced level of supervision will not place the health or safety of the supervised person or any other person at risk.

(3)  In this regulation, direct supervision of a person means the oversight by the supervising person of the work of that person for the purposes of –

(a) directing, demonstrating, monitoring and checking the person's work in a way that is appropriate to the person's level of competency; and

(b) ensuring a capacity to respond in an emergency situation.

85.   Evidence of licence – duty of person conducting business or undertaking

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct or allow a worker to carry out high risk work for which a high risk work licence is required unless the person sees written evidence provided by the worker that the worker has the relevant high risk work licence for that work.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct or allow a worker to carry out high risk work in the circumstances referred to in regulation 82(1) unless the person sees written evidence provided by the worker that the worker is undertaking the course of training referred to in regulation 82(1)(a) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(2A)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct or allow a worker to carry out high risk work in the circumstances referred to in regulation 82(1A) unless the person sees written evidence provided by the worker that the worker –

(a) in the circumstances referred to in regulation 82(1A)(a) , holds a certification referred to in regulation 82(1A) ; and

(b) in the circumstances referred to in regulation 82(1A)(b)  –

(i) holds a certification referred to in regulation 82(1A) ; and

(ii) has applied for the relevant licence within the period referred to in regulation 82(1A)(b) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(3)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must not direct or allow a worker to supervise high risk work as referred to in regulation 82(1) and regulation 84 unless the person sees written evidence that the worker holds the relevant high risk work licence for that high risk work.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(4)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must keep a record of the written evidence provided –

(a) under subregulation (1) or (2) , for at least 1 year after the high risk work is carried out; and

(b) under subregulation (3) , for at least 1 year after the last occasion on which the worker performs the supervision work.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

Subdivision 2 - Licensing process

86.   Who may apply for a licence

Only a person who holds a qualification set out in Schedule 4 may apply for a high risk work licence.

87.   Application for high risk work licence

(1)  An application for a high risk work licence must be made in the manner and form required by the regulator.

(2)  The application must include the following information:

(a) the applicant's name and residential address;

(b) a photograph of the applicant in the form required by the regulator;

(c) evidence of the applicant's age;

(d) any other evidence of the applicant's identity required by the regulator;

(e) the class of high risk work licence to which the application relates;

(f) a copy of a certification –

(i) that is held by the applicant in relation to the specified VET course, or each of the specified VET courses, for the high risk work licence applied for; and

(ii) that was issued not more than 60 days before the application is made;

(g) a declaration that the applicant does not hold an equivalent licence under a corresponding WHS law;

(h) a declaration as to whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted or found guilty of any offence under the Act or these regulations or under any corresponding WHS law;

(i) details of any conviction or finding of guilt declared under paragraph (h) ;

(j) a declaration as to whether or not the applicant has ever entered into an enforceable undertaking under the Act or under any corresponding WHS law;

(k) details of any enforceable undertaking declared under paragraph (j) ;

(l) if the applicant has previously been refused an equivalent licence under a corresponding WHS law, a declaration giving details of that refusal;

(m) if the applicant has previously held an equivalent licence under a corresponding WHS law, a declaration –

(i) describing any condition imposed on that licence; and

(ii) stating whether or not that licence had been suspended or cancelled and, if so, whether or not the applicant had been disqualified from applying for any licence; and

(iii) giving details of any suspension, cancellation or disqualification.

Note

See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

(3)  The application must be accompanied by the relevant fee.

88.   Additional information

(1)  If an application for a high risk work licence does not contain sufficient information to enable the regulator to make a decision whether or not to grant the licence, the regulator may ask the applicant to provide additional information.

(2)  A request for additional information must –

(a) specify the date (not being less than 28 days after the request) by which the additional information is to be given; and

(b) be confirmed in writing.

(3)  If an applicant does not provide the additional information by the date specified, the application is to be taken to have been withdrawn.

(4)  The regulator may make more than 1 request for additional information under this regulation.

89.   Decision on application

(1)  Subject to subregulation (3) , the regulator must grant a high risk work licence if satisfied about the matters referred to in subregulation (2) .

(2)  The regulator must be satisfied about the following:

(a) the application has been made in accordance with these regulations;

(b) the applicant does not hold an equivalent licence under a corresponding WHS law unless that licence is due for renewal;

(c) the applicant –

(i) resides in this State; or

(ii) resides outside this State and circumstances exist that justify the grant of the licence;

(d) the applicant is at least 18 years of age;

(e) the applicant has provided the certification required under regulation 87(2)(f) ;

(f) the applicant is able to carry out the work to which the licence relates safely and competently.

(3)  The regulator must refuse to grant a high risk work licence if satisfied that –

(a) the applicant is disqualified under a corresponding WHS law from holding an equivalent licence; or

(b) the applicant, in making the application, has –

(i) given information that is false or misleading in a material particular; or

(ii) failed to give any material information that should have been given.

(4)  If the regulator decides to grant the licence, it must notify the applicant within 14 days after making the decision.

(5)  If the regulator does not make a decision within 120 days after receiving the application or the additional information requested under regulation 88 , the regulator is taken to have refused to grant the licence applied for.

Note

A refusal to grant a high risk work licence (including under subregulation (5) ) is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

90.   Matters to be taken into account

For the purposes of regulation 89(2)(f) , the regulator must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) any offence under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law of which the applicant has been convicted or found guilty;

(b) in relation to any equivalent licence applied for or held by the applicant under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law –

(i) any refusal to grant the licence; and

(ii) any condition imposed on the licence, if granted; and

(iii) any suspension or cancellation of the licence, if granted, including any disqualification from applying for any licence;

(c) any enforceable undertaking the applicant has entered into under the Act or a corresponding WHS law;

(d) the applicant's record in relation to any matters arising under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law.

91.   Refusal to grant high risk work licence – process

(1)  If the regulator proposes to refuse to grant a licence, the regulator must give a written notice to the applicant –

(a) informing the applicant of the reasons for the proposed refusal; and

(b) advising the applicant that the applicant may, by a specified date (being not less than 28 days after giving the notice), make a submission to the regulator in relation to the proposed refusal.

(2)  After the date specified in a notice under subregulation (1) , the regulator must –

(a) if the applicant has made a submission in relation to the proposed refusal to grant the licence, consider that submission; and

(b) whether or not the applicant has made a submission, decide whether to grant or refuse to grant the licence; and

(c) within 14 days after making that decision, give the applicant written notice of the decision, including the reasons for the decision.

Note

A decision to refuse to grant a licence is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

91A.   Conditions of licence

(1)  The regulator may impose any conditions it considers appropriate on a high risk work licence.

(2)  Without limiting subregulation (1) , the regulator may impose conditions in relation to 1 or more of the following:

(a) control measures that must be implemented in relation to the carrying out of work or activities under the licence;

(b) the circumstances in which work or activities authorised by the licence may be carried out.

(3)  The regulator must give the licence holder written notice of any conditions imposed on the licence.

Notes
1.	A person must comply with the conditions of a licence (see section 45 of the Act).
2.	A decision to impose a condition on a licence is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

92.   Duration of licence

Subject to this Division, a high risk work licence takes effect on the day it is granted and, unless cancelled earlier, expires 5 years after that day.

93.   Licence document

(1)  If the regulator grants a high risk work licence, the regulator must issue to the applicant a licence document in the form determined by the regulator.

(2)  The licence document must include the following:

(a) the name of the licence holder;

(b) a photograph of the licence holder;

(c) the date of birth of the licence holder;

(d) a copy of the signature of the licence holder or provision for the inclusion of a copy signature;

(e) the class of high risk work licence and a description of the work within the scope of the licence;

(f) the date on which the licence was granted;

(g) the expiry date of the licence.

(3)  For the purposes of subregulation (2)(e) , if the regulator grants more than 1 class of high risk work licence to a person, the licence document must contain a description of each class of licence and the work that is within the scope of each licence.

(4)  If a licence holder holds more than 1 high risk work licence, the regulator may issue to the licence holder 1 licence document in relation to some or all those licences.

(5)  Despite regulation 92 , if a licence document is issued under subregulation (4) , the licences to which that licence document related expire on the date that the first of those licences expires.

94.   Licence document to be available

(1)  A licence holder must keep the licence document available for inspection under the Act.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(2)  Subregulation (1) does not apply if the licence document is not in the licence holder's possession because –

(a) it has been returned to the regulator under regulation 97 ; or

(b) the licence holder has applied for, but has not received, a replacement licence document under regulation 98 .

