THE OFSC has clarified the interpretation of Mobile Plant and Equipment criterion H16.7, regarding protective structures on earthmoving equipment.
According to the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner, it has received a number of queries regarding criterion H16.7, which specifies all earthmoving equipment to be fitted with compliant Roll-Over Protection Structures/Falling Object Protection Structures, and seatbelts.
The OFSC says the criteria does not intend for all earthmoving equipment to be fitted with both Roll Over Protection Structures (ROPS) and Falling Object Protection Structures (FOPS).
While earthmoving equipment should meet relevant standards surrounding prescribed requirements for protective structures of any kind, in cases where there is no prescribed requirement for ROPS and/or FOPS, companies should conduct a risk assessment to determine the need for protective structures.
These risk assessments should account for the manner in which the plant is to be operated. Where ROPS/FOPS are fitted due to the risk assessment, these structures need to be fitted with compliance plates that are in accordance with the relevant Australian standard or its international equivalent.