Our Commitment to Exceeding AS1576.7 Australian Standards.
Construction sites are inherently risky environments, and the importance of maintaining a high standard of health and safety cannot be overstated. Work Health and Safety (WHS) managers operating in construction, hold a pivotal role in ensuring that every aspect of a construction site adheres to the latest safety standards. One critical area that demands attention is scaffold containment - a factor that directly influences the safety of workers and the community.
The Changing Landscape of Scaffold Containment Standards
The AS1576.7 Australian Standard for Safe Use of Encapsulation on Scaffolding plays a crucial role in setting the bar for safety in scaffold containment. Recent changes in acceptance criteria and compliance standards reflect a collective effort to enhance containment safety across construction sites. These changes are not just regulatory updates; they are a response to a stark reality – scaffold containment is a matter of life and death.
Alarming Statistics
Between 2019 and 2022, more than 70 lives were lost across the construction sector due to falling objects (SafeWork Australia 2019; 2020; 2021). In 2023, a SafeWork Australia report found 15,600 serious claims were made between 2021 and 2022 by workers in the construction industry. In addition, a number of scaffolding structures were ignited or destroyed after non-flame-retardant containment mesh caught fire and spread quickly (SafeWork Australia 2021). These statistics underscore the imperative need for stringent safety measures and compliant scaffold containment products to prevent tragic incidents and protect the workforce.
Non-compliance Risks More than your Reputation
WHS managers are responsible for putting safety first, always. Using non-compliant products not only jeopardises lives, but also exposes companies to legal ramifications. To mitigate risk, it makes sense for construction companies to use containment products that comply with both national and state safety regulation. Afterall, compliance is the foundation of incident and injury-free construction sites and choosing the safest option only enhances safety, providing the utmost reassurance for WHS managers who are responsible for keeping people safe.
Our Commitment to Safety Compliance
Sitemax has supplied Australia’s construction industry with innovative containment solutions for over twenty years and our commitment to supplying the safest and most compliant scaffold containment products remains steadfast. One such groundbreaking product is Spidermesh, our patented structural containment mesh that not only meets but exceeds Australian Standard AS1576.7 safety requirements.
Spidermesh is a reusable and highly durable flame-retardant structural containment mesh that meets and exceeds all state, territory and national safety standards, including AS1576.7 Australian Standards. This unique and patented mesh features sealed edges along the top and bottom to prevent chain wire from tangling, allowing for greater maneuverability, reuse, and efficient installation. Available with or without Siteclad Shade Cloth lining, Spidermesh can be customised to suit project specifications.
Key Features
- Recyclable and Recycled Steel - Spidermesh is crafted from environmentally friendly materials, aligning with our industry's growing focus on sustainability.
- Innovative, Patented Design - A 50mm UV-stabilised mesh edge is secured across the top and bottom of Spidermesh to prevent tangling, allowing for easier installations and greater maneuverability.
- Replaceable Siteclad Lining - Spidermesh is equipped with an easily replaceable Siteclad Shade Cloth lining which is available in a range of colours, making it reusable and cost-effective.
- FlameX Fire Retardant - Spidermesh is FlameX Fire Retardant, boasting a Fire Index Rating of 1 for optimal safety and compliance.
- Superior Strength - Spidermesh meets and exceeds all strength testing requirements for structural scaffold containment.
- 10-Year Pro-Rata Warranty - Sitemax stands behind the quality of Spidermesh, offering a 10-year pro-rata warranty for peace of mind.
- J-Hook Fixtures - J-Hooks are a patented fixture for scaffold containment and only solution that passes all test requirements for AS1576.7 when installed with Spidermesh or Scaffmesh.
Testing Data and Documentation
Sitemax is committed to transparency and can provide comprehensive Spidermesh testing data and documentation upon request. This commitment ensures that every claim made about Spidermesh is backed by verifiable evidence.
Spidermesh | 50% Siteclad Shade Cloth
Spidermesh | Siteclad Quad Net
Complimentary Containment Mesh Audit Consultations:
To further support the construction industry in its commitment to safety, Sitemax is providing complimentary containment audits, offering a comprehensive consultation with our regulation and containment experts to evaluate AS1576.7 compliance of scaffold containment being used on your site. Aimed at empowering WHS and project managers, this service will also provide a method for self-checking mesh compliance with AS1576.7 safety standards.
In an industry where safety is paramount, adherence to the evolving standards of scaffold containment is non-negotiable. Sitemax's dedication to providing the safest and most compliant products, such as Spidermesh and J-Hooks, reflects a shared commitment to eliminating incidents and injuries on construction sites. Embrace the change, prioritise safety, and partner with us to build a safer future for the construction industry.