Falling objects and exclusion zone checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Edges and platforms

Toe-boards at least 90 mm high on every scaffold side with a fall of more than 2 metres. WSH (Scaffolds) Regs, reg 22
Overlay or screening nets intact on external scaffolds. WSH (Scaffolds) Regs, reg 23
Panelling fitted where small items could pass over or under toe-boards.
Catch platforms or safety nets below work areas where objects could drop.
Materials stored back from working edges and loose debris cleared.

02Tools at height

Hand tools tethered with lanyards rated for their weight.
Tool bags or belts used for small items and when climbing.
Helmets worn with chin straps by everyone working at height.
Tools checked and cleared from platforms at the end of each task.

03Exclusion zones

Drop zone barricaded and signed under every job at height and every MEWP.
No-entry zone set up for each lift, with a sentry where people might walk in.
No loads lifted, lowered or swung over people.
Nearby crews told where the zones are before work starts.
Barriers moved when the work or the crane moves.

04Overhead protection

Adequate overhead protection where objects could fall on people. WSH (Construction) Regs, reg 25
Covered entry at ground floor for buildings over 2 storeys under construction. WSH (Construction) Regs, reg 30

05Debris removal

Debris removed by chute, bucket or hoist, never thrown. WSH (Construction) Regs, reg 51
Chutes enclosed on all sides, with every opening except the top closed when not in use. WSH (Construction) Regs, reg 53
Debris openings on lower floors enclosed floor to ceiling, or barricaded 6 metres around below. WSH (Construction) Regs, reg 52
Collection area enclosed at least 2 metres high, gate shut, warning notice posted, or a 2-metre skip used. WSH (Construction) Regs, reg 55

06Storage and fittings

Racks within their safe load, heavy items low, light items high.
Netting or bars holding stock on upper shelves.
Overhead lights, signs and brackets checked for rust and fitted with secondary retention.

Legal requirement

On Singapore worksites, the occupier must provide adequate overhead protection against falling objects (WSH (Construction) Regulations 2007, reg 25). Debris must go down by chute, bucket, hoist or another safe method, into an enclosed collection area (regs 50 to 55). Scaffold sides with a fall of more than 2 metres need toe-boards of at least 90 mm, and external scaffolds need overlay or screening nets (WSH (Scaffolds) Regulations 2011, regs 22 and 23).

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Falling objects and exclusion zone checklist

01Edges and platforms

02Tools at height

03Exclusion zones

04Overhead protection

05Debris removal

06Storage and fittings

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Falling objects and exclusion zones: what supervisors need to know

Toolbox talk: falling objects and exclusion zones

Toolbox talk: stay out of the line of fire