AU2012200673A1 - Barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

- 47 A barrier for providing protection for workmen when constructing scaffolding includes an upper screen portion, 5 and a lower connection portion, the lower connection portion having fasteners, typically in the form of hooks, for connecting the barrier to existing scaffolding at the current safe working level so that the screen portion extends above the current safe working level to the next 10 higher working level to provide temporary protection for the workmen before climbing to the next higher working level to add a new layer to the height of the scaffolding. The barrier being light weight can be readily removed and replaced at the next higher level repeatedly as the height 15 of the scaffolding is increased to maintain protection for the scaffolding as it is being assembled. The barrier is configured so that there is a clearance gap between the upper screen portion and the scaffolding which allows additional ledgers to be connected to existing uprights 20 whilst the barrier is securely in place, thus maintaining protection as the scaffolding is being built. 3/02/12 31203201 (GHMatlems) P88339.AU.3 24b 22a 20b ' 28 36b 24a 22b 20a

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Independent Ezy Access Pty Ltd Invention Title: BARRIER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 BARRIER FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to safety barriers for use with elevated worksites or constructions, including scaffolding and live edges. In one form the present invention relates to a temporary 10 safety screen for use as a barrier for providing protection when scaffolding is being assembled. In one form the present invention relates to a protective barrier which can be used when assembly scaffolding to 15 protect workmen when adding to the height of the existing scaffolding or when working for a short time at or on an elevated worksite or an elevated construction, such as for example, installing windows at an upper levels of a multi storey building, working adjacent a live edge or an edge 20 protected by a lower level temporary guard rail or the like that does not extend to the next higher level. The present invention finds particular application as a temporary protective barrier for use in providing 25 protection during assembling of a scaffolding at a level above the level at which workmen are working in order to provide a protection barrier for the next higher level before a workman has to climb to the next higher level to increase the height of the scaffolding during assembling 30 of the scaffolding. It also finds application in protecting a live edge of a building during construction, repair, refurbishment, renovation or the like, either more or less permanently or temporarily. 3302112 31203201. (GHMaII,,5) P88339.AU.3 - 3 Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to one or more forms of the protective barrier it is to be noted that the present 5 invention is not restricted in scope to the described embodiments but rather the scope of the invention is more extensive so as to include other forms and arrangements of the barrier and component parts for the barrier and to the use of the various forms and arrangements in applications 10 other than specifically described. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Although permanent barriers for use in elevated situations 15 such as stairways, lifts, walls, aerial walkways and the like have been used in the past to provide protection when walking along the elevated pathway, or working at an elevated height such permanent protection barriers are primarily designed to remain in place, particularly for 20 long periods of time since such barriers are more or less permanent barriers. Accordingly, such barriers are generally heavy duty type barriers made for durable heavy weight materials as befits their permanent placement As such, such barriers are not ideally suited for use with 25 live edges of buildings or scaffolding, particularly scaffolding being assembled layer upon layer prior to commencing work on a new or existing construction. Accordingly, currently available protective barriers have not been used to provide temporary protection for 30 scaffolding when being built or assembled or to protect live edges of building during construction or when work is being done at that level for a variety of reasons. 3302/12 31203201. (GHMalers) P86339.AU.3 - 4 Of the very limited protective barriers which are available for use with scaffolding particularly during building of the scaffolding, many do not provide the required safety of the protective barrier since there are 5 gaps in the barrier through which workmen may inadvertently or accidentally fall or tools or similar, sometimes relatively heavy items may fall. Still other existing protective barriers are not suitable for providing protection since such barriers are attached at 10 or towards the top of the existing scaffolding and depend downwardly in a manner which does not provide protection above their point of attachment to the scaffolding. Such barriers cannot be used to protect workmen assembling scaffolding since the scaffolding must be built before the 15 barriers can be attached to the scaffolding, thereby exposing workmen to a dangerous environment and the possibility of injury by falling off the unprotected scaffolding whilst they are assembling the next higher level of scaffolding. 20 Currently available barriers which provide increased temporary protection are generally complex having a multitude of movable parts or components which must be converted from a lower level to a higher level before they 25 can provide protection, or are heavy making them difficult and cumbersome to move about the worksite, particularly when being lifted from a lower level to the next higher level and most, if not all, are too heavy or unwieldy for a single workman to lift by himself. Also, some existing 30 scaffolding barriers have gaps or spaces and do not provide continuous protection because of the irregular shapes of buildings, fittings or similar. 3302/12 3120320_1 (CHMatterM) P86339 AU 3 - 5 One problem of almost all existing barriers is that the barriers must be removed from the scaffolding before additional parts of the scaffolding can be assembled together to the existing scaffolding to increase the 5 height of the scaffolding and/or to locate safety rails on the scaffolding at a higher level since there is little or no clearance between the barrier, and the uprights of the scaffolding within which to insert other new scaffolding components, handrails or similar as the height of the 10 scaffolding is increased. Instead, either the existing barrier must be removed which exposes workmen to increased danger, or the barrier must be moved outwardly from the existing scaffolding to gain access to the next higher level of the scaffolding which also exposes workmen to a 15 gap, space or void between the barrier and the live edge through which workmen or tools may inadvertently fall. Accordingly, there is a need for a protective barrier which can be used to provide protection at a height above 20 the height at which a workman is working to build the scaffolding before the workman climbs to the next higher level which can remain in place whilst the next higher level is being assembled. 25 Additionally, there is a need for a barrier which extends above the current safe working height of the workman while being attached to the current working level or the next lower level of scaffolding. 30 Also there is a need for a barrier, which when in place providing protection at an increased height, also allows additional components to be assembled to the scaffolding so as to reinforce or strengthen the scaffolding, increase 3102 )2 312O320O.1 (GHMatem~) P50339.AU 3 - 6 the safety of the scaffolding or increase the height of the scaffolding whilst the barrier remains in place to provide protection at the then current working level of the scaffolding. 5 Ther eis a need for a lightweight easily man handled protective barrier that can be lifted into place by one or two workmen when assembling scaffolding. 10 The same problems and shortcomings are provided when attempting to protect a live edge of a building, either an unprotected live edge having no barrier or guard rails, or having low level guard rails, such as for example, guard rails made of stanchions or posts of up to 1 metre high or 15 similar interconnected with horizontal rails or the like which provide protection for the current working level only. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to 20 provide a protective barrier capable of being used to provide temporary protection for workmen engaged in activities concerning worksites relating to buildings. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to 25 provide a protective barrier which allows additional components of scaffolding to be assembled, particularly at the next higher level, whilst the barrier remains in place at the current working level to protect workmen against inadvertent or accidental falling when assembling 30 scaffolding at the next higher level. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a method of providing protection using a safety 3/02/12 31203201. (GHMatters) P88339.AU 3 - 7 barrier by temporarily locating the safety barrier in place in order to provide protection against falling prior to a workman climbing to an increased height to continue working. 5 Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a barrier that can be used for temporary protection on a building to protect a live edge of a building and to provide protection during erection of 10 scaffolding. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a lightweight temporary protective barrier that can be readily moved into place manually by one or two 15 workmen. It is to be noted that the barrier will be described with particular reference to the use of the barrier to provide temporary protection for scaffolding when the scaffolding 20 is being erected. It will also be described with reference to protecting live edges of buildings. However, the barrier is not limited to use with scaffolding or live edges only and may have application as general safety barrier in situations where a temporary barrier is 25 required such as for example, on construction sites generally, when doing maintenance, refurbishment, renovation or the like of a building at an elevated height, or other situation requiring a workman to work at an elevated height, including the maintenance and 30 installation of equipment required for use at an elevated position or maintenance of a building or like construction. 