95.   Reassessment of competency of licence holder

The regulator may direct a licence holder to obtain a reassessment of the competency of the licence holder to carry out the high risk work covered by the licence if the regulator reasonably believes that the licence holder may not be competent to carry out that work.

Examples
1.	The training or competency assessment of the licence holder did not meet the standard required to hold the licence.
2.	The regulator receives information that the licence holder has carried out high risk work incompetently.

Subdivision 3 - Amendment of licence document

96.   Notice of change of address

The licence holder of a high risk work licence must notify the regulator of a change of residential address, within 14 days of the change occurring.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

97.   Licence holder to return licence

If a high risk work licence is amended, the licence holder must return the licence document to the regulator for amendment at the written request of the regulator and within the time specified in the request.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

98.   Replacement licence document

(1)  A licence holder must notify the regulator as soon as practicable if the licence document is lost, stolen or destroyed.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(2)  If a licence document is lost, stolen or destroyed, the licence holder may apply to the regulator for a replacement document.

Note

A licence holder is required to keep the licence document available for inspection (see regulation 94 ).

(3)  An application for a replacement licence document must be made in the manner and form required by the regulator.

(4)  The application must –

(a) include a declaration describing the circumstances in which the original document was lost, stolen or destroyed; and

Note

See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

(b) be accompanied by the relevant fee.

(5)  The regulator must issue a replacement licence document if satisfied that the original document was lost, stolen or destroyed.

(6)  If the regulator refuses to issue a replacement licence document, it must give the licence holder written notice of this decision, including the reasons for the decision, within 14 days after making the decision.

Note

A decision to refuse to replace a licence is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

99.   Voluntary surrender of licence

(1)  A licence holder may voluntarily surrender the licence document to the regulator.

(2)  The licence expires on the surrender of the licence document.

Subdivision 4 - Renewal of high risk work licence

100.   Regulator may renew licence

The regulator may renew a high risk work licence on application by the licence holder.

101.   Application for renewal

(1)  An application for renewal of a high risk work licence must be made in the manner and form required by the regulator.

(2)  The application must include the following information:

(a) the name and residential address of the applicant;

(b) if required by the regulator, a photograph of the applicant in the form required by the regulator;

(c) any other evidence of the applicant's identity required by the regulator;

(d) a declaration by the applicant that he or she has maintained his or her competency to carry out the high risk work, including by obtaining any reassessment directed under regulation 95 .

Note

See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

(3)  The application must be accompanied by the relevant fee.

(4)  The application must be made before the expiry of the licence.

102.   Licence continues in force until application is decided

If a licence holder applies under regulation 101 for the renewal of a high risk work licence, the licence is taken to continue in force from the day it would, apart from this regulation, have expired until the licence holder is given notice of the decision on the application.

103.   Renewal of expired licence

A person whose high risk work licence has expired may apply for a renewal of that licence –

(a) within 12 months after the expiry of the licence; or

(b) if the person satisfies the regulator that exceptional circumstances exist, within any longer period that the regulator allows.

Notes
1.	As the licence has expired, the applicant cannot carry out the work covered by the licence until the licence is renewed. An application made after a period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) would be an application for a new licence under regulation 87 .
2.	See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

104.   Provisions relating to renewal of licence

(1)  For the purposes of this Subdivision –

(a) regulation 88 applies as if a reference in that regulation to an application for a licence were a reference to an application to renew a licence; and

(b) regulations 89 (except subregulation (5) ), 90 , 91A and 92 apply as if a reference in those regulations to the grant of a licence were a reference to the renewal of a licence; and

(c) regulation 91 applies as if a reference in that regulation to a refusal to grant a licence were a reference to a refusal to renew a licence.

(2)  The regulator may renew a high risk work licence granted to a person under a corresponding WHS law unless that licence is renewed under that law.

Note

A refusal to renew a licence is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

105.   Status of licence during review

(1)  This regulation applies if the regulator gives a licence holder written notice of its decision to refuse to renew the licence.

(2)  If the licence holder does not apply for internal review of the decision, the licence continues to have effect until the last of the following events:

(a) the expiry of the licence;

(b) the end of the period for applying for an internal review.

(3)  If the licence holder applies for an internal review of the decision, the licence continues to have effect until the earlier of the following events:

(a) the licence holder withdraws the application for review;

(b) the regulator makes a decision on the review.

(4)  If the licence holder does not apply for an external review, the licence continues to have effect until the end of the time for applying for an external review.

(5)  If the licence holder applies for an external review, the licence continues to have effect until the earlier of the following events:

(a) the licence holder withdraws the application for review;

(b) the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) makes a decision on the review.

(6)  The licence continues to have effect under this regulation even if its expiry date passes.

Subdivision 5 - Suspension and cancellation of high risk work licence

106.   Suspension or cancellation of licence

(1)  The regulator may suspend or cancel a high risk work licence if satisfied about 1 or more of the following:

(a) the licence holder has failed to take reasonable care to carry out the high risk work safely and competently;

(ab) the licence holder has failed to comply with a condition of the licence;

(b) the licence holder has failed to obtain a reassessment of competency directed under regulation 95 ;

(c) the licence holder, in the application for the grant or renewal of the licence or on request by the regulator for additional information –

(i) gave information that was false or misleading in a material particular; or

(ii) failed to give any material information that should have been given in that application or on that request;

(d) the licence was granted or renewed on the basis of a certification that was obtained on the basis of the giving of false or misleading information by any person or body or that was obtained improperly through a breach of a condition of accreditation by the accredited assessor who conducted the assessment.

(2)  If the regulator suspends or cancels a licence, the regulator may disqualify the licence holder from applying for –

(a) a further high risk work licence of the same class; or

(b) another licence under these regulations to carry out work which requires skills that are the same as or similar to those required for the work authorised by the licence that has been suspended or cancelled.

(3)  If the regulator suspends a licence, the regulator may vary the conditions of the licence, including by imposing different or additional conditions.

(4)  A variation of conditions under subregulation (3) takes effect when the suspension of the licence ends.

Notes
1.	A decision to suspend a licence, to cancel a licence or to disqualify the licence holder from applying for a further licence is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).
2.	A variation of licence conditions is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

107.   Matters taken into account

(1)  In making a decision under regulation 106 , the regulator must have regard to –

(a) any submissions made by the licence holder under regulation 108 ; and

(b) any advice received from a corresponding regulator.

(2)  For the purposes of regulation 106(1)(a) , the regulator must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) any offence under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law, of which the licence holder has been convicted or found guilty;

(b) in relation to any equivalent licence applied for or held by the licence holder under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law –

(i) any refusal to grant the licence; and

(ii) any condition imposed on the licence, if granted; and

(iii) any suspension or cancellation of the licence, if granted, including any disqualification from applying for any licence;

(c) any enforceable undertaking the licence holder has entered into under the Act or a corresponding WHS law;

(d) the licence holder's record in relation to any matters arising under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law.

108.   Notice to and submissions by licence holder

(1)  Before suspending or cancelling a high risk work licence, the regulator must give the licence holder a written notice of –

(a) the proposed suspension or cancellation; and

(b) any proposed disqualification; and

(c) any proposed variation of licence conditions.

(2)  A notice under subregulation (1) must –

(a) outline all relevant allegations, facts and circumstances known to the regulator; and

(b) advise the licence holder that the licence holder may, by a specified date (being not less than 28 days after giving the notice), make a submission in relation to the proposed suspension or cancellation, any proposed disqualification and any proposed variation of licence conditions.

109.   Notice of decision

(1)  The regulator must give the licence holder written notice of a decision under regulation 106 to suspend or cancel a high risk work licence within 14 days after making the decision.

(2)  The notice must –

(a) state that the licence is to be suspended or cancelled; and

(b) if the licence is to be suspended, state –

(i) when the suspension begins and ends; and

(ii) the reasons for the suspension; and

(iii) whether the licence holder is required to undergo retraining or reassessment or take any other action before the suspension ends; and

(iv) whether or not the licence holder is disqualified from applying for a further licence during the suspension; and

(v) if licence conditions are to be varied, the variation; and

(vi) if licence conditions are to be varied, that the variation will take effect when the suspension ends; and

(c) if the licence is to be cancelled, state –

(i) when the cancellation takes effect; and

(ii) the reasons for the cancellation; and

(iii) whether or not the licence holder is disqualified from applying for a further licence; and

(d) if the licence holder is to be disqualified from applying for a further licence, state –

(i) when the disqualification begins and ends; and

(ii) the reasons for the disqualification; and

(iii) whether or not the licence holder is required to undergo retraining or reassessment or take any other action before the disqualification ends; and

(iv) any other class of high risk work licence or other licence under these regulations the licence holder is disqualified from applying for during the period of suspension or disqualification; and

(e) state when the licence document must be returned to the regulator.

