There are clear risks with work involving lifts, escalators and moving walkways. Serious injury and death can result if these risks are not identified and managed.

These guidelines describe good practice for work involving lifts, escalators or moving walkways. They provide good practice advice on how to identify and manage the health and safety risks associated with work in the lift industry.

Download:

Safe work with lifts, escalators and moving walkways (PDF 4.2 MB)

These guidelines should be used alongside the manufacturer’s health and safety recommendations, processes, practices, and procedures.

1.0 What is this guidance about?

1.1 Who are these guidelines for

These guidelines are for a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). In the lift industry, the PCBU is likely to be a company. In these guidelines, ‘you’ means the PCBU.

The information is also relevant to workers in the lift industry. Workers can refer to these guidelines when planning or carrying out work, and when they are contributing to work health and safety decisions.

These guidelines also include some information for building owners about their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

1.2 What do these guidelines cover

These guidelines focus on work involving lifts, escalators or moving walkways. This work may include installation, servicing, maintenance, modernisation, decommissioning, and replacement.

These guidelines do not cover temporary installations (such as construction site elevators), cable cars or passenger ropeways.

2.0 What do you need to know first?

There are health and safety requirements for PCBUs to meet.

2.1 What are key health and safety requirements to be aware of?

HSWA requires that all risks, including risks associated with lift industry work, must be managed so far as is reasonably practicable.

• Appendix 1(external link) sets out the work health and safety duties that duty holders must comply with.
• Appendix 2(external link) outlines what to consider when deciding what is reasonably
  practicable.

Work in the lift industry must also comply with all relevant regulations, including but not limited to:

• the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 (the HSE Regulations), and
• the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management)
  Regulations 2016 (the GRWM Regulations).

What are the duties of upstream PCBUs?

A PCBU in the supply chain (upstream) also has a duty to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, that the work they do or the things they provide to other workplaces do not create health and safety risks.

An upstream PCBU is a business that:

• designs plant, substances, or structures
• manufactures plant, substances, or structures
• imports plant, substances, or structures
• supplies plant, substances, or structures
• installs, constructs or commissions plant or structures.

Upstream PCBUs have additional duties (see Appendix 5(external link)). In the lift industry, upstream PCBUs include lift manufacturers and manufacturers of products used to fix and install lifts and escalators, such as solvents or degreasers.

Upstream businesses are in a strong position to eliminate or minimise risk. They can influence and sometimes eliminate health and safety risks through designing, manufacturing, importing or supplying products that are safe for the end user.

What are overlapping duties?

More than one PCBU can have a duty in relation to the same matter (overlapping duties). When you and other PCBUs have overlapping duties, this means that the duties are shared between you. This might happen in a shared place of work, such as an office building with multiple tenants where lift maintenance is being carried out.

When must you engage with your workers?

You must engage and consult with workers on work health and safety matters, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes when identifying, managing and monitoring risks related to lift industry work.

What emergency plans must you have in place?

Your workplace must have a written emergency plan telling people what to do in an emergency. The plan should include information about how to evacuate the site and how to notify emergency services.

When preparing an emergency plan, you must consider the size and location of the worksite, the number and composition of workers, the nature of the work and its risks, and workers’ views.

When must you notify WorkSafe New Zealand?

You must notify us if any of the following events arise from work that your business is responsible for:

• a death
• a notifiable illness or injury (a specified serious work-related illness or injury)
• a notifiable incident.

To notify us:

• ring 0800 030 040, or
• complete the online notification form(external link)

When can workers cease work?

A worker can stop or refuse to carry out work if they believe that the work would expose them or another person to a serious health and safety risk arising from immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard.

A worker who has stopped work must:

• as soon as possible, notify the PCBU that they have ceased work and
• remain available to carry out suitable alternative work.

What is alternative work?

A PCBU can offer a worker alternative work until they can resume their normal duties. The work must be safe, appropriate for the worker to carry out, and within the scope of the worker’s employment agreement or contract.

What can your health and safety representative do?

A trained Health and Safety Representative (HSR) can direct a worker to cease work if they reasonably believe that carrying out the work would expose the worker, or any other person, to a serious health or safety risk.

The HSR must consult with the PCBU about the issue before giving the direction unless the risk is serious and immediate. In this case, the HSR can direct the worker to cease work immediately and consult afterwards.

2.2 What standards should you be familiar with?

The main standards applying to lift industry work include but may not be limited to:

• NZS 4332 Non-domestic passenger and goods lifts
• NZS 4334 Platform lifts and low-speed lifts
• AS/NZS 3000:2007 including Amendment 1 and 2 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• EN 81 series – published by the European Committee for Standardisation.

3.0 How can you manage risk?

There are clear risks with work involving lifts, escalators and moving walkways.

Serious injury and death can result if these risks are not identified and managed.