3/02/12 31203201 (GI4Matltem) P88339.AU 3 -8 It is to be noted that not all embodiments of the barrier may satisfy all aims of the invention. Some embodiments may satisfy one aim whilst other embodiments may satisfy other aims. Some embodiments may satisfy two or more aims 5 of the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one form of the invention there is provided a 10 safety barrier for use with a framework arrangement comprising a multitude of framework elements including elements which are located substantially longitudinally and other elements which are located substantially transverse interconnected to one another to form a grid 15 like structure of such framework elements, said safety barrier having a connection portion for facilitating connection of the barrier to the framework arrangement and a screening portion for providing protection or safety, said connection portion having a first connector for 20 connecting the barrier to the framework arrangement at a first location and a second connector for connecting the barrier to the framework arrangement at a second location, said first location being above the height or level greater than the height or level of the second location, 25 such that when the barrier is connected to the framework arrangement at the first and second locations to mount the barrier to the framework arrangement, the barrier is connected to the framework arrangement so that at least a part of the screening portion extends above the first 30 location at which the barrier is connected to the framework arrangement in order to provide a safety barrier at a height that is greater than the height of the first location and wherein the screening portion extending above 312032D_1 (GHMatters) P86339AU.3 -9 the first location is spaced from the framework arrangement sufficient to facilitate installation of at least one additional framework element on to the framework arrangement at a level higher than the first location of 5 connection of the barrier to the framework arrangement. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety barrier comprising a screening portion and a connection portion, said connection portion having 10 at least one first connector for connecting the barrier to scaffolding at at least one first location and at at least one second connector for connecting the barrier to the scaffolding at at least one second location, said at least one first location being at a level higher than the level 15 of the at least one second location, said barrier being provided with a gripping arrangement facilitating movement of the barrier, wherein when the gripping arrangement is used, the barrier can be connected to the scaffolding at the at least one first and at least one second locations 20 to retain the barrier in place so that the screen portion extends above the location of the at least one first connection to provide a barrier above the height of the at least one first location in order to provide protection when working at a level above the level of the at least 25 one first location. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety barrier for temporary use to protect a live edge of a building and/or when assembling scaffolding 30 to prevent a workman from inadvertently or accidentally falling from the live edge or scaffolding during the assembly of the scaffolding, said scaffolding including a multitude of upright support posts and a multitude of 3102112 3120320_1 (GHMatter3) P88339AU 3 - 10 horizontal rails interconnected to one another to form the scaffolding into a general grid structure of upright support posts and horizontal rails, said safety barrier comprising a connection portion having a first connector 5 located at a first location for connecting the barrier to a first of the horizontal rails of the scaffolding at a first location, and a second connector located at a second location for connecting the barrier to a second of the horizontal rails of the scaffolding at a second location, 10 said first location being at a higher level than the second location such that when the barrier is mounted on the scaffolding and the first connector is connected to the first rail and the second connector is connected to the second rail, the screening portion of the barrier 15 extends above the location of the first rail to provide a safety barrier above the first rail so that when a workman is standing at a height corresponding to the height of the first rail the screen forms a barrier to reduce the chance of the workman inadvertently or accidentally falling from 20 the first rail, and wherein the screening portion of the barrier is spaced apart from the upright support posts to facilitate assembly of at least one further horizontal rail above the height of the first rail so as to increase the height of the scaffolding. 25 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is to be noted that the forms of the barrier will be described with respect to the normal in use position of 30 the barrier which position is when the barrier is mounted to scaffolding or an existing low height guard rail to provide protection for the next higher level above the level at which the workman is located and/or currently 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMallem) P8O339,AU.3 - 11 working, for ease of expression and clarity of understanding. The scope of the invention is not limited to the orientation as described which is to be regarded as illustrative of the inventive concept only. Barriers may 5 be used in other positions or orientations depending upon circumstances. The barrier in accordance with this invention is for use with scaffolding, framework, modular framework, live 10 edges, guard rails, existing barriers of low height or the like in circumstances where protection for a live edge is required or where continued protection for scaffolders is required when building or assembling the scaffolding at the next highest level. 15 In one form the framework elements include a first set of elements which are essentially referred to as longitudinal elements. Preferably, the longitudinal elements are arranged to extend substantially vertical in use. Even 20 more typically, the longitudinal elements are uprights, posts, supports, standards, stanchions, balustrades or the like. Another form of the framework elements are a second set of 25 elements which are transverse elements which are typically arranged to extend transversely to the longitudinal elements. Preferably, the transverse elements are arranged to extend horizontally. Even more preferably, the transverse elements are ledgers, rails, hand rails, 30 safety rails, guard rails, footboards, kickboards, transoms or the like. Additionally, another set of elements are oblique elements 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMatters) P88339 AU 3 - 12 extending at an angle to the uprights and/or horizontal elements. In one form, the oblique elements are cross braces, ties, reinforcements or similar. 5 In one form the multitude of longitudinal elements and transverse elements are interconnected by couplers, joiners, fasteners, grippers, clamps, connecting pieces, elbow joints, or the like which positively engage around at least one longitudinal element and at least one 10 transverse element to fasten the two elements together. The fasteners may also fasten other elements together. Other forms of the framework elements include temporary construction elements or equipment used interconnecting 15 structures against or near to an existing building or building under construction. Typical examples include steps, platforms, boards, chariots, lifts, ladders, guard rails protecting live edges of buildings, or the like, typically used by workmen when building temporary 20 structures to gain access to buildings or similar at an elevated height. Other examples of the framework include form work, form work frames, form work systems, prefabricated modules, scaffolding form work support systems and similar systems. 25 It is to be noted that, in some embodiments the barrier does not primarily form part of the framework arrangement by increasing the strength and/or rigidity of the framework arrangement, but rather is a separate component 30 that is attached or connected to the framework and thus is supported by the framework arrangement which relies on its inherent structure and arrangement for strength and rigidity and accordingly, is a suitable structure upon 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMatters) P88339.AL.3 - 13 which the barrier of the present invention can be mounted. The barrier in whatever form extends above the current working level to provide a barrier at the next higher level before a workman has the need to climb to the next 5 higher level to work at the new height, such as for example, to increase the height of the framework arrangement. In one form the temporary barrier is a lightweight barrier 10 made from aluminium components that can be installed essentially by a single person, or at most two persons, and when required moved about the framework arrangement to the next higher working level to provide protection for the new parts of the framework arrangement under 15 construction for the time being. In one preferred form, the gripping arrangement of the barrier is lifted into place at the next level above where it had been located previously in order to protect the space in which the framework arrangement is about to be constructed, 20 particularly the next higher level or layer of scaffolding. By making some forms of the barrier from aluminium, the barrier is generally light weight. However, in other forms of the barrier, the barrier may be made from other materials including steel, iron, or other 25 suitable materials, including hard working, long lasting durable materials and materials of greater strength than aluminium. In one form the barrier is a safety barrier, protective 30 barrier, temporary barrier, extended height barrier, or the like. Typically, the barrier is for use with scaffolding and with live edges, particularly for use in providing protection to workmen when installing or 3102112 3120320_1 (GilMaters) P8633g.AU 3 - 14 building scaffolding or working close to live edges of buildings, including live edges of buildings having low height guard rails. 5 In one form the barrier is of a fixed size and shape. In another form the size and shape of the barrier is adjustable, such as for example, the length of the connection portion is adjustable to alter the spacing apart of the points at which connection of the barrier to 10 the framework occurs. In one form the downwardly depending elongate elements forming part of the connection portion are adjustable in size. In one form the barrier, or more particularly the elements having the connectors are telescopically adjustable, preferably longitudinally 15 adjustable in which two parts are slidably movable with respect to each other to adjust the height of the barrier or to accommodate being connected to parts of existing framework provided on buildings having a different spacing to the usual spacing of horizontal elements. In other 20 forms, the barrier is an adjustable width barrier in which the width of the screen portion is adjustable by having one side of the barrier slidably connected to the barrier are adjustable in length to adjust the width of the barrier. 