Plasterer stilts

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires a person conducting a business or undertaking to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers.

Before using stilts, identify, assess and control the risks relating to the work area layout, work area condition, the work activity to be undertaken and the tools and equipment that will be used. Once this is completed, develop safe work procedures through worker consultation, Implement and monitor the risk controls and, in particular, ensure that only a competent person uses stilts.

Risks

The use of stilts by plasterers to gain access to ceilings, high walls and other areas poses risks including:

  • losing one's balance and falling to the ground through, for example, a window or over handrails, which are usually only a metre high
  • tripping over debris, materials or tools on the floor, or falling on slippery surfaces
  • falling over while entering a different level or going through doorways
  • manual handling injuries caused by bending over or twisting from the stilts.

Actions required

Identify all potential stilts hazards such as:

  • changes in the level or slope of the work area
  • guardrails that are next to edges, walls, doors or ceiling features such as arches, lights and bulkheads, which may restrict movement when using stilts
  • floor penetrations, stairwells, voids, windows and in-built furniture.

Do not use stilts:

  • where the ceiling height is greater than three metre
  • for walking on stairs and walking backward
  • on non-floor surfaces such as tables or trestles
  • until the work area is plaster ready, which means:
    • floor surfaces are solid, level and can support stilt work activity
    • floor surfaces have been cleared, swept and dry with any trip hazards removed such as leads to work lights, hoses, packaging or dropped items like nails and screws
    • plumbing and electrical work has been roughed in with switch positions and access points marked and lighting cables secured
    • floor penetrations, stairwells and voids are covered or guarded in such a way that they can be clearly seen by stilt workers noting that guardrails effective at normal working heights are unlikely to be effective for stilt workers, especially if the work is being done near a balcony or stairs
    • furniture is removed and in-built furniture, such as kitchen cupboards or architectural features, is isolated or highlighted.

Control measures

Do not commence work before risk control measures are implemented.

Stilts are only to be used for light duty tasks such as the placing of insulation batts, installing furring channels, screwing sheets to furring channels, installing trusses and the undersides of floor joists and walls, patching, touching up and the stopping of joints using a trowel, fixing cornices and minor hand sanding. Only portable hand held tools (without leads) such as a trowel, hammer, sanding block and cordless screw gun are to be used by stilt workers.

Ensure there is a safe means of attaching and removing stilts readily available. A rigid platform should be used for mounting and dismounting stilts with the platform at a height equal to or greater than the height of the stilts. Stepladders are not to be used for mounting and dismounting stilts. Stepping up and balancing on one stilt then bending to fit the second is also not acceptable.

All equipment and materials required by a stilt worker should be supported by a purpose-built stand (mobile or stationary) that enables the stilt worker to access them without over-reaching or bending down below knee level. The height of the stand should be appropriate for the task being performed. Alternatively, tools and materials can be passed up to the stilt worker by another person standing on the floor. Do not pick up items from below knee level.

The stilt worker's torso should be vertical whenever possible and tasks that require frequent bending should be avoided. Do not jump with the stilts.

The handling of long, heavy or cumbersome objects or items, such as decorative cornices and the lifting or supporting of plaster sheets should be avoided.

Other workers cannot affect the immediate work area being used by stilt workers unless they are working as support for the stilt worker. If this cannot be guaranteed, the work area should be taped off or barricaded to prevent access.

Any waste produced and material dropped by stilt workers should be promptly cleared away by an assistant from the floor surface they are working on.

Emergency procedures detailing how stilt workers are to evacuate should be implemented.

Supervisors should regularly check that stilt workers are not experiencing fatigue. If stilt workers begin to experience fatigue, they should immediately remove their stilts. Any one period of working on stilts should be not greater than two hours. Any further sessions should be separated by at least thirty minutes of non-stilt tasks. Stilts should not be used by any individual for more than six hours per day.

The springs should not be fully compressed by lifting heavy objects or exerting high upward force, such as drilling through overhead structures.

Maintenance of tools and equipment

Only proprietary stilts can be used. Do not use any stilts that are not from a reputable manufacturer. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and inspections.

All tools and equipment including stilts and their components must be examined regularly and any worn or damaged components replaced immediately. They also must be stored, serviced and maintained by a competent person as per the manufacturer's specifications.

A competent person must inspect the stilts before each use. If defects are detected, repair it as per the manufacturer's instructions before further use or, if this is not possible, destroy it to prevent further use.

Competency of workers

Workers must be competent. Stilts must not be used without proper training and workers must have experience in their use. Manufacturer's instructions on their correct use must be followed at all times. Trainees should be made aware of:

  • how the foot and ankle action changes when wearing stilts
  • work environment hazards
  • how to correctly adjust stilts so as to reduce fatigue and poor posture
  • the injuries that can occur from unsafe use.

The stilt worker should gain experience and confidence before working and also before undertaking work activities such as working with their head up, using tools in both hands or working at maximum height.

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