3.1 What are the main risks for workers?

Risks to health and safety arise from people being exposed to a hazard (a source or cause of harm).

Workers could be harmed by (including but not limited to):

• falling from height
• being struck by falling or moving objects
• being crushed (for example, between the lift car and the elevator shaft)
• being exposed to harmful airborne contaminants (such as asbestos, fumes or vapours)
• working alone
• being exposed to excessive noise
• working in inadequate lighting
• being exposed to electricity
• having inadequate information, supervision, training and instruction to do the task safely.

There could also be other environmental and site-specific risks such as those arising from working in a confined space.

What approach can you take to manage risk?

The following sections focus on many of the main risks faced by workers.

You can use the hierarchy of control measures (Figure 1) to work out the most effective control measures to use.

Multiple control measures may be needed to deal with a given risk.

Some of the risks outlined in these guidelines must be managed using the prescribed risk management process described in our General risk and workplace management – Part 2 guidelines

This is referred to where relevant.

Workers need to be mentally and physically alert at work. Impairment can affect workers’ ability to work safely and may lead to an increase in incidents and injuries.

We strongly recommend that a competent person carries out a site safety assessment (see Appendix 8(external link)) to identify risks before work starts, during the planning phase.

If you have carried out work at the same site previously, check whether there have been changes at the site that might affect health and safety, including any new risks.

3.2 How can you manage the risks from working at height?

Workers can be seriously injured or die if they fall when working at height.

‘Working at height’ means working in a place where a person is at risk of falling from one level to another. For example, work that takes place:

• above the ground level or floor level
• in an area where a worker could fall from an edge, through an opening, or through a fragile surface
• next to a hole or other opening at ground level.

What are the risks from lifting and rigging?

Lifting loads with rigging generally involves working with loads at height. Rigging refers to the use of mechanical load-shifting equipment and associated gear to move, place or secure a load.

Work that might involve lifting and rigging may include installation, major maintenance, refurbishment, decommissioning of a lift car within a lift shaft, lift motor room work (such as changing drive motors), and replacing lift ropes.

The main risks during lifting and rigging include, but are not limited to:

• workers falling from height and being harmed, and
• suspended loads falling and harming workers (see Section 3.3 of these guidelines).

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Worker falls from height	no edge protection or other barriers in place no handrails or guardrails fragile surface, such as the lift car top, unable to support worker’s weight worker unable to clearly see environment, due to inadequate lighting, or power cut no restraint or fall arrest system in place.

Table 1: What could go wrong - working at height

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this section. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

A combination of control measures may be needed. Control measures such as a safety harness will not prevent a fall, but they may minimise harm.

Eliminating risk

The most effective way to protect workers from the risk of falling is to eliminate the need to work at height.

Consider how the work could be carried out without exposing workers to the risk of falling. Elimination can often be achieved at the design, construction planning and tendering stages. For example, by building structures at ground level and lifting them into position when they are completed.

Make sure that any surfaces or materials that workers could walk on can:

• support a person’s weight, and
• can also support the weight of any equipment or materials the person may be carrying.

Other control measures to manage the risk of a fall from height include:

• working from ground level using long-handled tools
• covering all holes or openings.

Identify and clearly mark access routes so that workers can avoid passing near fragile material such as glass or other surfaces that would not support their weight if they fell.

Minimising risk

If elimination is not practicable, then consider how to minimise the risk.

Isolation

The risk of a fall can be reduced by using one or more of these control measures to isolate workers from the risk:

• edge protection, such as a guardrail system on top of a lift car
• a guard-railed work platform such as a scaffold (see scaffolding information below) or elevating work platform
• a barrier to restrict access (such as access to a lift shaft)
• a handrail
• a total restraint system (such as an anchored full-body harness) that prevents the worker from getting too close to an edge they could fall from.

Minimise the distance and impact of a fall

If elimination and isolation are not practicable, minimise the likelihood of harm resulting from a fall by using one or more of these control measures:

• a fall arrest system designed to support and hold a worker if they fall
• a work positioning system that uses a harness under tension to support the worker
• a safety net or soft-landing system to minimise the distance and impact of a fall
• an industrial rope access system.

3.3 How can you manage the risks from falling objects?

Every year workers in New Zealand are killed when they are struck by falling objects.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Object falls from height, injuring worker	no toe boards or similar protection installed insecure loads placed on elevated work areas tools and equipment not tethered materials not stored securely no gantry or protective screen safety helmet not worn small gaps in work platforms allow objects to fall through small objects fall through mesh.

Table 2: What could go wrong - being struck by falling object

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this section. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

• Regulation 24 of the GRWM Regulations specifies your duty to manage risks associated with working under raised objects.
• Regulation 25 of the GRWM Regulations specifies your duty to manage risks associated with objects that are reasonably likely to fall on and injure a person.