25 In one form, the barrier is a multi-purpose barrier having a telescopically adjustable connection portion that can be used almost universally in different applications on a building site in a variety of situations so that only the 30 one type of barrier is required thereby reducing the inventory of different types of barriers having to be kept on site for use in different applications. In one form, the barrier is adjustable, typically in both length and 3102112 3120320_1 (GHMatlels) P80339 AU,3 - 15 width, so as to be a "one size fits all" type of barrier. In one form, the barrier is provided with a gripping arrangement for facilitating manual handling of the 5 barrier. Typically, the gripping arrangement includes at least one, preferably two, gripping elements. In one form, the gripping element is a pair of handles arranged in spaced apart relationship to one another. In one form, the handles are fixedly connected to the uprights or 10 longitudinal members of the barrier, preferably, one handle is mounted on one upright and the other handle is mounted on the other upright. More typically, the handles are fixedly connected to the longitudinal members in the screen portion of the barrier. In one form, the handles 15 extend inwardly or are located on the inner face of the barrier in use. However, it is to be noted that the handles can take any suitable form, shape, size or type and be mounted on the barrier where convenient. 20 In one form the connectors are hooks, jaws, clamps, fasteners, couplers or the like for cooperatively engaging with parts of the scaffolding including standards, ledgers, transoms, and the like. A preferred form of the connector engages with the ledgers to retain the barrier 25 in position, particularly two different ledgers at different heights. In one form, the connectors are adjustable connectors or are connectors having adjustable and/or lockable jaws. 30 In one form, the barrier is about 2 metres in length or height. However, the length can be changed to suit requirements, particularly in 500mm increments. In one form the barrier extends at waist height of a workman 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMatlels) P88339AU.3 - 16 above the floor or platform level when in the next higher position to the position at which the workman is currently working. In one form the height of the barrier is telescopically adjustable to extend the full height of the 5 next higher level. In one form, the feet or lower leg portions of the barrier are adjustable. In one form, the upper part of the barrier is adjustable in height independently of the location of the connection points. 10 In one form the width of the barrier can vary from about 0.7m to being in excess of 3 metres, such as for example, having discreet widths of 2.4m, 1.8m, 1.2m or the like. It is to noted that, depending upon requirements the barrier can have any suitable height and any suitable 15 width. In one preferred form the width of the barrier corresponds to the width of a bay of scaffolding or to the width of the live edge of a building it is to protect. However, in other forms the width of the barrier is adjustable in order to span a variety of widths or so that 20 there are no gaps between adjacent barriers. In one application, the barrier can be used at the front of the framework arrangement or at the side of the framework arrangement by changing the size, i.e. the width, of the barrier. 25 In one form, the barrier is a light weight barrier, such as for example, having a weight of less than about 20kg so as to be able to be positioned by a single workman. In this form the barrier is made from light weight types of 30 materials, such as aluminium or composite materials, which have sufficient strength and rigidity. In one form multiple barriers are arranged in alternating 3/02/12 3120320_i (GHMMOIIt) P88i33IAU3 - 17 relationships with standards or upright posts. In one form, multiple barriers are arranged in side by side abutting relationship so as to extend along a multiple number of bays of scaffolding to provide more or less 5 continuous protection. The adjacent barriers may be separate individual barriers or may be connected to one another in side by side relationship. Forms of the barrier can be used with a variety of 10 different forms of scaffolding such as for example, Kwikstage scaffolding, Cuplok scaffolding, Wedgelock scaffolding, other brands or types of scaffolding, , or similar. The scaffolding can be aluminium scaffolding, steel scaffolding or the like. The scaffolding can 15 include mobile scaffolding, such as for example, aluminium mobile scaffolding. In one form the barrier is arranged so as to be able to be clicked or snap locked into position on the ledgers of the scaffolding. The scaffolding can take any suitable shape, style, form, size 20 or the like including being of any type of interconnected framework arrangement or system or for use with any type of interconnected framework arrangements existing on buildings. 25 In one form the screen portion of the barrier extends above the floor level of the next higher level or layer of the scaffolding. Typically the screen position includes a boundary part and an infill part or screen part. In one form the infill or screen part includes a mesh, such as 30 for example, a mesh panel, partition, section, infill or the like. The mesh can be made from any suitable material, including plastics, metal, wire, woven materials, non-woven materials, timber, composite 3/02112 31203201_ (GH-Mattem) P86339 AU 3 - 18 material, laminate material, fabric material, textile material, shade cloth material or a combination thereof of two or more such materials. A preferred form of mesh is a grid like structure or diamond shape like structures. 5 However, the mesh can have any suitable shape and be of any suitable size. A preferred size of opening in mesh is about 2 square centimetres. Typically, the screen portion can be of a more open 10 construction than a mesh, being such as for example, a lattice or latticework, a trellis or similar open structure or open webbing. In one form the barrier is essentially an open barrier in 15 which the screen or infill part has been removed and the boundary part remains to provide protection. In this embodiment, the boundary part can take any suitable or desirable form such as for example including an outer frame having at least two longitudinal members and at 20 least two transverse members joined or otherwise interconnected together. In one form, the boundary part comprises an upper and lower rail or ledger and two longitudinal upright members located at either side of the boundary part. It is to be noted that any suitable 25 arrangement including any suitable infill part or not can be used to form the screen portion of the barrier. Typically, the barrier is provided with a connector portion for connecting the barrier to the scaffolding or 30 form work. In one form the connector is fixedly attached to the barrier. In another form the connector is movable, or 3/02112 31203201 (GHMatlers) P8339 AU 3 - 19 adjustable or removable from the barrier. A preferred form of the connector is an interchangeable connector in which the barrier is provided with a receiver, typically in the form of a square box tube or the like for receiving 5 therein a shank or shaft of the hook part of the connector. Typically, the connector is an interchangeable connector. In one form the connector is a replaceable connector or an 10 adjustable connector depending upon whether the connector is to connect with a ledger, transom, or other part of the scaffolding. In one form the first rail is located at/or above waist 15 height of a workman working at a predetermined level. Typically, the first rail is located at or above shoulder or head height of the workman working at a predetermined level in the scaffolding. Even more typically, the first rail is the upper or top most rail of predetermined level 20 at which the workman is working. In one form the first rail is the lowermost rail of the next higher level to the level at which the workman is working. In one form the second rail is an intermediate rail or 25 lower rail of the level at which the workman is working. In one form the second rail is part of a stabilising rail or a safety rail installed at the level of working to reinforce, strength or rigidity of the scaffolding more rigid. 30 In one form, there are three rails, an upper rail, an intermediate rail, and a lower rail. In one form, the distances between the respective rails is adjustable so 3302112 3120320_1 (GHMattems) P86339 AU 3 - 20 that the height of the barrier is adjustable both up, to extend protection above the workman, and down to fill in the open space towards the fee, legs, and lower torso of the workman. 5 In one form, the width of the barrier is adjustable by having different lengths of horizontal members or by the horizontal members being telescopically adjustable with respect to each other to vary the width of the barriers. 10 In one form, the width of the barrier is adjusted by using horizontal elements that extend beyond the position of the vertical elements to extend outwardly either at one at both sides in order to fill in irregularly sized and/or 15 shaped gaps between adjacent barriers where the need arises, such as in the event of uneven ground, fittings protruding from the walls of the building, the location of windows, doors or the like, or the presence of rubbish chutes for discharging rubbish, elevators for lifting 20 materials to the upper floors, or the like so that the protection offered by the barriers is more or less continuous. In one form, the barrier can be used to provide protection 25 for the front of the scaffolding or for the end of the scaffolding such as for example, the exposed ends, or both. In one form, the barrier is a universal barrier capable of being adjusted in both height and width for use in gaps of any size and/or shape. 30 In one form, the barrier is provided with a locator, typically in the form of a connector for securing the barrier against sideways movement or lateral movement or 3102112 3120320_1 (GHMatos) P88339 AU 3 - 21 displacement along the horizontal rails or edges to which the barrier is attached. In one form, the locator engages one or other part of the scaffolding. In one form, the locator is a connector for attaching to an upright member S of the scaffolding rather than one or other of the horizontal members. The connectors preventing sideways movement can be any suitable or convenient connectors. 10 In one form, the locators or connectors for fixing the barrier at the first and/or second locations also serve to prevent lateral movement of the barrier along the horizontal rails or ledgers. In one form of the barrier, 15 there is provided a locator for reducing the tendency of the barrier to move with respect to the scaffolding, including both lateral movement and for longitudinal movement. In one form, the locator is a stair hook for cooperatively engaging with one of the ledgers or similar 20 of the scaffolding to reduce the risk of the barrier disengaging from the scaffolding , by the barrier lifting off the scaffolding, such as for example, in windy conditions. Typically, the stair hook is biased to the engage position, more typically resiliently biased to the 25 engage position. In one form, the stair hook is provided with a handle typically a movable handle. Preferably, the handle is spring loaded to the locked position, and requires movement against the spring to the release position. In one form, the handle is movable in two 30 different directions. In one form, the connectors in the form of hooks, correspond in shape, size and profile to the tubular 3102/12 31203201 (G,1MWltO) P86339.AU.

