HEALTH & SAFETY
compliant. Not only will this increase the life span of your safety assets, but it will also provide you with peace of mind when personnel work at heights above 2 metres. If your systems are not visibly tagged and in compliance, it may not only invalidate your insurance, but could also lead to prosecution, should an employee, contractor or even trespasser suffer injuries.
Spring Weather and Working at Height Lighter nights are quickly appearing across the UK and it is important to start considering how the spring weather will affect your body whilst working at height.
Clothing It is imperative to match your clothing to the type of weather – bright sunshine can potentially lead to temporary blindness, wear protective sunglasses to prevent this risk.
Eating To fuel your body with energy, ensure that you eat well and make breakfast a priority! As the human body runs on fluids, it is important to keep regularly hydrated.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend always considering measures that protect everyone who is at risk (collective protection) before measures that protect only one individual (personal protection).
“It is your duty to ensure that
employees are fully trained when it comes to selecting the correct PPE for the job.”
Permanent or temporary guardrails are classed as Collective Protection, as the personnel who work at height are not required to actively protect themselves. Using PPE to connect to a safety line is classed as Personal Protection, as individuals are required to be active when selecting the right equipment and connecting safely.
Safe Equipment Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a vital part of protecting you against the health and safety risks posed whilst working at height. This includes items such as safety harnesses, lanyards and karabiners – legally required when using some Fall Protection Systems such as safety lines and walkways. As an employer it is your duty to ensure that employees are fully trained when it comes to selecting the correct PPE for the job. It is also your responsibility to organise regular testing and maintenance of the equipment and to ensure that this equipment is readily available when required.
Inspection, Testing and Compliance The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) state that regular maintenance and testing of work at height equipment and PPE is required to remain
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Protection Although it may still feel cool in some parts of the UK throughout spring, long periods of exposure to sun can result in heat stroke and sun burn. Ensure sun cream is used or avoid exposing your limbs.
Working Conditions Always check weather forecasts, as well as the outside temperature to prepare for working outside.
HSE launched their Go Home Healthy campaign last year, which promotes the message that workers should have access to the right safety equipment to help ensure that they get to ‘Go Home Healthy’ at the end of their working day – further promoting the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
“Health and Safety legislation
dictates that a Fall Protection System should be in place when employees work two metres or higher.”
With all of this in mind, we recommend that you: appoint a trusted health and safety partner to provide expert advice; ensure employees are appropriately trained and have access to a PPE kit; conduct risk assessments prior to any work taking place; keep work areas clean and safe and have your work at height assets and PPE tested regularly.
Heightsafe Systems are happy to offer free advice on all work at height installation, testing, legislation and certification with roof, cladding, gutter and all other building maintenance work. Our team are fully trained in all areas and can provide you with cost effective services that will ensure your work environment is work at height compliant.
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