You must follow the prescribed risk management process described in ourGeneral risk and workplace management – Part 2 guidelines to manage these risks.

You must first try to eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

• If you cannot eliminate the risk, you must minimise the risk by providing and maintaining a safe system of work that includes measures for preventing an object from falling freely so far as is reasonably practicable.
• If it is not reasonably practicable to prevent the object from falling freely, use a system to arrest the fall so far as is reasonably practicable.

If it is not reasonably practicable to prevent the object from falling freely or to use a system to arrest the fall, an exclusion zone that persons are prohibited from entering must be provided.

Before starting work, always check whether objects such as equipment, materials, tools or debris (including a person) could fall onto a worker. If so, plan how to carry out the work without exposing workers to that risk.

To reduce the chance of being struck by a falling object:

• work should not take place above or below another person
• prevent access to the lift shaft, so that objects or people cannot fall down it
• do not leave tools on top of divider beams
• remove parts, tools and products from the top of the lift car when work is complete
• remove miscellaneous objects from inside the lift shaft.

How can edge protection be used to manage the risks?

Edge protection can prevent objects or materials from falling and harming a worker. Use edge protection in areas such as:

• perimeters of workspaces
• openings
• surfaces with brittle material that cannot safely support the weight of objects or materials.

Examples of edge protection include:

• a proprietary (engineered) system
• guardrails or other physical barriers, such as toe boards
• scaffolding that supports a temporary edge protection system (see Section 3.2 of these guidelines for more information about scaffolding requirements). The scaffolding provides an additional level of protection.

Other control measures that could be used to eliminate or minimise risk include:

• putting up warning signs
• tethering tools and equipment
• using magnetic trays for fastenings and other materials
• storing materials and equipment securely
• installing a ‘catch screen’ to contain falling debris
• erecting a gantry or a protective screen over high-volume or public areas
• preventing the public from entering the area
• using safety observers.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the least effective control measure, and should only be used when other control measures alone cannot adequately manage the risk.

3.4 How can you manage the risks from machinery?

Machinery-related harm could include crushing, entanglement, friction, abrasion, cutting, severing, shearing, stabbing, puncturing, impact, drawing-in, and trapping.

A worker can be seriously injured or killed when part of the worker’s body is crushed or caught:

• between a fixed and a moving part
• between two moving parts
• between a moving part and a fixed structure – such as between a counterweight and the floor.

Workers are at risk from electrocution.

Workers could also be exposed to:

• airborne contaminants such as fumes and dust
• heat
• noise
• vibration.

The location of the machinery or plant could mean that workers need to work in a confined space. Workers are at risk from manual handling (lifting, carrying, repetition, pushing or pulling heavy loads). Unsafe systems of work could also put workers at risk.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Worker is crushed or trapped: between a fixed and moving part between two moving parts between a moving part and a fixed structure (such as between a counterweight and the floor). Worker is injured by friction or abrasion	no communication between people working in same area. For example: another worker overrides controls other workers not aware who is working in lift shaft equipment failure or malfunction equipment restarts suddenly after an unscheduled stop unguarded machinery or other equipment worker unable to reach or activate emergency stop switch equipment not isolated or immobilised inadequate training and supervision inadequate emergency procedures not enough overhead clearance not enough clearance under moving lift car or other equipment limb or other part of worker’s body placed above, under, between or through moving parts controls allow accidental starting of machinery control not reset after use variation in control buttons from site to site no markings on control buttons, or worn or faded markings that are hard to see inadequate lighting, glare or shadow – worker cannot see approaching lift car or other risks.
Clothing, jewellery or hair is entangled in machinery or lift doors	chains or other jewellery worn loose clothing not tucked in or fastened hair not tied back or covered.
Worker receives electric shock	hand-held appliances, light sources and other electrical equipment: used without a residual current device (RCD) to protect against electric shock used in wet and/or damp environments not checked before use for damage or faults (such as exposed wiring, cracked casing) using battery chargers in wet and/or damp environments using damaged or faulty equipment, including cords or leads.

Table 3: What could go wrong - working with machinery

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this section. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

Always let other workers know when a lift car or other equipment is, or will be, moving up or down.

Emergency stop switch

Emergency stop switches should comply with the requirements in the relevant standards. This may include:

• being conspicuously and permanently marked with the words ‘Emergency Stop’
• having the emergency stop position clearly indicated.

Machine/equipment guarding

Moving parts may need to be guarded. If appropriate guarding is not in place, you need to advise the building owner. As PCBUs, you need to work together to make sure that workers are protected.

A PCBU must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain safe plant and structures. It is good practice to have an inspection and maintenance programme in place, and arrange for a competent person to regularly inspect, test and maintain machinery.

Lockout and tagout process

Many workers in New Zealand have been killed or seriously injured when the machine they were servicing was turned on or restarted while they were working on it.

