Holes, penetrations and openings must be made safe immediately after being formed. This includes any hole, penetration and opening, including core holes for pipes and slots for cable trays (i.e. anything over 50mm in diameter).

When mesh is used, an additional cover should be used. If a visual barrier is the only form of protection, it must be 2 meters from the leading edge.

Covers over penetrations should be designed to safely withstand a 200 kilogram load.

Covers, should be marked with signage indicating their purpose as a cover, for example ‘DANGER HOLE BENEATH’ and be secured with a fixing that can only be removed by a tool (e.g. a hexhead driver) or substantial weight (e.g. deeply embedded, angled star-pickets).

If you’re removing penetration covers and working through the penetration, your SWMS must step out the methodology. The preferred method is for work to be conducted from below, with a suitable temporary barrier above.