110.   Immediate suspension

(1)  The regulator may suspend a high risk work licence on a ground referred to in regulation 106 without giving notice under regulation 108 if satisfied that –

(a) work carried out under the high risk work licence should cease because the work may involve an imminent serious risk to the health or safety of any person; or

(b) a corresponding regulator has suspended an equivalent licence held by the licence holder under this regulation as applying in the corresponding jurisdiction.

(2)  If the regulator decides to suspend a licence under this regulation –

(a) the regulator must give the licence holder written notice of the suspension and the reasons for the suspension; and

(b) the suspension of the licence takes effect on the giving of the notice.

(3)  The regulator must then –

(a) give notice under regulation 108 within 14 days after giving the notice under subregulation (2) ; and

(b) make its decision under regulation 106 .

(4)  If the regulator does not give notice under subregulation (3) , the suspension ends at the end of the 14 day period.

(5)  If the regulator gives notice under subregulation (3) , the licence remains suspended until the decision is made under regulation 106 .

111.   Licence holder to return licence document

A licence holder, on receiving a notice under regulation 109 , must return the licence document to the regulator in accordance with the notice.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

112.   Regulator to return licence document after suspension

When the period of suspension of a licence ends, the regulator must return the licence document to the licence holder within 14 days after the suspension ends.

Division 2 - Accreditation of assessors

Subdivision 1 - Requirement to be accredited

113.   Accreditation required to assess competency for high risk work licence

A person who is not an accredited assessor must not –

(a) conduct a competency assessment; or

(b) issue a notice of satisfactory assessment; or

(c) in any other way hold himself or herself out to be an accredited assessor.

Note

See section 43 of the Act.

114.   Accredited assessor must act in accordance with accreditation

(1)  An accredited assessor must not conduct a competency assessment unless –

(a) the competency assessment relates to a class of high risk work for which the assessor is accredited; and

(b) the accredited assessor conducts the competency assessment for or on behalf of an RTO.

(2)  An accredited assessor must not issue a notice of satisfactory assessment unless the competency assessment relates to a class of high risk work for which the assessor is accredited.

(3)  An accredited assessor who conducts a competency assessment must do so in accordance with the conditions of accreditation imposed under regulation 121 .

(4)  An accredited assessor who issues a notice of satisfactory assessment must do so in accordance with the conditions of accreditation imposed under regulation 121 .

(5)  Subregulations (1) to (4) do not apply if the regulator is the accredited assessor.

Note

See section 43 of the Act.

Subdivision 2 - Accreditation process

115.   Regulator may accredit assessors

The regulator may, under this Division, accredit persons to conduct assessments.

116.   Application for accreditation

(1)  An application for accreditation must be made in the manner and form required by the regulator.

(2)  The application must include the following information:

(a) the name and residential address of the applicant;

(b) any other evidence of the applicant's identity required by the regulator;

(c) details of the class of high risk work to which the application relates;

(d) evidence that the applicant is qualified to conduct the type of competency assessment in relation to the class of high risk work to which the application relates;

(e) details of any current equivalent accreditation under a corresponding WHS law;

(f) a declaration as to whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted or found guilty of any offence under the Act or these regulations or under any corresponding WHS law;

(g) details of any conviction or finding of guilt declared under paragraph (f) ;

(h) a declaration as to whether or not the applicant has entered into an enforceable undertaking under the Act or under any corresponding WHS law;

(i) details of any enforceable undertaking declared under paragraph (h) ;

(j) if the applicant has previously been refused an equivalent accreditation under a corresponding WHS law, a declaration giving details of that refusal;

(k) if the applicant has previously held an equivalent accreditation under a corresponding WHS law, a declaration –

(i) describing any condition imposed on that accreditation; and

(ii) stating whether or not that accreditation had been suspended or cancelled and, if so, whether or not the applicant had been disqualified from applying for any accreditation; and

(iii) giving details of any suspension, cancellation or disqualification.

Note

See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

(3)  The application must be accompanied by the relevant fee.

117.   Additional information

(1)  If an application for accreditation does not contain sufficient information to enable the regulator to make a decision whether or not to grant the accreditation, the regulator may ask the applicant to provide additional information.

(2)  A request for additional information must –

(a) specify the date (being not less than 28 days after the request) by which the additional information is to be given; and

(b) be confirmed in writing.

(3)  If an applicant does not provide the additional information by the date specified, the application is taken to have been withdrawn.

(4)  The regulator may make more than 1 request for additional information under this regulation.

118.   Decision on application

(1)  Subject to subregulation (3) , the regulator must grant an accreditation if satisfied about the matters referred to in subregulation (2) .

(2)  The regulator must be satisfied that –

(a) the applicant –

(i) is qualified to conduct the competency assessment to which the application relates; and

(ii) is able to conduct the competency assessment to which the application relates competently; and

(iii) is able to ensure compliance with any conditions that will apply to the accreditation; or

(b) the applicant holds a current equivalent accreditation under a corresponding WHS law.

(3)  The regulator must refuse to grant an accreditation if satisfied that –

(a) the applicant is disqualified under a corresponding WHS law from holding an equivalent accreditation; or

(b) the applicant, in making the application, has –

(i) given information that is false or misleading in a material particular; or

(ii) failed to give any material information that should have been given.

(4)  If the regulator decides to grant the accreditation, it must notify the applicant within 14 days after making the decision.

(5)  If the regulator does not make a decision within 120 days after receiving the application or the additional information requested under regulation 117 , the regulator is taken to have refused to grant the accreditation applied for.

(6)  For the purposes of subregulation (2)(a)(i) , an applicant is qualified to provide the competency assessment if –

(a) the applicant's competencies, skills and knowledge are in accordance with the Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations 2011 published by the Commonwealth; and

(b) the applicant holds a current high risk work licence for the class of high risk work to which the competency assessment relates.

Note

A refusal to grant accreditation (including a refusal under subregulation (5) ) is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

119.   Matters to be taken into account

For the purposes of regulation 118(2)(a)(ii) and (iii) , the regulator must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) any offence under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law of which the applicant has been convicted or found guilty;

(b) any enforceable undertaking the applicant has entered into under the Act or a corresponding WHS law;

(c) in relation to any equivalent accreditation applied for or held by the applicant under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law –

(i) any refusal to grant the accreditation; and

(ii) any condition imposed on the accreditation, if granted; and

(iii) any suspension or cancellation of the accreditation, if granted, including any disqualification from applying for any accreditation;

(d) the applicant's record in relation to any matters arising under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law.

120.   Refusal to grant accreditation – process

(1)  If the regulator proposes to refuse to grant an accreditation, the regulator must give the applicant a written notice –

(a) informing the applicant of the reasons for the proposed refusal; and

(b) advising the applicant that the applicant may, by a specified date (being not less than 28 days after the notice is given), make a submission to the regulator in relation to the proposed refusal.

(2)  After the date specified in a notice under subregulation (1) , the regulator must –

(a) if the applicant has made a submission in relation to the proposed refusal to grant the accreditation, consider that submission; and

(b) whether or not the applicant has made a submission, decide whether to grant or refuse to grant the accreditation; and

(c) within 14 days after making that decision, give the applicant written notice of the decision, including the reasons for the decision.

Note

A refusal to grant an accreditation is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

121.   Conditions of accreditation

(1)  The regulator may impose any conditions it considers appropriate on an accreditation.

(2)  Without limiting subregulation (1) , the regulator may impose conditions –

(a) relating to the competency assessments and assessment activities that may be carried out; and

(b) relating to the circumstances in which competency assessments or assessment activities may be carried out; and

(c) requiring the accredited assessor to keep specified information; and

(d) requiring the accredited assessor to give specified information to the regulator.

Notes
1.	A person must comply with the conditions of accreditation (see section 45 of the Act).
2.	A decision to impose a condition on an accreditation is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

122.   Duration of accreditation

An accreditation takes effect on the day it is granted and, unless cancelled earlier, expires 3 years after that day.