Machinery or other equipment that does not need to be operating should be:

• brought to a zero-energy state (completely de-energised), and
• locked out and tagged out from its power source(s).

The lockout and tagout process is an administrative control measure, at the lower end of the hierarchy of control measures.

When you carry out a risk assessment, consider whether you can implement engineering control measures. Engineering control measures (such as interlocking guards) are higher in the hierarchy and considered to be more effective.

3.5 How can you manage the risks from hazardous substances and airborne contaminants?

A hazardous substance is any product or chemical with properties that are explosive, flammable, oxidising, toxic, corrosive or toxic to the environment.

Airborne contaminants can quickly build up to dangerous levels in small spaces such as lift pits. Workers may be exposed to toxic fumes or vapours when they are welding or using hazardous substances such as solvents or adhesives.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Unconsciousness, brain injury and/or death	lack of oxygen airborne contaminants build to a dangerous level in a small space exposure to toxic fumes or vapours while welding exposure to toxic fumes when using solvents or adhesives.
Fire or explosion	gases, fumes or vapours come into contact with an ignition source (such as a welding spark or open flame).
Occupational asthma develops	exposure to fumes, gases, dust or other substances.
Lung cancer or other serious lung disease	exposure to asbestos (see Section 3.6 of these guidelines).

Table 4: What could go wrong – exposure to hazardous substances and airborne contaminants

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this section. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

Regulation 28 of the GRWM Regulations specifies a PCBU’s duty to manage risks associated with substances hazardous to health.

You must follow the prescribed risk management process described in our General risk and workplace management – Part 2 guidelines to manage these risks.

In addition, the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017(external link) set out the rules for work-related activities involving hazardous substances.

You must take into account:

• any related physico-chemical risks (for example, explosions, fire, corrosion)
• ignition sources that might ignite a flammable substance
• the risk and degree of exposure to the substance by those carrying out the work.

Everyone who works with and around hazardous substances must have the knowledge and practical experience to do so safely. You must make sure that workers:

• know of the hazardous substances in their work area
• are aware of the risks associated with each substance
• receive the training and supervision necessary to work safely with and around these substances.

Safety data sheets

Make sure you have an up-to-date safety data sheet (SDS) from your supplier for each hazardous substance in your workplace.

The SDS – or a condensed version of the key information – must be readily accessible to a worker at their workplace.

Some workers travel between workplaces because their work is carried out in more than one location. The SDS may be kept at your principal place of business provided that those workers can immediately obtain the key information from the SDS in an emergency, wherever the workers are working.

Exposure monitoring and health monitoring

Exposure monitoring measures and evaluates what your workers are being exposed to while they are at work.

Health monitoring is a way to check if the health of workers is being harmed from exposure to substances hazardous to health while carrying out work. It aims to detect early signs of ill-health or disease.

Risk assessment

Before work starts carry out a full risk assessment and ask a competent person for advice about how to manage the risks of airborne contaminants.

PPE should not be the first or only control measure considered. However, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect workers from breathing in substances hazardous to health.

Warn workers and other people in and around areas where gases, fumes or vapours may be released.

3.6 How can you manage the risks from asbestos?

Lift shafts, pits and other areas of a building accessed by workers may contain asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). A building constructed before 2000 is more likely to have asbestos or ACMs than a building constructed post-2000.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Exposure to asbestos fibres Asbestos fibres are breathed in, lodge in the lungs and cause: lung cancer asbestosis mesothelioma, or other serious lung diseases.	lift shafts, pits, motor rooms and other areas of a building constructed before 2000 contain: asbestos, or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) asbestos or ACM deteriorates or is disturbed, and asbestos fibres are released and breathed in.
Work carried out in an area where asbestos is present or is likely to be present	no Asbestos Management Plan in place (see this section of these guidelines for more information). When asbestos or ACM has been identified (or is likely to be present), the PCBU with management or control of the workplace must prepare an Asbestos Management Plan and review and revise it when necessary.
Workers exposed to asbestos because the Asbestos Management Plan is outdated	PCBU has not reviewed and revised the Asbestos Management Plan as required by law.
PCBU and workers unaware that an Asbestos Management Plan exists	PCBU has not asked if an Asbestos Management Plan exists: when job is being planned before workers arrive on the site.

Table 5: What could go wrong - exposure to asbestos 

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this section. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

You must make sure that workers receive information, training and instruction about asbestos (as well as the safe use, handling and storage of any other hazardous substances workers will use or come across at work).

Asbestos-related diseases

Most asbestos-related diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibres at work. Even a small job like drilling a hole could expose a worker to danger.

When asbestos or ACMs are disturbed or deteriorate, tiny asbestos fibres can be released.

The risk to health is low if the asbestos or ACM is in good condition and undisturbed.