- 22 horizontal ledgers for cooperatively engaging the ledgers to retain the barrier in place. In one form, the internal dimensions of the hooks are about the same as the external dimensions of the ledger. 5 In one form, the screen portion is movable, typically movable between a first position which is a lower position corresponding to the position at which work is currently being performed, such as the current level of scaffolding, 10 and a second position which is an upper position corresponding to the level of the next higher level of scaffolding which is next to be assembled. This embodiment allows the barrier to be moved into place at the next higher level while remaining attached to the 15 scaffolding. Then the movable part of the barrier can be fixedly attached to the scaffolding to provide protection for the next higher level to secure the barrier in place and the fixed part of the barrier disconnected from the scaffolding for movement to the next higher level or even 20 further to provide protection for the level above the next higher level and securely attached to the scaffolding. Then the movable part can be disconnected and moved upwardly to protect the next higher level, and so on as the height of the scaffolding increases. 25 In one form, the uprights of the barrier are not straight, but rather are bent or inclined from the vertical so that the screen part of the barrier is spaced apart from the existing part of the scaffolding to allow additional 30 pieces of scaffolding to be connected to the existing scaffolding to increase the size or height of the scaffolding. 3102112 31203201 (GHMatteM) P86339.AU.3 - 23 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Examples of a safety or protective barrier will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in 5 which. Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of a safety barrier. 10 Figure 2 is an elevation view of the inner face in use of the barrier of Figure 1. Figure 2a is an enlarged view of the area denoted by circle A of Figure 2. 15 Figure 3 is an elevation view of the outer face in use of the barrier of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an elevation view of one side of the barrier 20 of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation view of one side of the barrier connected to scaffolding for providing protection for an upper level. 25 Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation view showing the assembly of further horizontal hand rails at the next higher level. 30 Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation view of the barrier at the next higher level so as to increase the height of protection afforded by the barrier. 3102/12 31203201 (GHMaters) P86339.AU.3 - 24 Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the barrier for connection to scaffolding shown in isolation and in phantom connected to the scaffolding. 5 Figure 9 is a side elevation view of another form of the barrier showing one optional feature of the connection arms being telescopically adjustable and another optional feature of the connectors being interchangeable. 10 Figure 10 is a perspective view of another form of the barrier in which the screen portion extends more laterally to form a boundary portion. Figure 11 is a perspective view of another form of the 15 barrier having an alternative boundary portion extending laterally. Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the barrier. 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One form of a safety barrier, generally denoted as 10, will now be described with reference to the drawings. 25 Safety barrier 10 has a first part which is a screen 12 and a second part which is a connection portion 14. In one orientation being an in use orientation, screen 12 is located above connection portion 14 so as to extend upwardly from connection portion 14 to provide protection 30 for the next higher level of scaffolding when connected to the scaffolding at the current working level. In one form screen 12 is substantially rectangular having 3/02/12 31203201 (GHMatters) PB8339 AU 3 - 25 a pair of spaced apart substantially longitudinal sides, 20a, 20b at either side in parallel relationship to each other and a pair of spaced apart substantially transverse sides 22a, 22b located in a parallel relationship to each 5 other to form screen 14 having a generally rectangular shape. Sides 20a, b are referred to as being longitudinal as both sides extend in substantial parallel relationship to the uprights of the scaffolding in the form of substantially vertical support posts. The size, shape and 10 profile of sides 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b can take any suitable or convenient form, such as being solid or hollow, or part solid and part hollow, including being straight, tapered, inclined, crooked, bent or the like. Preferably, the sides are hollow for lightness to allow barrier 10 to be 15 lifted into and out of place by a single workman. The sides may have a square, or rectangular, round or other suitable shape cross-section and be tubular. It is to be noted the screen 12 can have shapes other than rectangular or square, such as for example be trapezoidal, or 20 generally quadrilateral. Optionally, screen 12 can be provided with lateral extensions extending outwardly on one or both sides in order to sit the requirements of a particular scaffolding arrangement. Screen 12 can have any suitable form, style, shape, type, size or the like 25 depending on the precise end use of the barrier, scaffolding, formwork etc. In one form, screen 14 is modular being made from 4 components corresponding to each of sides 20a, 20b, 22a, 30 22b interconnected together by suitable fasteners such as elbows, joints or the like, or is a one-piece construction such as being made by moulding or casting or being made by welding or joined together at the respective corners by 31203201 (GHMattels) P86339.AU 3 - 26 suitable fasteners or the like including fasteners integrally formed at the end of two or more of the sides 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b.. 5 A first angularly inclined brace 24a and a second angularly inclined brace 24b extend between sides 22a, and 22b to provide strength and rigidity to barrier 10. Although two braces 24a, 24b are shown, any number of suitable braces can be present depending upon 10 requirements. Also braces can have any form or orientation. Mesh panel 28, is formed at or towards the upper part in use of screen 12 to provide a barrier to persons and objects inadvertently falling past barrier 10. In one form the mesh of mesh pane 28 is made from any 15 suitable material, such as plastics, wire, rope, nylon, metal, timber, fabric or the like. A kick plate or kickboard in the form of a toe board 32 is located at or towards the lower edge in use of screen 14 20 to form a solid stop or similar to prevent tools or other items, including the feet of workman, either rolling off the scaffolding in the vicinity of barrier 10, or from being caught on the lower edge of barrier 10. In one form kick plate 32 is in the form of a solid rectangular panel 25 or similar made from the same material as the remainder of barrier 10. It is to be noted that kick plate 32 can be of any suitable size, shape or arrangement. Kick plate 32 and web mesh 28 are coplanar in one form of barrier 10 whereas in another form the respective planes containing 30 mesh 28 and toe board 32 are off set with respect to each other, such as being substantially parallel to each other in spaced apart planes or being arranged to extend off centre from each other, or be inclined or tapered with 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMattems) P86339.AU 3 - 27 respect to each other. A pair of handles 36, are provided on screen 14, with one handle 36a being located on brace 24a and the other handle 36b being located on brace 24b. Handles 36, assist in carrying and lifting barrier 10 into 5 place and removing barrier 10. It is to be noted that the face of barrier 10 having handles 36 is the inner face in use of barrier 10 since a workman can manhandle barrier 10 into position to protect the next higher level whilst standing on the scaffolding at the current working level 10 which is protected. Turning now to connection portion 14. In one form connection portion 14 is in the form of a generally truncated 'V-shape' or as a generally divergent 'U-shape' 15 comprising a first arm 42 located at or towards one side of barrier 10, a second arm 40 located at or towards another side of barrier 10 and a base section 44 extending between the respective distal ends of arms 40, 42 to form one side of a generally enclosed connection arrangement. 20 Arm 40 depends downwardly from transverse side 22b and arm 42 depends downwardly from the other side of lower transverse side 22b. Although a generally divergent shape in which arms 40 and 42 are convergently angularly inclined to one another towards their respective lower 25 ends is illustrated in the drawings, it is to be noted that arms 40, 42 and base 44 can have any suitable or desirable shape, including having any number of components, any profile or form, and being of any suitable size and arrangement to assist in connecting barrier 10 to 30 the scaffolding. Shapes include generally rectangular shapes having rounded corners or a configuration of linear lengths and curved parts of the like. 3302112 31 20320_1 (GHMatters) P86339.AU 3 - 28 Further it is to noted that arms 40, 42 can be rigid and fixed in place or arms 40, 42 can be adjustable in length, such as for example, being lengthwise adjustable, including being telescopically adjustable by having one 5 part of each arm being slidably movable with respect to another part of each arm as shown more particularly in Figure 9. If arms 40, 42 are telescopically adjustable as shown in Figure 9, arms 40, 42 are essentially linear and comprise upper portion 43, of a relatively larger size, 10 such as for example, having a large diameter, and lower portion 45 of relatively smaller size which are received within the internal bore of upper portion 43. In one form arms 43, 45 are provided with apertures 41 at regularly spaced apart relationship along their respective lengths 15 for receiving therethrough pin 47 when upper and lower portions 43, 45 are in aligned relationship with each other to maintain the length of arms 40,42. Arm 42 is provided with a first connector being an upper 20 connector, typically in the form of a downwardly directed hook 46 or similar located near to lower transverse side 22b. Hook 46 can be formed as a separate item and fastened to arm 42 or integrally moulded with arm 42 to form part of arm 42. In one form hook 42 is located on 25 the inner face of barrier 10 and is directed away from the inner face of barrier 10 so as to be able to cooperatively engage with a horizontal rail or ledger of the scaffolding as shown more particularly in Figures 5 and 6. In another form hook 46 is in the form of a replaceable or 30 interchangeable hook or similar as shown in Figure 9 and is in the form of a hook 49 having an elongated shank 51 to allow for further spacing of barrier 10 from existing scaffolding to provide increased clearance for adding 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMatters) P86339 AU.3 - 29 additional horizontal rails to the scaffolding at the next higher level. In Figure 9 is shown two forms of interchangeable hooks, 5 being long hook 49 and short hook 53. Hooks 49, 53 are each provided with an aperture 55 for receiving therethrough pin 57 to connect the hook to arm 42 by being received in box section 59 extending outwardly from one surface of arm 42 so as to securely retain the hook on the 10 barrier. In one form, arm 40 as shown more particularly in Figure 4, is in the form of a bent, or crooked elongate member having an upper linear portion in the form of a 15 substantially straight upper part 48, an inclined transition central portion 50 and a substantially linear lower part 52 in which the upper linear part 48 and lower linear part 52 are substantially parallel to each other but located offset or off centre from each other. 20 Inclined transitional part 50 serves as a kink or other spacer in the length of arm 42 to facilitate spacing of screen 12 from the scaffolding to assist in assembling the scaffolding to the next higher level, as will be described in detail later in this specification. Arm 42 is similar 25 to arm 40 in having three sections in which the intermediate section is bent to offset both the upper and lower sections from each other so that barrier 10 has the same profile on both sides. 30 Arm 40 is provided with a second connector being a lower connector, typically in the form of a yoke 54 or a hook or the like, including optionally an interchangeable hook or similar. In one form yoke 54 is oriented to extend from 3302112 3120320 1 (GHMatt,,s) P88339 AU.3 - 30 arm 40 towards the external face of barrier 10 which is in the opposite direction to that of hook 46. Arm 42 is similar to arm 40 since barrier 10 is 5 symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis passing through the midpoint of base 44. Other forms of barrier 10 are possible, including other forms of connectors. 10 In one form the interchangeable hook 46 can be adapted to cooperatively engage with a transom, denoted as 74 in Figures 8 and 9. Transom 74 generally has a profile or cross-section in the form of an inverted 'T' having a 15 centrally located upwardly extending flange 76. Boards or planks 60 are received between transoms 74 to form a work platform upon which workmen can stand when on the scaffolding at their current working level as shown more particularl in Figures 6 and 7. In one form the hook 20 connector adaptor for use with transoms, and denoted as 78, has a slot 80 for receiving flange 76 therein to allow barrier 10 to be connected to transom 74 and thus to the scaffolding to assist in mounting barrier 10 thereto. In one form, hook 78 is an interchangeable hook and is 25 provided with a proximal end of a size and shape for being received in box section 59 of arm 40 to secure hook 78 to the barrier. Operation of barrier 10 will now be described. 