123.   Accreditation document

(1)  If the regulator grants an accreditation, it must issue to the applicant an accreditation document in the form determined by the regulator.

(2)  An accreditation document must include the following:

(a) the name of the accredited assessor;

(b) the class of high risk work to which the accreditation relates;

(c) any conditions imposed on the accreditation by the regulator;

(d) the date on which the accreditation was granted;

(e) the expiry date of the accreditation.

(3)  If an assessor is accredited to conduct a competency assessment in relation to more than 1 class of high risk work, the regulator may issue to the accredited assessor 1 accreditation document in relation to some or all of those classes of high risk work.

(4)  If 2 or more of the classes of high risk work referred to in subregulation (3) represent levels of the same type of work, it is sufficient if the accreditation document contains a description of the class of work that represents the highest level.

124.   Accreditation document to be available

(1)  An accredited assessor must keep the accreditation document available for inspection under the Act.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(2)  An accredited assessor must make the accreditation document available for inspection by any person in relation to whom the assessor is conducting, or is to conduct, a competency assessment.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  Subregulations (1) and (2) do not apply if the accreditation document is not in the accredited assessor's possession because –

(a) it has been returned to the regulator under regulation 126 ; or

(b) the accreditation assessor has applied for, but has not received, a replacement accreditation document under regulation 127 .

Subdivision 3 - Amendment of accreditation document

125.   Changes to information

(1)  An accredited assessor must give the regulator written notice of any change to any material particular in any information given at any time by the assessor to the regulator in relation to the accreditation within 14 days after the assessor becomes aware of the change.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(2)  Subregulation (1) applies whether the information was given in the application for grant or renewal of the accreditation or in any other circumstance.

126.   Accredited assessor to return accreditation document

If an accreditation is amended, the accredited assessor must return the accreditation document to the regulator for amendment at the written request of the regulator and within the time specified in the request.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

127.   Replacement accreditation document

(1)  An accredited assessor must notify the regulator as soon as practicable if the accreditation document is lost, stolen or destroyed.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(2)  If an accreditation document is lost, stolen or destroyed an accredited assessor may apply to the regulator for a replacement accreditation document.

Note

An accreditation holder is required to keep the accreditation document available for inspection (see regulation 124 ).

(3)  An application for a replacement accreditation document must be made in the manner and form required by the regulator.

(4)  The application must –

(a) include a declaration describing the circumstances in which the original document was lost, stolen or destroyed; and

Note

See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

(b) be accompanied by the relevant fee.

(5)  The regulator must issue a replacement accreditation document if satisfied that the original document was lost, stolen or destroyed.

(6)  If the regulator refuses to issue a replacement accreditation document, it must give the accredited assessor written notice of this decision, including the reasons for the decision, within 14 days after making the decision.

Note

A refusal to issue a replacement accreditation document is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

128.   Voluntary surrender of accreditation

(1)  An accredited assessor may voluntarily surrender the accreditation document to the regulator.

(2)  The accreditation expires on the surrender of the accreditation document.

Subdivision 4 - Renewal of accreditation

129.   Regulator may renew accreditation

The regulator may renew an accreditation on the application of the accredited assessor.

130.   Application for renewal

(1)  An application for renewal of accreditation must be made in the manner and form required by the regulator.

(2)  An application must –

(a) include the information referred to in regulation 116(2) ; and

Note

See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

(b) be accompanied by the relevant fee.

(3)  The application must be made before the expiry of the accreditation.

131.   Accreditation continues in force until application is decided

If an accredited assessor applies under regulation 130 for the renewal of accreditation, the accreditation is taken to continue in force from the day it would, apart from this regulation, have expired until the accredited assessor is given notice of the decision on the application.

132.   Provisions relating to application

For the purposes of this Division –

(a) regulation 117 applies as if a reference in that regulation to an application for accreditation were a reference to an application to renew an accreditation; and

(b) regulations 118 (except subregulation (5) ), 119 , 121 and 122 apply as if a reference in those regulations to the grant of an accreditation were a reference to the renewal of an accreditation; and

(c) regulation 120 applies as if a reference in that regulation to a refusal to grant an accreditation were a reference to a refusal to renew an accreditation.

Note

A refusal to renew an accreditation is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

Subdivision 5 - Suspension and cancellation

133.   Regulator may suspend or cancel accreditation

(1)  The regulator may, under this Division –

(a) suspend or cancel an accreditation; and

(b) if suspending an accreditation, vary the conditions of the accreditation, including by imposing different or additional conditions.

(2)  If the regulator cancels an accreditation, the regulator may disqualify the accredited assessor from applying for a further accreditation for a specified period.

Note

A decision to suspend or cancel an accreditation, to vary the conditions of an accreditation or to disqualify an accredited assessor from applying for a further accreditation is a reviewable decision (see regulation 676 ).

134.   Suspension or cancellation of accreditation

(1)  The regulator may suspend or cancel an accreditation if satisfied about 1 or more of the following:

(a) the accredited assessor is no longer qualified to conduct the competency assessment specified in the assessor's accreditation document;

(b) the accredited assessor is not able to conduct the competency assessment to which the accreditation relates competently;

(c) the accredited assessor has failed to comply with a condition imposed on the accreditation under regulation 121 ;

(d) the accredited assessor, in the application for the grant or renewal of accreditation or on request by the regulator for additional information –

(i) gave information that was false or misleading in a material particular; or

(ii) failed to give any material information that should have been given in that application or on that request.

(2)  In subregulation (1)(a) , qualified has the same meaning in relation to an accredited assessor as it has in regulation 118 in relation to an applicant for accreditation.

135.   Matters to be taken into account

(1)  In making a decision under regulation 133 , the regulator must have regard to –

(a) any submissions made by the accredited assessor under regulation 136 ; and

(b) any advice received from a corresponding regulator.

(2)  For the purposes of regulation 134(1)(b) and (c) , the regulator must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:

(a) any offence under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law, of which the accredited assessor has been convicted or found guilty;

(b) any enforceable undertaking the accredited assessor has entered into under the Act or a corresponding WHS law;

(c) in relation to any equivalent accreditation applied for or held by the accredited assessor under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law –

(i) any refusal to grant the accreditation; and

(ii) any condition imposed on the accreditation, if granted; and

(iii) any suspension or cancellation of the accreditation, if granted, including any disqualification from applying for any accreditation;

(d) any suspension of a high risk work licence held by the accredited assessor under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law;

(e) the accredited assessor's record in relation to any matters arising under the Act or these regulations or under a corresponding WHS law.

136.   Notice to and submissions by accredited assessor

Before suspending or cancelling an accreditation, the regulator must give the accreditation holder a written notice of the proposed suspension or cancellation and any proposed disqualification –

(a) outlining all relevant allegations, facts and circumstances known to the regulator; and

(b) advising the accreditation holder that the accreditation holder may, by a specified date (being not less than 28 days after giving the notice), make a submission in relation to the proposed suspension or cancellation and any proposed disqualification.

137.   Notice of decision

(1)  The regulator must give the accredited assessor written notice of a decision under regulation 134 to suspend or cancel the accreditation within 14 days after making the decision.

(2)  The notice must –

(a) state that the accreditation is to be suspended or cancelled; and

(b) if the accreditation is to be suspended, state –

(i) when the suspension begins and ends; and

(ii) the reasons for the suspension; and

(iii) whether or not the accredited assessor is required to undergo retraining or reassessment or take any other action before the suspension ends; and

(iv) whether any variation is to be made to the conditions of accreditation; and

(v) whether or not the accredited assessor is disqualified from obtaining a further accreditation during the suspension; and

(c) if the accreditation is to be cancelled, state –

(i) when the cancellation takes effect; and

(ii) the reasons for the cancellation; and

(iii) whether or not the accredited assessor is disqualified from applying for a further accreditation; and

(d) if the accredited assessor is to be disqualified from obtaining a further accreditation, state –

(i) when the disqualification begins and ends; and

(ii) the reasons for the disqualification; and

(iii) whether or not the accredited assessor is required to undergo retraining or reassessment or take any other action before the disqualification ends; and

(e) state when the accreditation document must be returned to the regulator.

138.   Immediate suspension

(1)  The regulator may suspend an accreditation on a ground referred to in regulation 134 without giving notice under regulation 136 if satisfied that a person may be exposed to an imminent serious risk to his or her health or safety if the accreditation were not suspended.