Safe work practices 

Workers should protect themselves against asbestos, even on small jobs that do not seem to create much dust. See Appendix 9(external link) for examples of safe work practices.

• If possible, plan the job so that no asbestos will be disturbed.
• If asbestos has to be disturbed, do not start work until having the right information and training to work safely.

Use the right PPE, such as suitable RPE. Not all masks will protect workers from asbestos – seek advice if unsure what type of RPE is suitable.

Regulation 53 of the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 specifies how asbestos waste and contaminated PPE must be contained and disposed of.

Advice for building owners 

Lifts, escalators and passenger walkways are under the control of the building owner. If the building owner knows – or can reasonably expect – that there is a risk of exposure to respirable asbestos fibres in their workplace, the building owner must make sure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all asbestos or ACM is identified.

• The building owner must manage the risks if there is asbestos in any areas where workers will be working (for example, in the lift shaft).
• The building owner must confirm the condition of any asbestos that is identified. If the asbestos is friable and/or deteriorated, then it presents a risk. The risk must be managed so that maintenance or other work can be carried out safely. For example, a reasonably practicable step would be to remove any friable or deteriorated asbestos.
• The building owner must have a process for advising workers of any risks related to asbestos.
• Although it is the building owner’s duty to manage risks, the building owner is likely to ask the building management company to advise workers that the risks exist, and to explain how these risks will be managed.
• A property manager may arrange maintenance on behalf of the building owner.

Asbestos removal 

The building owner is likely to require the services of a licensed asbestos removal company if:

• asbestos needs to be removed because it is friable (in powder form, or able to be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when it is dry) or
• renovations or demolition are planned.

Overlapping duties 

When there is more than one PCBU with management and control of a workplace, you must work together with other PCBUs, so far as is reasonably practicable, by consulting, cooperating, and coordinating activities in relation to identification and management of asbestos.

Asbestos management plans

When asbestos or ACM has been identified (or is likely to be present), the PCBU with management or control of the workplace must prepare an Asbestos Management Plan and review and revise it when necessary.

The workplace PCBU must make sure a copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is readily accessible to workers and their representatives, as well as to other PCBUs.

Our template can guide you through the process of preparing an Asbestos Management Plan.

3.7 How can you manage the risks from lone work?

Lone work increases the risk to a worker. If something goes wrong, there may be no-one around to help. The worker may be unable to contact emergency services.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?

Possible causes

A lone worker is injured or becomes unwell – resulting in a serious illness or injury, or death

effective ways to communicate have not been identified and/or provided worker is in a location where cell phone coverage is unavailable or unreliable worker does not have sufficient knowledge, experience and training to work alone the training and/or induction process does not cover lone working and emergency procedures inadequate risk assessment before work starts no tracking system or method of making regular contact with base no emergency procedures in place no consideration of worker’s level of health and fitness (for example, whether they are fit and healthy enough to work alone) worker is more vulnerable than others and particularly at risk when they work alone (for example, they have a medical condition, pregnant, or a trainee) use of equipment, machinery or tools that one person working alone cannot operate safely no suitable arrangements in place for a worker whose primary language is not English to get help in an emergency.

Table 6: What could go wrong - lone work

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this table. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

Regulation 21 of the GRWM Regulations specifies a PCBU’s duty to manage risks associated with remote or isolated work. Lone work is considered to be isolated work.

If remote or isolated work is required, you must follow the prescribed risk management process described in our General risk and workplace management – Part 2 guidelines to manage these risks.

You must also provide a system for effective communication to and from the worker including during an emergency. How effective a system will be will depend on the risks faced by the worker.

Lone work risk assessment 

First consider whether the work could be done using a buddy system instead. If lone work is necessary:

• does the lone worker have sufficient knowledge, experience and training to work unsupervised?
• does the work involve equipment, machinery or tools that are difficult or unsafe for one person to handle on their own?
• does the work involve chemicals or other hazardous substances?
• does the work require working in a confined space?
• what is in place to make sure that the worker can communicate with others in an emergency?
• what other systems are in place to reduce the risk of working alone?

Control measures

If lone work is necessary, put in place a working alone system to monitor the worker and make sure they are safe. An emergency plan must always be in place in case help is required.

A working alone system could include:

• a lone worker app that monitors the worker and allows the worker to quickly and easily confirm that they are okay
• a reliable communication device (such as a satellite phone, cell phone, pager, or distress beacon) that allows the worker to raise an alarm
• regular scheduled contact with a supervisor or other nominated person at specified times. Trigger the emergency response plan if the worker fails to make contact or does not respond to scheduled contact.

Other control measures for lone or isolated work include:

• having a buddy system to eliminate or reduce the need to work alone
• training workers in emergency procedures, including what to do during natural disasters
• carrying appropriate supplies including suitable first aid equipment
• remote monitoring – such as a video camera linked to a monitoring system.