30 Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes, or tubes, although it can 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMattem) P86339.AU.3 - 31 be made out of other materials. The key elements of a scaffold are standards, ledgers and transoms. The standards, also called uprights, are the vertical tubes that transfer the entire mass of the structure to the 5 ground where they rest on a square base plate to spread the load. The base plate has an upwardly extending shank in its centre to hold the tube and is sometimes pinned to a sole board. Ledgers are horizontal tubes which connect between the standards to hold the standards in place and 10 provide support for boards; intermediate transoms are those placed between the main transoms to provide extra support for boards. Typically a first part of the scaffolding is assembled, typically the lower part, consisting of a multitude of longitudinal upright or 15 standards 60 and a multitude of transverse ledgers or rails 62 interconnected in a grid-like structure to form the base of the scaffolding, by joining or interconnecting the multitude of uprights and ledgers to form the scaffolding to about the height of a workman or a single 20 story of construction. A typical example is shown in Figure 8. A first or lower level of scaffolding is formed when the height of the scaffolding is to be increased, a barrier 10 25 in accordance with the present invention is selected and handles 36 gripped by a workman standing on a suitable platform of the lower level, such as a plurality of boards or planks 66 supported on the lower or lowest level of the scaffolding. The barrier is positioned on the lower level 30 to extend to the next higher level by lower connectors 54 being received in a selected one of the ledgers, typically a mid level or intermediate handrail, denoted as 68, in Figures 5 to 8. Connector 54 in the form of a yoke 54 3/02/12 312201 (GHMattem) P88339.AU.3 - 32 fits over the top surface of horizontal ledger 68 so as to support barrier 10. Simultaneously with yoke 54 being fitted over ledger 68 upper connector 46 is connected to another selected ledger 70 which is the lower handrail of 5 the next higher layer or level or alternatively, the top ledger of the layer at which the workmen is working so to securely support barrier 10 in place. In this position screen 14 of barrier 10 extends above ledger 70 of the next higher layer to a position corresponding to about the 10 waist of a workman if working at the next higher level or to the position at which the upper handrail of the next higher level or second layer would be located so as to form a safety barrier for about the entire height of the second layer or next higher level, or at least to about 15 waist height of a workman when on the second layer thereby preventing a workman inadvertently or accidentally falling from the second layer when either working at the height of the second layer or next higher level or installing additional scaffolding components at the second layer 20 height or level, such as the upper, lower and intermediate ledgers of the second layer or next higher level. It is to be noted that screen 14 of barrier 10 is positioned so as to be spaced from where transverse handrails or ledgers are to be installed so as to provide sufficient clearance 25 to allow the transverse handrails to be installed to complete the scaffolding at the next higher level whilst barrier 10 remains in place connected to the scaffolding. When it is time to build a third layer to extend the 30 height of the scaffolding, barrier 10 is disconnected from the second layer, i.e. demounted from the intermediate ledger 62, and upper ledgers 70 of the second layer or next higher level, and repositioned so as to be able to be 3/02/12 31203201 (GHM811erS) P86339 AV3 - 33 connected to the intermediate and upper ledgers of the third layer i.e. the further next higher layer of the scaffolding, so that screen 14 forms a barrier for protecting workmen at the third layer or further next 5 higher level thereby providing protection as the third layer of scaffolding is being built. Thus, barrier 10 can be repeatedly removed from the then current working level and replaced in the next succeeding 10 higher layer as the height of the scaffolding is increased and provides protection for each succeeding higher layer before a workman is required to climb to the next higher layer to continue assembling the scaffolding. 15 With particular reference to Figures 10 and 11 further embodiments of the barrier of the present invention generally denoted as 90, 92 will now be described. In barriers 90, 92, the screen portion located at or towards the upper part of the barrier includes a framework 20 arrangement without the infill portion. In these embodiments there are two substantially transversely extending rails, being upper rail 94 and lower rail 96 in which both rails 94, 96 are welded or otherwise fastened to the central longitudinal upright framework members 98, 25 100 forming part of the barrier. A reinforcing brace 102 extends transversely between each longitudinal upright 98, 100 to provide strength and rigidity to barriers 90, 92. Two longitudinal framework members 104, 106 extend between 30 upper transverse member 94 and lower transverse member 96 at either end so as to interconnect the respective sides of the upper and lower longitudinal members 94, 96 of the barrier. In one form of barrier 90, as shown in Figure 3302/12 31203201 (GHMOU.1m) P86339 AU 3 - 34 10, there is provided a curved elbow connecting piece 108 at each corner of the screen portion of barrier 90. Each elbow connecting piece 108 interconnects a transverse rail to a longitudinal member at the four corners to allow the 5 screen portion to be assembled together using conventional and existing scaffolding pieces. The advantage of this form of the barrier is that the barrier is lighter in weight because of the absence of the infill panel forming part of the screen. If required, one or more additional 10 transverse rails (not shown) can be used in place of the screen portion of the barrier or in addition to some other form of screen or protecting portion. The remaining part of screen 90 can be the same as the 15 corresponding part of other forms of the barrier as described previously, including optionally being telescopic in the lengthwise extending direction or can be different by having different horizontal members or the like. Barriers 90, 92 are provided with suitable 20 connectors 120, 122 for mounting the barrier to existing scaffolding to provide protection at a greater height. In one form, there is a pair or upper connecting hooks 120 and a pair of lower connecting hooks 122. It is to be noted that the pair of upper connecting hooks 120 are on 25 the same side of barrier 90, 92 as the pair of lower connection hooks. In one form, barriers 90, 92 are provided with horizontal members in the form of foot boards or similar or cross braces extending between the two uprights 98, 100. One form of the foot board or cross 30 brace is shown in Figures 10 and 11 and takes the form of an L-shape member 110 comprising two straight flat sections 112, 114 joined together or abutting together in perpendicular relationship to each other. In one form, 3/02112 31203201 (GHMalleI5) P80339.AU 3 - 35 the length of the connection portion is telescopically adjustable in order to accommodate different spacing between the upper connection point and the lower connection point depending upon the spacing of the 5 framework to which the barrier is to be attached, particularly the spacing of the ledgers to which the barrier is connected. In one application, the barrier is connectable to the 10 upper and lower guard rails of a fence of similar providing low height protection for a live edge of a building whereas, in another application, the same barrier can be used to connect to scaffolding having conventional spacing by changing the length of the longitudinally 15 extending members of the connection portion by telescopically adjusting the position of the two parts of the legs of the connection portion. In this form, only a single type of barrier need to kept on site, since it has universal application in a wide variety of different 20 situations on a building site. In other embodiments, the width of the barrier can be changed by using longer or shorter horizontal elements to extend outwardly in a sideways or lateral direction from the uprights of the barrier, such as to span the space between the uprights of 25 adjacent barriers. Alternatively, the horizontal elements are telescopic members which are slidably adjustable with respect to each other to change the width of the barrier. Barrier 92 of Figure 11 has a screen portion which is 30 similar to the screen portion of barrier 90 of Figure 10 except that the four curved elbow connecting pieces 108 of barrier 90 have been removed and the two transverse rails 94, 96 welded to one another to directly connect the four 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMallers) P88339 AU,3 - 36 framework members 94, 96, 104, 106 to each other at the four corners of the screen portion or at or towards each of the four corners of the screen portion. One such embodiment is shown in Figure 11. In one form, end 5 extensions 110 are provided to allow the screens of adjacent barriers to abut one another or to be mounted in abutting relationship with each other to form a substantially continuous barrier along the length of the scaffolding when the barriers are mounted in place in 10 side-by-side relationship on the scaffolding. Again, the advantage of the barrier 92 is that barrier 92 is lighter in weight due to the absence of the panel having the grid like structure forming part of the screen portion of the barrier. 15 Barrier 130, as illustrated in Figure 11, is similar to barrier 90 as illustrated in Figure 10 and has additional components. Barrier 130 is provided with a channel section 132 located upon framework member 94 extending 20 transversely over the width of barrier 130. In one form, channel section 132 is made from aluminium and is used to connect the rail at the top of the connection portion, denoted as 140, with rail 98 at the top of the screen portion. 25 Barrier 130 is provided with hooks 120, 122, extending from the same side of barrier 130 which is the opposite side to the side having the screen portion made up of four framework members 94, 96, 104, 106 so that the screen 30 portion is on the outer face of barrier 130 and hooks 120, 123 are on the inner face in use. In one form, barrier 130 is provided with a locator for 3/02/12 31203201 (GHMatters) P88339,AU,3 - 37 preventing movement of barrier 130. In one form, the locator is a stair hook 134 mounted on or connected to cross brace 136 extending from one upright 100 to the other upright 98 about the respective mid points of 5 uprights 98, 100 or about part way along the length of the two uprights. In one form, the stair hook is used to reduce the tendency of barrier 130 to lift off the scaffolding such as for example, in high winds or in windy conditions. In one form, stair hook is a locking 10 arrangement. In one form, stair hook 134 includes a main body portion in the form of a flat plate or strip and a generally L-shaped handle portion extending perpendicularly from the plate. The handle is spring loaded or resiliently biased to the plate. In one 15 position, which is the release position, the handle portion moves against the bias of the spring to open the gap between the handle and plate. In one form, the handle is rotated to free the handle so that it can be moved to the release position to allow the stair hook to engage 20 around the outer surface of a ledger or similar. When in this position, the handle is rotated to allow the handle to move in accordance with the bias of the spring to adopt an engagement position. In this position, the handle is received in a selected aperture provided on the plate so 25 as to prevent further movement of the handle. When the stair lock is in this position, the L-shapes handle securely engages the ledger to prevent movement of the barrier with respect to the scaffolding, particularly to prevent movement of the barrier in a substantially 30 vertical direction parallel to the longitudinally extending uprights, such as to lift off the scaffolding in high wind conditions or when windy. 3/02112 3120320_1 (GHMallems) P88339 AU.3 - 38 It is to be noted that the width of barrier 130 and other embodiments of the barrier ranges from about 500mm to about 2500mm, such as for example 2350mm, 1750mm, 1150mm and 750mm wide. In one form, the distance between 5 uprights 98, 100 is about 750mm with the distance between transverse members 94, 96 being in the range of about 450mm to about 550mm. The width of the borders also contributes to the barriers from moving laterally, since the sides of the screen portion of the barrier 10 substantially abut against each other in use thereby providing no clearance or space within which the barriers can move. The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation 15 and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed. 20 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit 25 and scope. 3/02/12 31203201_ (GHMafleIS) P86339.AU.3

