Working safely with partially built residential structures

Residential structures are not always stable during each stage of the building process. During the planning stages of the project, employers and self-employed people should:

• ensure the structures capacity and stability is appropriate to hold the load, if materials require loading onto partially built structures
• plan the construction sequence to ensure stability is being maintained
• consult with the design engineer, manufacturers and other parties involved to ensure the structure is safe throughout the entire construction process
• consider using scaffolding as a work platform where there is a risk of a fall.

The construction process should be documented and outline the order or stages of the build. The plan should include a system to ensure the structure on lower levels is sufficiently complete before starting work on the next stage.

Work through this guide to help reduce and manage the risks associated during the planning sequence.

• Install and secure framing brackets, joist hangers, brackets, and joist boots.
• Install adequate bracing across each level, including permanent bracing where possible.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for proprietary floor trusses or I-joists.
• Adhere to temporary bracing requirements for steel frames and masonry walls.
• Provide temporary support for connected structures like porches and balconies.
• Schedule deliveries appropriately, ensuring structural adequacy before unloading materials.

The level of competency and experience of employees should be considered when planning the construction sequence. This will help determine the level of supervision required at each stage of construction.

To reduce the risk of structural failures or collapse. Employers and self-employed people should ensure the following is completed prior to loading materials on partially built structures.

Assess the expected material 

• Verify weight and size of the construction against the structural assessment.
• If the loads are greater than assumed, a new assessment should be completed prior to placing the loads on the partially built structure.

Supports and bracing

• Ensure temporary supports are in place and installed correctly.
• Assess whether the lower floor and wall framing bracing was installed consistently across the building.
• Verify floor joist systems are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. This includes:
  • installing temporary diagonal and perpendicular bracing where required.
  • ensuring edge distances and fixings are installed to reduce splitting and damage to floor joists and supporting members.
  • ensuring selection of appropriate joist fixings is made by a competent person.
• Ensure all fixings such as brackets and connectors are installed in line with manufacturer specifications. This should occur prior to the addition of any interim load. Additional blocking or bracing should be installed if required.

Seek further information if manufacturer’s guide is insufficient.

Before deliveries arrive, employers and self-employed people should:

• train site personnel on loading plans, including weight and size of materials and permitted locations
• ensure the materials supplier/delivery contractor is aware of site restriction. This may include:
  • available delivery space
  • permitted placement locations
  • reach and height required
  • any traffic management requirements
  • any other hazards. Including, overhead powerlines, slopes, road widths, the presence and proximity of temporarily supported or braced structures, previously disturbed ground etc.

Advising the delivery contractor of these restrictions may help:

• selecting the appropriate transport vehicle
•  selecting the appropriate materials handling equipment such as a vehicle loading crane, forklift, or telehandler, and
• bringing any additional equipment required for their safe operation such as bog mats.

Materials supplier/Delivery contractor should ensure that the site is safe to access.  This may be done by:

• ensuring the landing area and its surrounds are accessible and clear of mud, debris, other building materials and building rubble
• ensuring loads are lifted or suspended to ensure the load remains under control during the activity, such as the use of tag lines when using a crane
• monitoring weather conditions and delaying delivery if it cannot be performed safely
• ensuring that exclusion zones are in place during the delivery process
• ensuring a safe method of access onto the load placement area is provided if a crane is needed to load the materials onto the partly built structure
• ensuring fall protection is provided for any workers where there is a risk of falling more than 2 metres.

For further guidance on falls prevention:

Prevention of falls in the transport of roof trusses and wall frames

Prior to placing the delivery on the partially completed structure compare weight and size against structural assessment.

• if the loads are greater than assumed in the structural assessment, then perform a new assessment

If the loads are greater than assumed you may:

• return the materials to the supplier
• place the materials on the ground, or
• place the delivery on hold.

A high-risk work licence (HRWL) is required to operate:

• forklifts
• slewing mobile cranes
• non-slewing telehandlers with a capacity of more than 3 tonnes
• non-slewing mobile cranes with a capacity of more than 3 tonnes
• vehicle loading cranes that have a capacity of 10 metre tonnes or more.

If dogging work is required, a dogging HRWL is also required.

For further information on high-risk work licences refer to:

High risk work licence

Safe work method statements (SWMSs) are required to be prepared before commencing high-risk construction work (HRCW) that poses safety risks. This includes risks to the health or safety of any person on site, including members of the public. The delivery and unloading of structural materials may include tasks that are considered HRCW. Such tasks include construction work:

• where there is risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
• involving structural alterations that require temporary support to prevent collapse
• on or adjacent to roadways or railways used by road or rail traffic
• at workplaces where there is any movement of powered mobile plant
• on or near energised electrical installations or services.

For further information on SWMS refer to:

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)