3.8 How can you manage the risks from noise?

Noise at work can be harmful to hearing, but noise induced hearing loss is preventable if PCBUs put noise control measures in place.

Workers can be exposed to harmful noise in environments such as the machine room.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Hearing loss – temporary or permanent	hair cells in the inner ear and/or the auditory neurological pathways are damaged by: sudden loud noise extended exposure to noisy machinery hazardous substances that can damage hearing (‘ototoxic substances), such as certain paints, paint thinners, and glues – check Safety Data Sheets for information.
Tinnitus – ongoing ringing or buzzing in the ears	prolonged exposure to excessively loud noise sudden loud noise – such as an explosion.
Reduced concentration	constant noise.
Decreased workplace productivity	noise that has a negative effect on productivity and engagement.
Decreased job satisfaction	noise irritates workers.

Table 7: What could go wrong - exposure to noise 

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this table. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

PCBUs must manage the risk associated with noise at work. This includes:

• eliminating the noise, if reasonably practicable
• minimising the noise using substitution, engineering control measures, or administrative control measures (but only when elimination is not reasonably practicable)
• using hearing protection (but only when elimination or minimisation options are not reasonably practicable)
• monitoring noise levels, if reasonably practicable.

The potential for exposure to harmful noise varies depending on the nature of the workplace. When work is being planned, ask the building owner what noises your workers may be exposed to. This will help you to assess and manage the risk of workers being exposed to noise that could harm their hearing.

The most effective way to reduce noise levels at work is to remove the source of the noise. Consider how to change work processes so that hazardous noise can be eliminated.

Buying or hiring quieter tools and machinery is one of the most cost-effective ways of eliminating noise levels, because the cost of putting noise control measures in place can be avoided.

Ask suppliers for information about the likely noise levels in the environments where the tools or machinery will be used.

3.9 How can you manage the risks from inadequate lighting?

Inadequate lighting can put workers at risk of serious injury or death if it means workers are unable to see properly. If emergency lighting is inadequate or missing, workers will not be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Injury or death (due to trip, fall, crush injury or other injury)	risk not visible/recognised due to inadequate lighting light bulbs or other light sources difficult to reach when replacement or maintenance is required.
Electric shock	portable lights used in a damp or wet environment changing light bulb while light is powered on unsafe use of extension cords, frayed or damaged cords, or cords with loose connections faulty lighting, electrical outlet, wiring, or light switch exposed live parts portable lights used without an RCD.
Eyestrain or other eye problems, migraine, headaches	inadequate lighting strains the brain.
Neck ache, back ache or other joint aches	poor lighting means workers use unsuitable postures to get closer to the task or to approach it from an inappropriate and/or difficult angle.
Fatigue	eyes and brain are working harder under poor light.
Cut by broken bulb	bulb not handled appropriately when being replaced/disposed of.
Worker overheats	excessive heat generated by lighting.
Emergency lighting fails	emergency lighting has not been tested regularly battery failure component failure.
Fire	lighting too close to worker, equipment, combustible material or other object ignites and causes fire bulb with incorrect rating overheats and ignites faulty lighting, electrical outlet, wiring, or light switch ignites and causes fire unsafe use of extension cords, frayed or damaged cords or cords with loose connections overloading of an Electrical Portable Outlet Device (EPODs – also called multi-boxes) – note that EPODs should not be used (see How can you manage the risks? below).

Table 8: What could go wrong - inadequate lighting

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this table. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

Workplace emergency lighting needs to meet the standards set out in the New Zealand Building Code.

Regulation 10 of the GRWM Regulations specifies a PCBU’s duty in relation to general workplace facilities. This includes ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that lighting is suitable and sufficient.

You must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that there is suitable and sufficient lighting to enable:

• each worker to carry out work without risks to health and safety
• people to move within the workplace without risks to health and safety and
• safe evacuation in an emergency.

Regulation 12 of the GRWM Regulations specifies that a PCBU must make sure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workplace facilities have enough lighting and that they are in good working order, clean, safe and accessible.

Provide sufficient lighting to ensure safe entry, exit and working conditions for people working in lift shafts, pits and machine rooms. Control switches should be located close to each access point to the area.

Lighting must adequately light up the work area. If the work area does not have fixed lighting installed, then an alternative source of illumination must be provided. For example, battery-powered torches, pole lights or battery-powered emergency lights.

In addition:

• All portable light sources (as well as appliances and other electrical equipment) should be supplied with electricity through an RCD that turns the power off in the event of electric shock.
• Consider using battery-powered flood lights and torches to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
• If the lighting requires cords, plugs, portable socket outlet assemblies (PSOAs) or RCDs then all equipment should be in good condition to prevent fires and electric shocks.
• Extension cords are intended for temporary use only. If a permanent power source is required where an extension lead is in use, ask a licenced electrician to install a power outlet.
• EPODs (multi-boxes) should not be used.
  •  If the work area does not have enough power outlets for the equipment in use, ask a licenced electrician to install more.
  • If it is not reasonably practicable to install more power outlets, a PSOA may be used. The PSOA must comply with AS/NZS 3012.
• Protect all lighting from mechanical damage.