Claims (32)

1. A safety barrier for use with a framework arrangement comprising a multitude of framework elements 5 including elements which are located substantially longitudinally and other elements which are located substantially transverse interconnected to one another to form a grid-like structure of such framework elements, said safety barrier having a 10 connection portion for facilitating connection of the barrier to the framework arrangement and a screening portion for providing protection or safety, said connection portion having a first connector for connecting the barrier to the framework arrangement 15 at a first location and a second connector for connecting the barrier to the framework arrangement at a second location, said first location being above the height or level greater than the height or level of the second location, such that when the barrier is 20 connected to the framework arrangement at the first and second locations to mount the barrier to the framework arrangement, the barrier is connected to the framework arrangement so that at least a part of the screening portion extends above the first 25 location at which the barrier is connected to the framework arrangement in order to provide a safety barrier at a height that is greater than the height of the first location and wherein the screening portion extending above the first location is spaced 30 from the framework arrangement sufficient to facilitate installation of at least one additional framework element on to the framework arrangement at a level higher than the first location of connection. 3/02/12 31203201 (GHMalters) P80339.AU.3 - 40

2. A safety barrier comprising a screening portion and a connection portion, said connection portion having at 5 least one first connector for connecting the barrier to scaffolding at at least one first location and at at least one second connector for connecting the barrier to the scaffolding at at least one second location, said at least one first location being at a 10 level higher than the level of the at least one second location, said barrier being provided with a gripping arrangement facilitating movement of the barrier, wherein when the gripping arrangement is used, the barrier can be connected to the scaffolding 15 at the at least one first and at least one second locations to retain the barrier in place so that the screen portion extends above the location of the at least one first connection to provide a barrier above the height of the at least one first location in 20 order to provide protection when working at a level above the level of the at: least one first location.

