Victoria Reports - November 2010

Hose burst valves required for excavators
Contractors have until June 30, 2011 to retrofit machines that have a lifting capacity of 1t or more with hose burst valves (refer WorkSafe guidance note – Earthmoving equipment used as a crane).

In addition, contractors need to ensure that machines clearly have displayed the SWL or rated capacity for that machine, to ensure that operators are aware of the maximum load they can lift. This is the maximum load that the machine can lift anywhere in its radius and is determined by the structural, hydraulic and stability capacity of the excavator, at the designated lift point's maximum reach.

When buying machinery, contractors may have been provided with a single capacity lift chart and in some circumstances a variable lift chart.

The variable lift chart should be removed unless the machine is also fitted with additional limiting and indicating devices, i.e. radius, slope and level indicators etc.

Contractors need to check their machines to ensure that they are marked with the SWL or rated capacity and the type of load chart in the machine. Councils Reforming Business eNewsletter
The CRB program helps councils to collaborate with each other, the state government, industry, peak bodies and other stakeholders to develop and implement new programs to boost efficiency and provide better services to communities.
Highlights in this edition include:

• The upcoming launch of regional engineering standards;
• Preparations for the Procurement eHub to go live;
• Information on procurement roadmaps soon to be rolled out across the state; and
• An update on the state-wide code of practice for building site management.

National harmonisation
State and territory road authorities are aiming to implement the first stages of a nationally harmonised contractor pre-qualification from 1 January 2011. This will involve contractors undertaking only road and bridge works over $50m in value.

Road and bridge contractors undertaking works under $50m will be required to progressively pre-qualify under the revised requirements after 1/1/11.

OH&S national law reform
Stay up to date on Australian OH&S reform in the lead up to national laws coming into effect on 1 January 2012. Victoria is working with the Australian Government and other states and territories to develop and implement one set of OH&S laws.

Currently Victoria is responsible for making and enforcing its own health and safety laws. These are similar to other jurisdictions but there are some fundamental differences which can cause confusion. One set of laws will ensure there is a consistently high level of protection for all Australians and over time, reduce compliance burdens for business.

WorkSafe Victoria is playing a key role in what the national laws will look like, how they will be implemented, administered and enforced.

The legislation will consist of a model act and regulations, supported by national codes of practice and standardised guidance. A national compliance and enforcement policy will help the laws be enforced consistently across Australia.

The regulations, as well as some of the codes of practice, are currently being drafted and feedback is being provided on the proposed documents.

Recycling, materials information
EPA Victoria, Sustainability Victoria (SV) and the Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG), invite you to attend an information session covering details of their funds which form part of the Victorian government’s $54m grant to support councils, the community and industry to increase recycling and materials efficiency opportunities.

The three funds administered by SV, EPA Victoria and MWMG include:

• $14m Beyond Waste fund, administered by EPA Victoria, which will help businesses avoid generating waste and reduce what is sent to landfill by supporting innovations that lessen the waste generated from their daily operations.
• $14m Driving Investment for New Recycling fund, administered by Sustainability Victoria, which will assist councils, waste management groups and the recycling sector provide new infrastructure, and upgrade and increase capacity and capability.
• $5.5m Metropolitan Local Governments Waste and Resource Recovery fund, administered by the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, which will support the delivery of the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Strategic Plan and achievement of municipal solid waste targets.

Applications for project and program funding will close on 13 December 2010.

Steerable axles
The Victorian Transport Association in consultation with us, has lodged concerns about VicRoads’ policy, requiring ALL permit vehicles over 30m in length to be fitted with rear-end steering.

VicRoads will/may consider an application for an exemption to the steerable axle policy if the operator can supply swept path performance information and/or demonstrate that a non-steerable unit creates no greater road wear than a unit with steerable axles. Clearly this would be on a trip by trip permit application basis. We welcome your comments or response.

$75m road safety funding boost
The Victorian Government has announced a $75m funding boost to improve safety on metropolitan and regional roads with a history of run-off-road and intersection crashes.

Annual report
The branch’s 2009/10 annual report was adopted at the AGM on 7th September, 2010. It will be observed that the branch has enjoyed another successful year in delivering benefits to members through its range of programs and its advocacy role.

Yarra Valley Water
Contractors are advised that Yarra Valley Water has released two important safety bulletins regarding safe entry to private property and work in wet conditions.

President’s lunch
Please keep your diary free for Friday 19 November 2010 at the members dining room at the MCG. Our special guest speaker will be sports personality Andrew Gaze.