3.10 How can you manage electrical risks?

Workers are at risk of electric shock or electrocution.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?	Possible causes
Worker receives electric shock – resulting in serious injuries or death	no warning signs in place to alert workers to exposed or concealed electrical power circuits RCD not in use fuses are incorrect size, type or capacity fuse substituted or bypassed with a wire, nail or other conductor safety circuit defeated or bypassed live cables or exposed live parts are contacted the work, the electrical appliances and/or the fittings do not meet the safety requirements of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 unsafe use of microwaves, kettles and other domestic appliances on worksite use of an EPOD (multi-box) unsafe use of extension cords, frayed or damaged cords, or cords with loose connections faulty lighting, electrical outlet, wiring, or switch exposed live parts failure of bonding elements.
Electrical equipment becomes unsafe	equipment is damaged by harsh environments or working conditions, such as exposure to: dust water chemicals steam oil grease.
Electrical equipment becomes unsafe	modifications to circuitry or software carried out by non-authorised or incompetent workers changes not recorded and shared with workers changes not clearly indicated inside control panel.

Table 9: What could go wrong - electrical hazards 

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this section. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks

Any work that involves electrical circuits and equipment must comply with all relevant regulations, including the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010. PCBUs must provide all workers with the information, training, instruction and supervision they need to work safely – including people registered to undertake prescribed electrical work (PEW).

Workers should have:

• Electrical Workers Registration Board authorisation for any PEW that they are undertaking
• training in electrical safety, and
• the experience, knowledge and skills required for the work to be undertaken, or be directly supervised.

Warning sign required for PEW

The Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010(external link) require this sign to be in place when PEW is being carried out.

You must:

• provide suitable training on electrical risks on site, so that everyone knows how these risks should be eliminated or minimised
• work with other PCBUs to manage electrical safety risks:
  • talk with other PCBUs about how electricity will be supplied and used in areas where health and safety duties overlap
  • this will help to prevent any gaps in managing health and safety risks.

Control Measures

Control measures that could be used to eliminate or minimise risk may include:

• putting warning signs in place to alert workers to exposed or concealed
  electrical power circuits
• treating all circuits as live unless it is confirmed that they are not– following lockout and tagout processes when practicable (see Section 3.4 of these guidelines)
• before using electrical equipment, checking that it is safe to use and without risks to others
• ensuring power is supplied to electrical equipment through an RCD – see RCD information below
• using battery-powered tools and equipment
• protecting workers from electric shock when they are working on an electrical circuit by:
  • de-energising the circuit
  • ensuring covers and barriers are fitted
  • using safe electrical working practices in accordance with AS/NZS 4836:2011
• using extension cords that:
  • have the correct amperage rating
  • are suitable for the conditions of use and the location, and
  • are protected by an RCD
• making sure that fuses are the correct size, type and capacity
• removing and replacing any modified, worn or frayed electrical cords
• making sure that leads and cords are arranged, used and stored safely
• immediately disconnecting and removing faulty or damaged equipment. This includes equipment that:
  • has given someone a shock
  • fails testing or inspection
  • repeatedly blows a fuse, or trips a circuit breaker or RCD
• not substituting or bypassing a fuse with a wire, nail or other conductor.

Install more power outlets or use a PSOA

EPODs (multi-boxes) should not be used.

• If the work area does not have enough power outlets for the equipment in use, ask a licenced electrician to install more.
• If it is not reasonably practicable to install more power outlets, a PSOA may be used. The PSOA must comply with AS/NZS 3012.

RCDs

RCDs should be used with all portable tools and other electrical devices as required. All RCDs used to protect people should be rated nominally at 30ma or less.

An RCD constantly monitors the electric current flowing along a circuit. If an RCD detects a fault, it quickly disconnects the electricity supply in many situations where someone would otherwise receive a fatal electric shock.

An RCD provides a high level of personal protection. While RCD protection minimises the risk of serious electric shock, it does not eliminate that risk.

Battery-powered tools or equipment

Using battery-powered tools or equipment may minimise risks associated with a mains electricity supply. Faulty leads, faulty RCDs and operation in wet conditions can also put workers at risk.

There is still a risk of electric shock from battery chargers that are plugged into the mains supply. Chargers are not weatherproof. They should only be used in a dry and dust-free environment.

Work with other PCBUs to manage electrical safety risks

All PCBUs (including contractors) working on the same site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, work together (consult, cooperate and coordinate activities) to manage electrical safety risks where they have the same health and safety duty.

