Detailed Case Study

Scope of Works and Services:

The project at the Air Trunk SYD3 site involved a comprehensive scope of work for the client AW Edwards. The primary objective was the installation of various prefabricated structural elements, with a strict emphasis on safety and compliance.

Installation of Structures: The core work involved the installation of single and double-flight rapid-rise aluminium stairs using a Maeda crane. Additionally, the scope included installing awnings in several locations, such as the Northern, Eastern, Waste Room, and Loading Dock areas, as well as at Fire Pump Rooms 1 and 2. Steel work for a water pump room roof, a water tank steel stair, and an XT Gantry platform was also part of the installation process.

High-Risk Activities: The project's Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) identified several high-risk activities inherent to the work. These included the risk of falls from heights greater than two meters, working in areas with a contaminated or flammable atmosphere, and working in areas with the movement of powered mobile plant.

Safety and Risk Management: Detailed control measures were put in place to mitigate identified risks:

Mobile Plant Operation: All cranes (a 305 Maeda Spider Crane and a Mobile Slewing Crane) and a 26ft Scissor Lift were subject to daily checks, with logbooks filled out at the start of each shift. Work areas were zoned off with barricades and exclusion zones to prevent unauthorized access. Operators were required to hold specific High-Risk Work (HRW) licenses, and dogmen/riggers had to inspect all lifting gear before each lift.

Working at Heights: Access permits were required for working at heights. All workers were required to wear mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including a hard hat, steel-capped footwear, high-visibility shirt, eye and hearing protection, and task-appropriate gloves.

Hazardous Materials: When using materials like grout, workers were required to use local exhaust ventilation systems and wear P2 respiratory protective equipment, protective gloves, and eye protection. Refuelling of diesel plant had to be done in well-ventilated, designated areas with a spill kit on hand.

Personnel and Equipment: The project utilized specialized equipment, including a 26ft Scissor lift, a 305 Maeda Crane, and a mobile slewing crane. Personnel were required to have a White Card, Site Induction, and specific licenses to operate the equipment, such as an HRW C2 ticket for the Maeda Crane and a Yellow Card with an SL endorsement for the scissor lift.

SWMS Process: The SWMS, prepared by Charles Rallis, was developed in consultation with all workers. A Site Supervisor, Rory Newman, was responsible for implementing, monitoring, and reviewing the control measures. The SWMS outlined that it would be reviewed and revised if new hazards were identified or work methods changed. All workers were required to sign the document to confirm their understanding of its contents before commencing work.