This Code is intended to be read by a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). It provides practical guidance for PCBUs on how to eliminate, or if that is not possible, minimise the risk of falls from height in housing construction.
This Code applies to all workplaces covered by the WHS Act carrying out the construction or extension of:
- detached houses
- attached dwellings, separated from each other by a fire resisting wall, such as terrace, row or town houses
- boarding and guest houses, hostels or similar with a floor area less than 300 m²
- ancillary buildings to the above, such as private garages, gazebos and carports.
Note: The above points are based on Classes 1, 2 and 10 of the National Construction Code. This Code does not apply to the maintenance or renovation of buildings or to multistorey buildings above two habitable storeys.
This Code is not intended as complete guidance where roofing work involves dismantling or demolition work.
This Code should be read in conjunction with the Managing the risk of falls at workplaces and the Construction work codes of practice.
Additional guidance
- Managing the risks of falls from roofs in the housing construction industry: Information sheet
This information sheet has been prepared in recognition that the risks of falls increases when the pitch of the roof is above 26° and the severity of a fall related injury increases if the fall occurs from a height of 3 metres or more. - Managing the risk of falls at workplaces: Information sheet
This information sheet provides general guidance for workers and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on how to manage the risk of falls at work under the new work health and safety laws.