• Talk with other PCBUs about how electricity will be supplied and used in areas where your health and safety duties overlap. This will help to prevent any gaps in managing health and safety risks.
• All contractors who use the electrical supply at a site must make sure their equipment is safe to use and without risks to others.
• All electrical equipment should be RCD-protected (see above).

Modification of circuitry and software

Any modification to circuitry or software should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If there are no manufacturer’s instructions available, you should establish a certified design or control procedure for modifying circuitry and software. The PCBU that modifies the equipment:

• should make sure that the person making the changes accurately records all changes to the circuitry or software
• should clearly indicate these changes (for example, on electrical schematic diagrams).

Note that modifications may void any type testing or manufacturer testing that has been undertaken on the equipment.

Bypassing safety circuits

Only fully trained and competent workers should use jumpers, bridges and shunts.

Only use jumpers, bridges or shunts to bypass (short out or defeat) a safety circuit if there is no other way to accomplish the task.

A bypass should be:

• immediately removed after the test is complete, and
• removed before the equipment is brought back into service.

Jumpers

During maintenance, the lift car should be placed on slow/inspection speed before placing jumpers on door locks and safety circuits.

• Jumpers should be clearly visible.
• Limit the number of jumpers and who they are assigned to.
• Jumpers should be easy to identify by a serial number or other equivalent system of identification, including the date of placement.
• Attach a warning tag to each jumper in use, to alert other workers.
• Keep a list of the jumpers that are in use:
  • this list should operate as a ‘sign in and out’ system
  • match jumpers to the list after use to confirm that all jumpers have been removed.

The lift shaft door locks and the lift car door locks should not be jumped out at the same time.

Remove all jumpers:

• before transferring a maintenance or repair job to someone else
• before equipment goes back into service.

3.11 How can you manage the risks from inadequate information, supervision, training or instruction?

Inadequate information, supervision, training and instruction can lead to injuries, ill-health or death. For example, if workers are not informed about appropriate and effective control measures to eliminate or minimise known work risks, or have not received the training and supervision necessary to work safely in particular environments or with specific tools or equipment.

What could go wrong?

What could go wrong?

Possible causes

Injuries, ill-health or death result from the actions of: untrained or poorly trained workers inexperienced workers who are not adequately supervised.

workers are not adequately trained to carry out work tasks (for example, the training and/or induction process does not cover all the information workers need to know, such as on-site risks and appropriate control measures) the training is not understood by workers – it does not suit their numeracy (number), literacy (reading/writing) or language skills. workers have not undergone regular refresher training and their skills are declining or out-of-date trainees, apprentices or other inexperienced workers are not adequately supervised, there is no supervisor responsible for monitoring their work and ensuring compliance with regulations and recommended practices.

Table 10: What could go wrong – inadequate information, supervision, training, and instruction.

Note: There may be risks that are not identified in this section. You will need to identify and assess health and safety risks arising from your own work. You must engage with workers and their representatives when you are identifying risks and deciding how to eliminate or minimise those risks.

How can you manage the risks?

You must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, those who carry out lift industry work:

• either have adequate knowledge or experience of similar work so they are not likely to cause harm to themselves or other people, or
• are supervised by someone who has the relevant knowledge and experience, and
• are adequately trained in the safe use of all plant, objects, substances, or equipment the workers are or may be required to handle, as well as all PPE that the workers are or may be required to wear or use.

You must engage with workers when making decisions about how to provide information and training to them.

Training topics

Training may include, but is not limited to, these topics:

• company safety procedures
• electrical safety
• emergency plans
• first aid
• remote, isolated or lone work
• site safety
• use of specific equipment
• working at height
• working in confined spaces
• working with hazardous substances.

Some of these topics are covered elsewhere in these guidelines.

Responsibilites when working with trainees and apprentices

A fully trained and competent person must supervise a lift industry trainee or apprentice. Apprenticeship or licencing requirements may specify how long supervision is needed.

Appendices

Appendix 1: Health and Safety at Work Act duties (PDF 44 KB)

Appendix 2: So far as is reasonably practicable (PDF 29 KB)

Appendix 3: Appendix 3: Working with other PCBUs – overlapping duties (PDF 27 KB)

Appendix 4: Worker engagement, participation and representation (PDF 40 KB)

Appendix 5: Upstream duties (PDF 47 KB)

Appendix 6: Managing risks (PDF 57 KB)

Appendix 7: Fatigue and other impairments (PDF 24 KB)

Appendix 8: Site specific safety assessment (PDF 23 KB)

Appendix 9: Asbestos recommended safe work practices (PDF 23 KB)

Appendix 10: Lifts recommended safe work practices (PDF 75 KB)

Appendix 11: Escalators and moving walkways recommended safe work practices (PDF 53 KB)