3. a safety barrier for temporary use to protect a live edge of a building and/or when assembling scaffolding 25 to prevent a workman from inadvertently or accidentally falling from the live edge or scaffolding during the assembly of the scaffolding, said scaffolding including a multitude of upright support posts and a multitude of horizontal rails 30 interconnected to one another to form the scaffolding into a general grid structure of upright support posts and horizontal rails, said safety barrier comprising a connection portion having a first 3/02/12 3120320 1 (GHMallems) P88239AU.3 - 41 connector located at a first location for connecting the barrier to a first of the horizontal rails of the scaffolding at a first location, and a second connector located at a second location for connecting 5 the barrier to a second of the horizontal rails of the scaffolding at a second location, said first location being at a higher level than the second location such that when the barrier is mounted on the scaffolding and the first connector is connected to 10 the first rail and the second connector is connected to the second rail, the screening portion of the barrier extends above the location of the first rail to provide a safety barrier above the first rail so that when a workman is standing at a height 15 corresponding to the height of the first rail the screen forms a barrier to reduce the chance of the workman inadvertently or accidentally falling from the first rail, and wherein the screening portion of the barrier is spaced apart from the upright support 20 posts to facilitate assembly of at least one further horizontal rail above the height of the first rail so as to increase the height of the scaffolding. 25