(2)  If the regulator decides to suspend an accreditation under this regulation –

(a) the regulator must give the accredited assessor written notice of the suspension and reasons for the suspension; and

(b) the suspension takes effect on the giving of the notice.

(3)  The regulator must then –

(a) give notice under regulation 136 within 14 days after giving the notice under subregulation (2) ; and

(b) make its decision under regulation 134 .

(4)  If the regulator does not give notice under subregulation (3) , the suspension ends at the end of the 14 day period.

(5)  If the regulator gives notice under subregulation (3) , the accreditation remains suspended until the decision is made under regulation 134 .

139.   Accredited assessor to return accreditation document

An accredited assessor, on receiving a notice under regulation 137, must return the accreditation document to the regulator in accordance with that notice.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

140.   Regulator to return accreditation document after suspension

The regulator must return the accreditation document to the accredited assessor within 14 days after the suspension ends.

Subdivision 6 - Agreements with RTOs

141.   Regulator may enter into agreement with RTO

The regulator may enter into an agreement with an RTO to share information to assist the regulator in relation to the accreditation of assessors.

PART 4.6 - Demolition Work

Division 1 - Notice of demolition work

142.   Notice of demolition work

(1)  Subject to subregulation (4) , a person conducting a business or undertaking who proposes to carry out the following demolition work must ensure that written notice is given to the regulator in accordance with this regulation at least 5 days before the work commences:

(a) demolition of a structure, or a part of a structure that is loadbearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure, that is at least 6 metres in height;

(b) demolition work involving load shifting machinery on a suspended floor;

(c) demolition work involving explosives.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

Note

See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the Act or these regulations.

(2)  The notice must be given in the manner and form required by the regulator.

(3)  Subregulation (4) applies to an emergency service organisation in relation to demolition work carried out or proposed to be carried out by an emergency service worker at the direction of the emergency service organisation in responding to an emergency.

(4)  An emergency service organisation must give notice under subregulation (1) as soon as practicable (whether before or after the work is carried out).

(5)  In this regulation a reference to the height of a structure is a reference to the height of the structure measured from the lowest level of the ground immediately adjacent to the base of the structure at the point at which the height is to be measured to its highest point.

Division 2 - Reserved

143.   Reserved

This regulation has been left blank so as to preserve uniformity with other jurisdictions with regard to numbering of regulations.

PART 4.7 - General Electrical Safety in Workplaces and Energised Electrical Work

Division 1 - Preliminary

144.   Meaning of electrical equipment

(1)  In this Part, electrical equipment means any apparatus, appliance, cable, conductor, fitting, insulator, material, meter or wire that –

(a) is used for controlling, generating, supplying, transforming or transmitting electricity at a voltage greater than extra-low voltage; or

(b) is operated by electricity at a voltage greater than extra-low voltage; or

(c) is part of an electrical installation located in an area in which the atmosphere presents a risk to health and safety from fire or explosion; or

(d) is, or is part of, an active impressed current cathodic protection system within the meaning of AS 2832.1:2004 (Cathodic protection of metals – Pipes and cables).

(2)  In this Part, electrical equipment does not include any apparatus, appliance, cable, conductor, fitting, insulator, material, meter or wire that is part of a vehicle that is a motor car or motorcycle if –

(a) the equipment is part of a unit of the vehicle that provides propulsion for the vehicle; or

(b) the electricity source for the equipment is a unit of the vehicle that provides propulsion for the vehicle.

145.   Meaning of electrical installation

(1)  In this Part, an electrical installation means a group of items of electrical equipment that –

(a) are permanently electrically connected together; and

(b) can be supplied with electricity from the works of an electricity supply authority or from a generating source.

(2)  An item of electrical equipment may be part of more than 1 electrical installation.

(3)  In subregulation (1)(a)  –

(a) an item of electrical equipment connected to electricity by a plug and socket outlet is not permanently electrically connected; and

(b) connection achieved through using works of an electricity supply authority is not a consideration in determining whether or not electrical equipment is electrically connected.

146.   Meaning of electrical work

(1)  In this Part, electrical work means –

(a) connecting electricity supply wiring to electrical equipment or disconnecting electricity supply wiring from electrical equipment; or

(b) installing, removing, adding, testing, replacing, repairing, altering or maintaining electrical equipment or an electrical installation.

(2)  In this Part, electrical work does not include the following electrical work, if that work is not prescribed work under the Occupational Licensing Act 2005 :

(a) work that involves connecting electrical equipment to an electricity supply by means of a flexible cord plug and socket outlet;

(b) work on a non-electrical component of electrical equipment, if the person carrying out the work is not exposed to an electrical risk;

Example

Painting electrical equipment covers and repairing hydraulic components of an electrical motor.

(c) replacing electrical equipment or a component of electrical equipment if that task can be safely performed by a person who does not have expertise in carrying out electrical work;

Example

Replacing a fuse or a light bulb.

(d) assembling, making, modifying or repairing electrical equipment as part of a manufacturing process;

(e) building or repairing ducts, conduits or troughs, where electrical wiring is or will be installed if –

(i) the ducts, conduits or troughs are not intended to be earthed; and

(ii) the wiring is not energised; and

(iii) the work is supervised by a licensed electrical practitioner;

(f) locating or mounting electrical equipment, or fixing electrical equipment in place, if this task is not performed in relation to the connection of electrical equipment to an electricity supply;

(g) assisting a licensed electrical practitioner to carry out electrical work if –

(i) the assistant is directly supervised by the licensed electrical practitioner; and

(ii) the assistance does not involve physical contact with any energised electrical equipment;

(h) carrying out electrical work, other than work on energised electrical equipment, in order to meet eligibility requirements in relation to becoming a licensed electrical practitioner.

(2A)  In this regulation –

licensed electrical practitioner means a person who holds an electrical practitioner's licence under the Occupational Licensing (Electrical Work) Regulations 2018 .

Division 2 - General risk management

147.   Risk management

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage risks to health and safety associated with electrical risks at the workplace, in accordance with Part 3.1 .

Example

Electrical risks associated with the design, construction, installation, protection, maintenance and testing of electrical equipment and electrical installations at a workplace.

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

Division 3 - Electrical equipment and electrical installations

148.   Electrical equipment and electrical installations to which this Division applies

In this Division, a reference to electrical equipment or an electrical installation in relation to a person conducting a business or undertaking is a reference to electrical equipment or an electrical installation that is under the person's management or control.

149.   Unsafe electrical equipment

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that any unsafe electrical equipment at the workplace –

(a) is disconnected (or isolated) from its electricity supply; and

(b) once disconnected (or isolated) –

(i) is not reconnected until it is repaired or tested and found to be safe; or

(ii) is replaced or permanently removed from use.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(2)  For the purposes of this regulation, electrical equipment or a component of electrical equipment is unsafe if there are reasonable grounds for believing it to be unsafe.

150.   Inspection and testing of electrical equipment

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person if the electrical equipment is –

(a) supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet; and

(b) used in an environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span, including conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(2)  In the case of electrical equipment that is new and unused at the workplace, the person conducting the business or undertaking –

(a) is not required to comply with subregulation (1) ; and

(b) must ensure that the equipment is inspected for obvious damage before being used.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

Note

However, electrical equipment that is unsafe must not be used (see regulation 149 ).

(3)  The person must ensure that a record of any testing carried out under subregulation (1) is kept until the electrical equipment is –

(a) next tested; or

(b) permanently removed from the workplace or disposed of.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(4)  The record of testing –

(a) must specify the following:

(i) the name of the person who carried out the testing;

(ii) the date of the testing;

(iii) the outcome of the testing;

(iv) the date on which the next testing must be carried out; and

(b) may be in the form of a tag attached to the electrical equipment tested.

151.   Untested electrical equipment not to be used

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that electrical equipment is not used if the equipment –

(a) is required to be tested under regulation 150 ; and

(b) has not been tested.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

Division 4 - Electrical work on energised electrical equipment

152.   Application of Division 4

This Division does not apply to work carried out by or on behalf of an electricity supply authority on the electrical equipment, including electric line-associated equipment, controlled or operated by the authority to transform, transmit or supply electricity.

153.   Persons conducting a business or undertaking to which this Division applies

In this Division (except regulations 156 , 159 and 160 ), a reference to a person conducting a business or undertaking in relation to electrical work is a reference to the person conducting the business or undertaking who is carrying out the electrical work.

