WORKING AT HEIGHT
the ground instead of climbing to access them? For example, lowering lighting rigs to make adjustments and lowering chandeliers for cleaning.
Step 2: If working at height can’t be avoided, assess the risks involved. It might help to ask yourself the following questions: • How high up will a worker need to go? • What state is the structure or surface in? • How long and how often will a worker need to be at height?
Doing this will help you work out how to carry out the work safely. For instance, a ladder might be fine to briefly access something at a relatively low height but a scaffold tower will be much more suitable for more extensive work at height and where surfaces aren’t stable enough to support a ladder, a scissor lift might be more appropriate.
Step 3: Before any work at height starts, you must plan carefully. As well as working out how to undertake a task, you must make sure there’s an emergency procedure in place and that any employees working at height have had sufficient training and instruction to be able to do the job safely. You should also inspect the area where the work is due to take place.
Step 4: Implement safety measures to control the risks you’ve identified. This could be hiring a scaffold or scissor lift, installing guardrails around edges and platforms or providing employees with harnesses. You may also choose to put up barriers and signs to help manage the work area.
Step 5: Inspect personal and collective safety equipment. This should be done every time the equipment is used. If the work is taking place outside, check the weather conditions too.
KEY DOS AND DON’TS FOR EMPLOYERS Here are some key dos and don’ts that all employers should be aware of:
• Do enable employees to do as much of their work as possible from ground level.
• Do check that employees can get to and from their work at height in a safe manner.
• Do provide the right type of equipment for each task and ensure it’s used correctly.
• Do ensure that all safety equipment is kept in good condition and inspected regularly.
• Do make sure precautions are taken when anyone is working around fragile surfaces.
• Don’t forget to provide hard hats and other protections from falling objects.
• Don’t overlook the importance of having rescue procedures in place.
• Don’t let any employee work at height unless they’re competent.
EMPLOYEE DOS AND DON’TS
If you’re an employee, you can help to keep yourself safe by remembering these dos and don’ts: • Do inform your manager or other responsible person if you spot a potential hazard or problem.
• Do speak up if you’re unsure of how a piece of equipment works.
• Do make sure that any PPE you’re issued with fits properly.
• Do check that ladders are resting on strong, secure surfaces.
• If you’re using a ladder, don’t overload it.
• Don’t stretch to reach things when you’re on a ladder. Move it closer to the area you’re working on.
FINAL THOUGHTS When working at height, safety is paramount. By making sure that every job is planned properly and only carried out by competent people, you can control the risks involved and reduce the chances of anyone getting injured.
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