4. A barrier according to any preceding claim for use with scaffolding, framework, modular framework, live edges, guard rails, low height protection devices and the like. 30

5. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the screen portion extends above the current working level of the scaffolding to provide a barrier at the next higher level to provide protection at the next 3/02/12 312O320_i (GHMatters) P86339gAU,3 - 42 higher level before a workman is required to work at the next higher level.

6. A barrier according to any preceding claim which is a 5 light weight barrier made from aluminium components to enable the barrier to be lifted by a single person or two persons.

7. A barrier according to any preceding claim, further 10 comprising a gripping arrangement for gripping by at least one workman to allow the barrier to be lifted into place at the next higher level above the current working level by a workman. 15

8. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the barrier is of a fixed size and shape or is or an adjustable size and shape including being adjustable in the lengthwise extending direction and/or being adjustable in the transverse direction. 20

9. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the elements forming the barrier are adjustable in length, preferably slidably adjustable and more preferably telescopically adjustable, in the 25 longitudinal direction so as to adjust the height of the barrier to extend to the next higher working level.

10. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which 30 the barrier is adjustable in the lengthwise extending direction to accommodate being connected to the scaffolding at spaced apart locations.

11. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which 35 the gripping arrangement includes one or more 3/02/12 3120320_1 (GHMattem) P86339 AU.3 - 43 gripping elements.

12. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the gripping elements include at least one handle, 5 preferably a pair of handles in which the handles are arranged in spaced apart relationship to each other and the handles are associated with the longitudinal upright members of the barrier to enable the barrier to be lifted into place from the current working 10 level to the next higher working level.

13. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the connectors are hooks, jaws, clamps, fasteners, couplings or the like for cooperatively engaging with 15 parts of the scaffolding, typically the horizontal members of the scaffolding, such as the ledgers to retain the barrier in position.

14. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which 20 the connectors connect the barrier to two ledgers located at different heights within the scaffolding.

15. A barrier according to any preceding claim which extends to about two meters in height and has a width 25 from about 0.7 meters to being in excess of 3 meters.

16. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the barrier has a width of 2.4 meters, 1.8 meters, 1.2 meters or the like. 30

17. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the screen portion of the barrier includes a boundary part and in infill or screen part, wherein the infill or screen part includes a mesh in the form of a mesh 35 panel, partition, section, infill or the like. 3302/12 3120320_1 (GHiM~1w,) P88339.AU.3 - 44

18. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the mesh can be made from plastics, metal, wire, woven materials, non-woven materials, timber, 5 composite materials, laminate materials, fabric material, textile material, shade cloth material or a combination of two or more such materials.

19. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which 10 the boundary part of the screen portion comprises an upper rail and a lower rail in two longitudinal upright members located at or towards either side of the boundary part. 15 20. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the connector is fixedly attached to the barrier or the connector is a movable connector, an adjustable connector, or an exchangeable connector.

20

21. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the connector is an interchangeable connector comprising a receiver in the form of a tube or other receptacle for receiving therein a part of the connector allowing the connector to be 25 interchangeable.

22. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the receiver is in the form of a box tube, square box tube or other receiver for receiving therein a shank 30 or shaft of the hook part of the connector.

23. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the shank part of the connector is variable in length or has a variety of different fixed lengths. 35 3/02/12 31203201_ (GHMattem5) P86339 AU 3 - 45

24. A barrier in accordance with any preceding claim further comprising a locator for reducing the risk of movement of the barrier including substantially horizontal lateral movement, horizontal back to front 5 movement and/or vertical movement.

25. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the locator is a hook, clamp, connector, clip, tongue, tab, projection or the like mounted on a 10 horizontal member of the barrier for engagement with the scaffolding, including a horizontal member or ledger of the scaffolding.

26. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which 15 the locator is a movable locator, being spring loaded, resiliently biased or biased to an at-rest position.

27. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which 20 the at-rest position is a locked condition, orientation or position.

28. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the locator is a stair lock having a movable handle 25 and plate arrangement in which the handle is movable with respect to the plate to move between a release position and a lock position.

29. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which 30 the handle of the stair lock is substantially L shaped and the plate is provided with apertures arranged so that the movable L-shaped handle is selectively receivable in a selected aperture to lock the barrier to the ledger. 3/02112 3120320_1 (GHMatters) P86339 AU.3 - 46

30. A barrier according to any preceding claim in which the handle of the stair lock is axially movable in accordance with the bias of the spring and is 5 rotationally movable around the central axis of the shank of the handle.

31. A barrier in accordance with the present invention substantially as herein described with reference to 10 the accompanying drawings.

32. Every novel feature as hereinbefore disclosed or defined in the specification and/or drawings when taken alone or in combination with any other feature 15 including features that are novel or otherwise, including groups of two or more features. 3/02/12 31203201l (GHMatters) P88339AU 3