154.   Electrical work on energised electrical equipment – prohibited

Subject to this Division, a person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that electrical work is not carried out on electrical equipment while the equipment is energised.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

155.   Duty to determine whether equipment is energised

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that, before electrical work is carried out on electrical equipment, the equipment is tested by a competent person to determine whether or not it is energised.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Note

Regulation 157 allows electrical testing to be carried out on electrical equipment for the purposes of this regulation. Regulation 161 sets out how the testing is to be carried out.

(2)  The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that –

(a) each exposed part is treated as energised until it is isolated and determined not to be energised; and

(b) each high-voltage exposed part is earthed after being de-energised.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

156.   De-energised equipment must not be inadvertently re-energised

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that electrical equipment that has been de-energised to allow electrical work to be carried out on it is not inadvertently re-energised while the work is being carried out.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

157.   Electrical work on energised electrical equipment – when permitted

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that electrical work on energised electrical equipment is not carried out unless –

(a) it is necessary in the interests of health and safety that the electrical work is carried out on the equipment while the equipment is energised; or

Example

It may be necessary that life-saving equipment remain energised and operating while electrical work is carried out on the equipment.

(b) it is necessary that the electrical equipment to be worked on is energised in order for the work to be carried out properly; or

(c) it is necessary for the purposes of testing required under regulation 155 ; or

(d) there is no reasonable alternative means of carrying out the work.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  The electrical work that may be carried out under subregulation (1)(a) , (b) and (d) may include testing of the energised electrical equipment.

158.   Preliminary steps

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure the following before electrical work on energised electrical equipment commences:

(a) a risk assessment is conducted in relation to the proposed electrical work;

(b) the area where the electrical work is to be carried out is clear of obstructions so as to allow for easy access and exit;

(c) the point at which the electrical equipment can be disconnected or isolated from its electricity supply is –

(i) clearly marked or labelled; and

(ii) clear of obstructions so as to allow for easy access and exit by the worker who is to carry out the electrical work or any other competent person; and

(iii) capable of being operated quickly;

(d) the person authorises the electrical work after consulting with the person with management or control of the workplace.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  For the purposes of subregulation (1)(a) , the risk assessment must be –

(a) conducted by a competent person; and

(b) recorded.

Note

Regulation 12 permits risk assessments to be conducted, in certain circumstances, in relation to a class of hazards, tasks, things or circumstances.

(3)  Subregulation (1)(c) does not apply to electrical work on electrical equipment if –

(a) the work is to be carried out on the supply side of the main switch on the main switchboard for the equipment; and

(b) the point at which the equipment can be disconnected from its electricity supply is not reasonably accessible from the work location.

159.   Unauthorised access to equipment being worked on

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that only persons authorised by the person conducting the business or undertaking enter the immediate area in which electrical work on energised electrical equipment is being carried out.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

160.   Contact with equipment being worked on

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that, while electrical work is being carried out on energised electrical equipment, all persons are prevented from creating an electrical risk by inadvertently making contact with an exposed energised component of the equipment.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

161.   How the work is to be carried out

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that electrical work on energised electrical equipment is carried out –

(a) by a competent person who has tools, testing equipment and personal protective equipment that –

(i) are suitable for the work; and

(ii) have been properly tested; and

(iii) are maintained in good working order; and

(b) in accordance with a safe work method statement prepared for the work; and

(c) subject to subregulation (5) , with a safety observer present who has the competence and qualifications specified in subregulation (4) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the person who carries out the electrical work uses the tools, testing equipment and personal protective equipment properly.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  For the purposes of subregulation (1)(b) , the safe work method statement must –

(a) identify the electrical work; and

(b) specify hazards associated with that electrical work and risks associated with those hazards; and

(c) describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks; and

(d) describe how the risk control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed.

(4)  For the purposes of subregulation (1)(c)  –

(a) the safety observer must be competent –

(i) to implement control measures in an emergency; and

(ii) to rescue and resuscitate the worker who is carrying out the work, if necessary; and

(b) the safety observer must have been assessed in the previous 12 months as competent to rescue and resuscitate a person.

(5)  A safety observer is not required if –

(a) the work consists only of testing; and

(b) the person conducting the business or undertaking has conducted a risk assessment under regulation 158(1)(a) that shows that there is no serious risk associated with the proposed work.

162.   Record keeping

(1)  This regulation applies if a person conducting a business or undertaking prepares –

(a) a risk assessment under regulation 158 ; or

(b) a safe work method statement under regulation 161 .

(2)  Subject to subregulation (3) , the person must keep –

(a) a copy of the risk assessment until at least 28 days after the work to which it relates is completed; and

(b) a copy of the safe work method statement until the work to which it relates is completed.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  If a notifiable incident occurs in connection with the work to which the assessment or statement relates, the person must keep the assessment or statement (as applicable) for at least 2 years after the incident occurs.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(4)  The person must ensure that, for the period for which the assessment or statement must be kept under this regulation, a copy is readily accessible to any worker engaged by the person to carry out electrical work to which the assessment or statement relates.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(5)  The person must ensure that, for the period for which the assessment or statement must be kept under this regulation, a copy is available for inspection under the Act.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

Division 5 - Electrical equipment and installations and construction work – additional duties

163.   Duty of person conducting business or undertaking

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking that includes the carrying out of construction work must comply with AS/NZS 3012:2019 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites).

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  For the purposes of subregulation (1) , AS/NZS 3012:2019 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites) applies as if any term that is defined in that Standard and that is also defined in the Act or these regulations has the meaning as it has in the Act or these regulations.

(3)  If any requirement in AS/NZS 3012:2019 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites) deals with the same matter as a requirement under this Part, it is sufficient that the person conducting the business or undertaking complies with the requirement in AS/NZS 3012:2019 as modified by subregulation (2) .

Division 6 - Residual current devices

164.   Use of socket outlets in hostile operating environment

(1)  This regulation applies in the following circumstances:

(a) electrical equipment is used in an environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span, including conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust;

(b) electrical equipment is moved between different locations in circumstances where damage to the equipment or to a flexible electricity supply cord is reasonably likely;

(c) electrical equipment is frequently moved during its normal use;

(d) electrical equipment forms part of, or is used in connection with, an amusement device.

(2)  In a circumstance set out in subregulation (1) , a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that any electrical risk associated with the supply of electricity to the electrical equipment through a socket outlet is minimised by the use of an appropriate residual current device.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  Without limiting subregulation (2) , the residual current device must have a tripping current that does not exceed 30 milliamps if electricity is supplied to the equipment through a socket outlet not exceeding 20 amps.

(4)  Subregulation (2) does not apply if the supply of electricity to the electrical equipment –

(a) does not exceed 50 volts alternating current; or

(b) is direct current; or

(c) is provided through an isolating transformer that provides at least an equivalent level of protection; or

(d) is provided from a non-earthed socket outlet supplied by an isolated winding portable generator that provides at least an equivalent level of protection.

165.   Testing of residual current devices

(1)  A person with management or control of a workplace must take all reasonable steps to ensure that residual current devices used at the workplace are tested regularly by a competent person to ensure that the devices are operating effectively.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(2)  The person must keep a record of all testing of a residual current device (other than any testing conducted daily) until the earlier of the following occurs:

(a) the device is next tested;

(b) the device tested is permanently removed from use.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

Division 7 - Overhead and underground electric lines

166.   Duty of person conducting a business or undertaking

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that no person, plant or thing at the workplace comes within an unsafe distance of an overhead or underground electric line.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  If it is not reasonably practicable to ensure the safe distance of a person, plant or thing from an overhead or underground electric line, the person conducting the business or undertaking at the workplace must ensure that –

(a) a risk assessment is conducted in relation to the proposed work; and

(b) control measures implemented are consistent with –

(i) the risk assessment; and

(ii) if an electricity supply authority is responsible for the electric line, any requirements of the authority.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Note

The Electricity Industry Safety and Administration Act 1997 will also apply to the person conducting the business or undertaking.

PART 4.8 - Diving Work

Division 1 - Preliminary

167.   Purpose of Part 4.8

The purpose of this Part is to impose duties on a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace to ensure –

(a) the fitness and competence of persons who carry out general diving work and high risk diving work; and

(b) the health and safety of persons who carry out general diving work and high risk diving work; and

(c) the health and safety of other persons at workplaces where general diving work or high risk diving work is carried out.

