New guidelines have been issued regarding working in roof spaces in WA.  Please see the following information:-

Guidance Note – Working in Roof Spaces 2018

Your attention is drawn to the attached guidance note issued by the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health (the Commission) under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the OSH Act).

The Commission’s objective is to promote comprehensive and practical preventive strategies that improve the working environment of Western Australians.  The guidance note has been developed through a tripartite consultative process, and the views of employers and unions along with those of government and experts have been considered.

The following information is provided as background to understanding this guidance note.

Legislative framework for occupations safety and health

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984

The OSH Act provides for the promotion, coordination, administration and enforcement of occupational safety and health in Western Australia.  It applies to all industries with the exception of mining and petroleum.

With the objective of preventing occupational injuries and diseases, the OSH Act places certain duties on employers, employees, self-employed people, manufacturers, designers, importers and suppliers.

The broad duties established by the OSH Act are supported by a further tier of statute, commonly referred to as regulations, together with lower tiers of non-statutory codes of practice and guidance notes.

Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (OSH Regulations) have the effect of spelling out specific requirements of the legislation.  They may prescribe minimum standards and have a general application, or define specific requirements related to a particular hazard or type of work.  They may also allow licensing or granting of approvals and certificates.

Guidance notes published by the Commission

A guidance note is an explanatory document issued by the Commission providing detailed information on the requirements of legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice or matters relating to occupational safety and health.

Authority

This Guidance Note has been issued by the Commission under section 14 of the OSH Act.

It applies to all employers of workers and workers performing work for reward in the roof space or buildings constructed or used as residential premises.  This Guidance Note applies to all type of work requiring access to the roof space such as carpentry, plumbing, pest control, installation of ceiling insulation, solar panels, air-conditioning systems, security systems and builders in general.  It also applies to electrical work.

Click here to read the full guidelines

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