Tilt-up national code declared

The National Code of Practice for Precast, Tilt-up and Concrete Elements in Building Construction was declared by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) at the end of February 2008.

The code aims to encourage a nationally consistent approach to legislation and guidance material, to prevent fatalities and injuries among those who work with and around tilt-up and precast concrete elements.

ASCC chairman Mr Bill Scales said that the nature of tilt-up and precast construction work poses many risks to the health and safety of workers.

“There have been a number of deaths involving tilt-up and precast concrete elements since 2000 — one death is one too many,” he said.

“These have usually involved the concrete elements collapsing due to inadequate bracing, or being knocked down by a crane, or while being loaded or unloaded from a truck.

“Due to these risks, it was a priority to develop material to further improve the safety of workers in this industry.”

The national code was developed in consultation with a technical group established by the ASCC which comprised representatives from Australian, state and territory governments and industry and union representatives.

The national code covers: duty holder responsibilities; risk management and safe design; prefabrication and casting; handling, storage and transportation; erection; and demolition of tilt-up and precast concrete elements in building construction.

It will be implemented by jurisdictions within two years.

To see the code, visit www.ascc.gov.au.