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Installers, Constructors, and Commissioners - WHS Duties

Who is an Installer?​

An installer is a person who conducts a business or undertaking that includes installing, erecting, or commissioning plant or structures at a workplace.

This includes:

  • Plant installers and erectors
  • Building constructors
  • Scaffold erectors
  • Formwork erectors
  • Crane riggers
  • Plant commissioners
  • Demolition contractors (as reverse constructors)

Primary Duty​

Installers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant or structure is without risks to health and safety when installed, erected, or commissioned.

Specific Duties for Installation and Erection​

1. Install in Accordance with Information​

Installers must install or erect plant and structures:

  • In accordance with information provided by designers, manufacturers, or suppliers
  • Following design specifications
  • Using specified methods and sequences
  • Meeting required standards

Construction Example - Scaffold Erection: Scaffold erectors must follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions, use specified bracing and ties, achieve required load capacities, and install edge protection as designed.

Construction Example - Formwork Installation: Formwork erectors must follow design drawings showing required bracing, supports, tie locations, and erection sequence to ensure the formwork can safely support concrete loads.

2. Conduct Testing and Analysis​

Installers must ensure testing, examination, or analysis is carried out:

  • As necessary to verify safe installation
  • As specified by designers or manufacturers
  • To confirm the installation meets safety requirements

Construction Example - Crane Installation: After erecting a tower crane, installers must conduct:

  • Load testing to verify capacity
  • Stability testing
  • Function testing of safety devices
  • Inspection of all connections and pins

3. Provide Information​

Installers must give adequate information about:

  • How the plant or structure was installed or erected
  • Any conditions necessary for safe use
  • Any residual risks or hazards
  • Inspection and maintenance requirements

Construction Example - Structural Steel Erection: Steel erectors must provide information to the principal contractor about:

  • Temporary bracing that must remain until permanent connections are complete
  • Load restrictions before concrete floors are poured
  • Required inspections before removing temporary supports

Specific Duties for Commissioning​

What is Commissioning?​

Commissioning is the process of testing and verifying that plant operates correctly and safely before it is put into service.

Commissioner Duties​

Commissioners must ensure plant is commissioned:

  • In accordance with manufacturer's instructions
  • So that it operates safely
  • With all safety systems functional

Construction Example - HVAC System: Commissioners of building HVAC systems must verify:

  • All safety interlocks function correctly
  • Emergency stops operate as designed
  • Ventilation rates meet design specifications
  • Control systems operate correctly
  • Safe access to filters and components for maintenance

Installation Risk Management​

Installers must apply the risk management process to installation work:

1. Identify Installation Hazards​

Common installation hazards:

  • Working at heights during installation
  • Manual handling of heavy components
  • Working in confined spaces
  • Use of lifting equipment
  • Electrical hazards during installation
  • Collision with installed components
  • Structural instability during installation

2. Assess Installation Risks​

Consider:

  • Likelihood of injury during installation work
  • Potential severity of injuries
  • Number of workers exposed
  • Duration of exposure

3. Control Installation Risks​

Apply the hierarchy of control to installation activities.

Construction Example - Prefabricated Building Installation:

  • Elimination: Assemble sections at ground level before lifting
  • Engineering controls: Use crane with load-indicating device, design temporary bracing
  • Administrative controls: Develop lift plan, exclusion zones, competent doggers and riggers
  • PPE: Harnesses for workers guiding components into position

4. Maintain and Review​

  • Monitor installation activities
  • Review procedures after incidents or near-misses
  • Update methods based on learnings

Coordination with Other Duty Holders​

With Designers​

Installers must:

  • Request design information if not provided
  • Seek clarification if design information is inadequate
  • Report back to designers if safety issues are identified

Designers must:

  • Provide installation information and sequences
  • Specify requirements for temporary works
  • Consider installation risks in their designs

With Suppliers​

Suppliers must provide information needed for safe installation.

Installers must request this information and not proceed if information is inadequate.

With Principal Contractors​

When working as a subcontractor, installers must:

  • Coordinate with the principal contractor
  • Provide information about risks their work creates
  • Follow site safety requirements
  • Participate in site consultation processes

See Consultation, Cooperation, and Coordination.

Competence Requirements​

Installers must be competent to perform installation work. This includes:

For High-Risk Work:

  • Appropriate licensing (scaffolding, rigging, dogging, cranes)
  • Currency of skills and knowledge
  • Familiarity with specific equipment or systems

For Specialized Installation:

  • Manufacturer training for specific products
  • Understanding of design requirements
  • Knowledge of relevant standards and codes

Construction Example: Installing formwork for a bridge requires understanding of:

  • Structural loads and load paths
  • Formwork design drawings
  • Bracing and support requirements
  • Concrete pouring sequences and rates
  • Inspection points before concrete placement

Common Installation Risks​

Structural Instability During Installation​

Many structures are unstable until fully erected or until permanent connections are complete.

Controls Required:

  • Temporary bracing and supports
  • Staged installation sequences
  • Restrictions on removing temporary supports
  • Monitoring for movement or deflection

Construction Example - Steel Frame: Steel building frames may require temporary bracing until floor slabs provide lateral stability. Erection procedures must specify bracing requirements and when bracing can be removed.

Fall Risks During Installation​

Installing structures and plant often involves working at height.

Controls Required:

  • Work platforms and scaffolding
  • Temporary edge protection
  • Travel restraint or fall arrest systems
  • Lift plans to minimize work at height

Construction Example - Facade Installation: Installing building facades requires:

  • Appropriate scaffolding or elevated work platforms
  • Edge protection on floor slabs
  • Anchor points for fall arrest systems
  • Methods to safely guide panels into position

Lifting and Rigging Risks​

Installation often requires cranes and lifting equipment.

Controls Required:

  • Lift plans for complex or heavy lifts
  • Licensed riggers and doggers
  • Load-rated lifting gear
  • Exclusion zones during lifts
  • Communication systems between ground crew and crane operator

See Managing Risks of Plant.

Demolition as Reverse Construction​

Demolition contractors are constructors working in reverse - they must ensure the structure remains stable throughout demolition.

Demolition installer duties:

  • Conduct demolition in accordance with a planned sequence
  • Provide temporary supports as required
  • Control dust, noise, and falling debris
  • Ensure structural stability throughout demolition process

See Demolition Work Code of Practice.

Practical Application​

Scenario: Installing Commercial HVAC System

Installer Duties:

  1. Review information: Obtain and review design drawings, manufacturer information, installation specifications
  2. Plan installation: Develop installation sequence considering access, lifting, and connection work
  3. Risk assessment: Identify hazards (work at height on roof, lifting heavy units, refrigerant handling, electrical connections)
  4. Implement controls: Scaffolding for roof work, crane lift plan, licensed electricians, refrigerant handling procedures
  5. Install to specification: Follow design and manufacturer requirements
  6. Test and commission: Verify system operates correctly, safety devices function, required ventilation achieved
  7. Provide information: Handover information about maintenance access, operating parameters, inspection requirements