Division 2 - General diving work – Fitness and competence of worker

168.   Person conducting business or undertaking must ensure fitness of workers

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct or allow a worker to carry out general diving work or undergo training for general diving work unless the worker holds a current certificate of medical fitness.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  The person must not direct or allow a worker to carry out general diving work or undergo training for diving work unless the work or training complies with any conditions on the current certificate of medical fitness of the worker.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

169.   Certificate of medical fitness

A certificate of medical fitness must –

(a) be issued by a registered medical practitioner with training in underwater medicine; and

(b) state the following:

(i) the name of the person to whom it is issued;

(ii) its date of issue and its expiry date;

(iii) whether or not the person to whom it is issued is, in accordance with the fitness criteria, medically fit to carry out diving work;

(iv) any conditions in relation to the type of diving work the person to whom it is issued is fit to carry out, or the circumstances in which the person is fit to carry out general diving work, including, in the case of a person who is under 18 years of age, any particular conditions applicable to the age of the person.

170.   Duty to keep certificate of medical fitness

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must keep the certificate of medical fitness of a worker who carries out general diving work for 1 year after the work is carried out.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

171.   Competence of worker – general diving work – qualifications

(1)  A person must not carry out any type of general diving work unless the person holds a certificate for general diving work, issued by a training organisation, that demonstrates that the person has acquired the relevant competencies for that type of general diving work.

(2)  This regulation does not apply in relation to incidental diving work or limited scientific diving work.

(3)  In this regulation –

relevant competencies means the competencies specified in AS/NZS 2815 (Training and certification of occupational divers) that are relevant to the type of general diving work to which subregulation (1) applies.

Note

See section 44 of the Act.

171A.   Competence of worker – general diving work – knowledge and skill

(1)  A person must not carry out general diving work unless the person has, through training, qualification or experience, acquired sound knowledge and skill in relation to the following:

(a) the application of diving physics;

(b) the use, inspection and maintenance of diving equipment (including emergency equipment) and air supply of the type to be used in the proposed general diving work;

(c) the use of decompression tables or dive computers;

(d) dive planning;

(e) ways of communicating with another diver and with persons at the surface during general diving work;

(f) how to safely carry out general diving work of the type proposed to be carried out;

(g) diving physiology, emergency procedures and first aid.

(2)  This subregulation has been left blank so as to preserve uniformity with other jurisdictions with regard to numbering of regulations.

Note

See section 44 of the Act.

172.   Competence of worker – incidental diving work

(1)  A person must not carry out incidental diving work unless the person –

(a) has the knowledge and skill referred to in regulation 171A ; and

(b) has relevant diving experience; and

(c) is accompanied and supervised in the water by a person who has the competencies referred to in regulation 171 .

Note

See section 44 of the Act.

(2)  In this regulation, a person has relevant diving experience if the person has logged at least 15 hours of diving, of which at least 8 hours and 20 minutes were spent diving between 10 metres above and any depth below the maximum depth at which the diving work is to be carried out.

173.   Competence of worker – limited scientific diving work

(1)  A person must not carry out limited scientific diving work unless the person has –

(a) the training, qualification or experience referred to in regulation 171A ; and

(b) if the person is not permanently resident in Australia – relevant diving experience, including relevant diving experience obtained outside Australia.

(2)  In this regulation, a person has relevant diving experience if the person has logged at least 60 hours diving of which at least 8 hours and 20 minutes were spent diving between 10 metres above and any depth below the maximum depth at which the limited scientific diving work is to be carried out.

174.   Competence of competent person supervising general diving work

A person appointed under regulation 177 must not perform any function associated with that appointment unless the person has –

(a) the qualification specified in regulation 171 ; and

(b) experience in the type of diving work to be supervised.

Note

See section 44 of the Act.

175.   Evidence of competence – duty of person conducting business or undertaking

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct or allow a worker to carry out general diving work unless the person sees written evidence provided by the worker that the worker has the relevant competence required under this Division.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct or allow a person appointed under regulation 177 to perform any of the functions associated with that appointment unless the person conducting the business or undertaking sees written evidence provided by the person appointed that the person appointed has the competence required under regulation 174 .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must keep the written evidence given to the person –

(a) under subregulation (1) , for at least 1 year after the diving work is carried out; and

(b) under subregulation (2) , for at least 1 year after the last occasion on which the person performs a function associated with the appointment.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

Division 3 - Managing risks – general diving work

176.   Management of risks to health and safety

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage risks to health and safety associated with general diving work, in accordance with Part 3.1 .

Note

WHS Act – section 19 (see regulation 9 ).

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a risk assessment is conducted by a competent person for the purposes of subregulation (1) .

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(3)  The person must ensure that a risk assessment conducted under subregulation (2) is recorded in writing.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

177.   Appointment of competent person to supervise diving work

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must appoint 1 or more competent persons to –

(a) supervise general diving work carried out in the business or undertaking; and

(b) perform other functions under this Division.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Note

See regulation 174 for the qualifications of the competent person.

178.   Additional control – dive plan

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must not direct or allow general diving work to be carried out unless a dive plan for the dive –

(a) is prepared by a competent person appointed under regulation 177 ; or

(b) has been prepared by a competent person appointed under regulation 177 on an earlier occasion for a similar dive.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A dive plan must state the following:

(a) the method of carrying out the diving work to which it relates;

(b) the tasks and duties of each person involved in the dive;

(c) the diving equipment, breathing gases and procedures to be used in the dive;

(d) as applicable, dive times, bottom times and decompression profiles;

(e) hazards relating to the dive and measures to be implemented in the control of risks associated with those hazards;

(f) emergency procedures.

179.   Dive plan must be complied with

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that general diving work is carried out in accordance with the dive plan prepared for it.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a competent person appointed by the person under regulation 177 gives workers instruction in relation to the dive plan before commencing the diving work to which the plan relates.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

180.   Additional control – dive safety log to be kept

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace where general diving work is carried out must keep a dive safety log that contains the following information about each dive carried out by a worker:

(a) the name of the worker who carries out the dive;

(b) the name of any other person with whom the dive is carried out;

(c) the name of the competent person appointed under regulation 177 to supervise the diving work;

(d) the date and location of the dive;

(e) the time each diver enters and leaves the water;

(f) the maximum depth of the dive;

(g) any incident, difficulty, discomfort or injury that occurs or is experienced during the dive;

(h) if the dive was carried out using a dive computer, the dive time;

(i) if the dive was carried out using dive tables, the repetitive dive group, if available, and either the bottom time or the dive time;

(j) if the repetitive group and surface interval result in a repetitive factor, the surface interval and the repetitive factor;

(k) if the dive is carried out using EANx –

(i) the oxygen content of the EANx; and

(ii) the maximum operating depth of the EANx;

(l) if the dive is carried out using mixed gas –

(i) the oxygen content and the nitrogen content (if any) of the gas; and

(ii) the maximum operating depth of the mixed gas; and

(iii) the minimum operating depth of the bottom mix.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

181.   Use of dive safety log

(1)  This regulation applies to a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace where general diving work is carried out.

(2)  The person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure that, after each dive carried out in connection with the general diving work is completed, the return of each diver is verified in the dive safety log, as soon as practicable after the return, by –

(a) the diver; and

(b) a competent person appointed under regulation 177 to supervise the diving work.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  If workers are carrying out general diving work from a vessel, the person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure that a competent person appointed under regulation 177 to supervise the diving work makes and verifies entries in the dive safety log of the number of workers and other persons on board the vessel –

(a) before the diving work commences; and

(b) before the vessel leaves the location after the diving work is completed.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(4)  The person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure that the dive safety log is kept for at least 1 year after the last entry is made.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(5)  In this regulation, an event is verified in the dive safety log –

(a) by signing; or

(b) if the log is electronic, by entering the verifier's unique identifier.

182.   Record keeping

(1)  This regulation applies if a person conducting a business or undertaking prepares –

(a) a risk assessment under regulation 176 ; or

(b) a dive plan under regulation 178 .

