QLD approves 11 harmonisation codes and amends 24 others

Source: www.ohsalert.com.au [Accessed 6/12/2011]

The Queensland Government has approved 11 new national work health and safety Codes of Practice to take effect from 1 January 2012, and amended 24 current State Codes to be consistent with the harmonised laws. 

The new Codes of Practice will underpin the Queensland Work Health and Safety Act, and are based on the model Codes developed by Safe Work Australia. They are:

• Confined Spaces;

• Hazardous Manual Tasks;

• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks;

• How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace;

• How to Safely Remove Asbestos;

• Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals;

• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work;

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces;

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities;

• Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals; and

• Work Health and Safety Consultation, Co-operation and Co-ordination..

The Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice 2011 has also been made under the State Safety in Recreational Water Activities Act 2011, and will replace the existing Code on 1 January. 

The following 24 State Codes of Practice (in alphabetical order) have been retained, with "minor" amendments made to ensure consistency with the Work Health and Safety Act: 

Abrasive Blasting 2004; Cash in Transit 2011; Children and Young Workers 2006; Concrete Pumping 2005; First Aid 2004; Forest Harvesting 2007; Formwork 2006; Foundry 2004; Hazardous Substances 2003; Horse Riding Schools, Trail Riding Establishments and Horse Hiring Establishments 2002; Manual Tasks Involving the Handling of People 2001; Mobile Crane 2006; Occupational Diving Work 2005; Plan 2005; Prevention of Workplace Harassment 2004; Rurual Plant 2004; Safe Design and Operation of Tractors 2005; Scaffolding 2009; Steel Construction 2004; Sugar Industry 2005; Tilt-up and Pre-cast Construction Industry 2003; Tower Crane 2006; Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work 2008; and Tunnelling 2007. 

Meanwhile, the following Codes of Practice will be repealed from 1 January 2012:

Risk Management 2007; Manual Tasks 2010; Nois 2004; and Recreational Diving, Technical Diving and Snorkelling 2010

In other news, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has prepared a guide to preparing for the construction industry, and outlined the consultation obligations that will apply to the sector from 1 January 2012.