(2)  Subject to subregulation (3) , the person must keep –

(a) a copy of the risk assessment until at least 28 days after the work to which it relates is completed; and

(b) a copy of the dive plan until the work to which it relates is completed.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(3)  If a notifiable incident occurs in connection with the work to which the assessment or dive plan relates, the person must keep the assessment or dive plan (as applicable) for at least 2 years after the incident occurs.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

(4)  The person must ensure that, for the period for which the assessment or dive plan must be kept under this regulation, a copy is readily accessible to any worker engaged by the person to carry out the work to which the assessment or dive plan relates.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

(5)  The person must ensure that, for the period for which the assessment or dive plan must be kept under this regulation, a copy is available for inspection under the Act.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $1 250; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $6 000.

Division 4 - High risk diving work

183.   Duties of person conducting business or undertaking

A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace where high risk diving work is carried out must ensure that the following are in accordance with AS/NZS 2299.1:2015 (Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice):

(a) the fitness of persons carrying out the work;

(b) the competence of persons carrying out the work;

Note

See section 44 of the Act.

(c) the carrying out of the work.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

184.   Duty of worker – competence

A person must not carry out high risk diving work unless the person has the qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience required by AS/NZS 2299.1:2015 (Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice) for work of the kind to be carried out by the person.

Note

See section 44 of the Act.

Chapter 5 - Plant and Structures

PART 5.1 - General Duties for Plant and Structures

Division 1 - Preliminary

185.   Application of Part 5.1 to plant

(1)  Subject to this regulation, this Part applies to all plant.

(2)  Subject to subregulation (3) , this Part does not apply to plant that –

(a) relies exclusively on manual power for its operation; and

(b) is designed to be primarily supported by hand.

(3)  This Part applies to explosive power tools that are designed to be supported by hand.

186.   Application of Part 5.1 to structures

This Part applies to structures as provided in this Part.

Division 2 - Duties of persons conducting businesses or undertakings that design plant

187.   Provision of information to manufacturer

A designer of plant must ensure, when the design of the plant is made available to the manufacturer of the plant, that the manufacturer is provided with –

(a) information to enable the plant to be manufactured in accordance with the design specifications; and

(b) if applicable, information about –

(i) the installation, commissioning, decommissioning, use, handling, storage and, if the plant is capable of being dismantled, dismantling of the plant; and

(ii) the hazards and risks associated with the use of the plant that the designer has identified; and

(iii) testing or inspections to be carried out on the plant; and

(iv) the systems of work and competency of operators that are necessary for the safe use of the plant; and

(v) the emergency procedures (if any) that are required to be implemented if there is a malfunction of the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

Note

A designer also has duties under section 22 of the Act.

188.   Hazard identified in design during manufacture

If a manufacturer of plant informs the designer of the plant that there is a hazard in the design of plant for which the designer has not provided a control measure, the designer must –

(a) revise the information originally supplied to the manufacturer to ensure that –

(i) the risk is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable; or

(ii) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, the risk is minimised so far as is reasonably practicable; or

(b) notify the manufacturer, in writing, that the designer is of the opinion that it is not necessary to revise the information originally supplied to the manufacturer to ensure compliance with this Part.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $3 600; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $18 000.

Note

A designer also has duties under section 22 of the Act.

189.   Guarding

(1)  This regulation applies if a designer of plant uses guarding as a control measure.

(2)  The designer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the guarding designed for that purpose will prevent access to the danger point or danger area of the plant.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  The designer must ensure that –

(a) if access to the area of the plant requiring guarding is not necessary during operation, maintenance or cleaning of the plant, the guarding is a permanently fixed physical barrier; or

(b) if access to the area of the plant requiring guarding is necessary during operation, maintenance or cleaning of the plant, the guarding is an interlocked physical barrier that allows access to the area being guarded at times when that area does not present a risk and prevents access to that area at any other time; or

(c) if it is not reasonably practicable to use guarding referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) , the guarding used is a physical barrier that can only be altered or removed by the use of tools; or

(d) if it is not reasonably practicable to use guarding referred to in paragraph (a) , (b) or (c) , the design includes a presence-sensing safeguarding system that eliminates any risk arising from the area of the plant requiring guarding while a person or any part of a person is in the area being guarded.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(4)  The designer must ensure that the guarding is designed –

(a) to be of solid construction and securely mounted so as to resist impact or shock; and

(b) to make bypassing or disabling of the guarding, whether deliberately or by accident, as difficult as is reasonably practicable; and

(c) so as not to cause a risk in itself.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(5)  If the plant to be guarded contains moving parts and those parts may break or cause workpieces to be ejected from the plant, the designer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the guarding will control any risk from those broken or ejected parts and workpieces.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(6)  Despite anything to the contrary in this regulation, the designer must ensure –

(a) that the guarding is of a kind that can be removed to allow maintenance and cleaning of the plant at any time that the plant is not in normal operation; and

(b) if the guarding is removed, that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the plant cannot be restarted unless the guarding is replaced.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

190.   Operational controls

(1)  A designer of plant must ensure that the design provides for any operator's controls for the plant to be –

(a) identified on the plant so as to indicate their nature and function and direction of operation; and

(b) located so as to be readily and conveniently operated by each person using the plant; and

(c) located or guarded to prevent unintentional activation; and

(d) able to be locked into the "off" position to enable the disconnection of all motive power.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  If the need for plant to be operated during maintenance or cleaning cannot be eliminated, the designer of the plant must ensure that the design provides for operator's controls that –

(a) permit operation of the plant while a person is undertaking the maintenance or cleaning of the plant; and

(b) while the plant is being maintained or cleaned, cannot be operated by any person other than the person who is carrying out the maintenance or cleaning of the plant; and

(c) will allow operation of the plant in such a way that any risk associated with the activities in relation to any person who is carrying out the maintenance or cleaning –

(i) is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable; or

(ii) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, is minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

191.   Emergency stop controls

(1)  If plant is designed to be operated or attended by more than 1 person and more than 1 emergency stop control is fitted, the designer of the plant must ensure that the design provides for the multiple emergency stop controls to be of the "stop and lock-off" type so that the plant cannot be restarted after an emergency stop control has been used unless that emergency stop control is reset.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  If the design of the plant includes an emergency stop control for the plant, the designer of the plant must ensure that the design provides –

(a) for the stop control to be prominent, clearly and durably marked and immediately accessible to each operator of the plant; and

(b) for any handle, bar or push button associated with the stop control to be coloured red; and

(c) that the stop control cannot be adversely affected by electrical or electronic circuit malfunction.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

192.   Warning devices

(1)  This regulation applies if the design of plant includes an emergency warning device or it is necessary to include an emergency warning device to minimise risk.

(2)  The designer of the plant must ensure that the design provides for the device to be positioned on the plant to ensure the device will work to best effect.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

Division 3 - Duties of persons conducting businesses or undertakings that manufacture plant

193.   Control of risk

(1)  A manufacturer of plant must ensure the following:

(a) that the plant is manufactured and inspected having regard to the information provided to the manufacturer by the designer of the plant under the Act and these regulations;

(b) if the information provided to the manufacturer by the designer of the plant under the Act and these regulations requires the plant to be tested, that the plant is tested in accordance with that information;

(c) if, during the manufacturing process, any hazard is identified in the design of the plant for which the designer has not provided a control measure –

(i) that the hazard is not incorporated into the manufacture of the plant; and

(ii) that the designer of the plant is given written notice of the hazard as soon as practicable; and

(iii) that all reasonable steps are taken to consult with the designer of the plant in relation to the alteration of the design to rectify the hazard.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A manufacturer must ensure that, if it is not possible to inform the designer about the hazard in accordance with subregulation (1)  –

(a) the risk is eliminated, so far as is reasonably practicable; or

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, the risk is minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

Note

WHS Act – section 23 (see regulation 9 ).

(3)  A manufacturer to whom subregulation (1)(c) applies must not manufacture the plant until –

(a) the designer gives the manufacturer the revised information or written instruction under regulation 188 ; or

(b) the manufacturer eliminates or minimises the risk under subregulation (2) .

Note

WHS Act – section 23 (see regulation 9 ).

(4)  If the designer notifies a manufacturer of plant under regulation 188 , the manufacturer may proceed in accordance with the designer's original information.

194.   Guarding

(1)  A manufacturer of plant must ensure that guarding used as a control measure is of solid construction and securely mounted so as to resist impact or shock.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A manufacturer of plant must ensure –

(a) that any guarding used as a control measure in relation to plant is of a kind that can be removed to allow maintenance and cleaning of the plant at any time that the plant is not in normal operation; and

(b) if the guarding is removed, that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the plant cannot be restarted unless the guarding is replaced.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.