Work at HeightIncluding Scaffolding, MEWPS, Ladders and Roof Work

Rules to Prevent FallsDont work at height unless it is essentialEnsure work platform is secure. Check that it:Will support weight of workers, materials & equipmentIs stable and will not overturnIs footed on stable ground or on a stable support or structureProvide guard rails, barriers etc. at open edges of floors, floor openings, edges of roofs and edges of working platforms

Factors for Selecting a Work PlatformDuration of workRisks encountered during erection of working platformDifficulty of maintaining platformNumber of people to work on equipmentSecurity of platform

Guard Rails and Toe BoardsGuard rails, toe boards and other similar barriers should be provided whenever someone could fall 2m or more

Guard Rails and Toe BoardsThey should:be made from a material strong & rigid enough to prevent people falling and able to withstand other loads likely to be placed on thembe fixed to a structure capable of supporting theminclude:Main guard rail at least 910mm above any edge from which people are liable to fallToe board at least 150mm highSufficient number of intermediate guard rails so that unprotected gap does not exceed 470mm

Guard Rails and Toe Boards

Guard Rails and Toe BoardsIf risk is from falling through openings or fragile material, an alternative is to cover the opening or material. Coverings should be:Strong enough to support any loads likely to be placed on it (including weight of a person)Fixed in position to prevent accidental dislodgement. To prevent people removing coverings, mark them with a warning e.g. Hole below - do not remove.

General Access ScaffoldsFor any scaffold ensure:Designed, erected, altered and dismantled by competent people and work is directed by a competent supervisorBased on firm, level foundation. Watch out for basements, drains or soft groundBraced and tied into a permanent structureIts capable of supporting loads likely to be placed on itFully boarded and wide enough for work and access

General Access ScaffoldsFor any scaffold ensure:Scaffold boards are properly supported and not overlapping excessivelySafe ladder or other access onto work platformsSuitable for the task before it is used and checked whenever it is substantially altered or adversely affected by, for example, high winds

General Access ScaffoldsGeneral Access Scaffolds

Tower ScaffoldsIf a tower scaffold is going to be used:Follow manufacturers instructions for erection, use and dismantling. Have a copy of the instruction manual available - if scaffold is hired, the hirer should provideTower must be vertical and legs should rest properly on firm, level groundLock any wheels & outriggers - base plates provide greater stability if tower doesnt have to be movedProvide safe access & egress e.g. internal ladders

Tower ScaffoldsIf a tower scaffold is going to be used:Provide edge protection at platforms higher than 2mProvide edge protection on any intermediate platforms used to work from or store materialsTie tower rigidly to the structure if:Tower is sheetedLikely to be exposed to strong windsUsed for carrying out grit blasting or water jettingHeavy materials are lifted up the outside of the towerTower base is too small to ensure stability for the height of the platform

Tower ScaffoldsIf a tower scaffold is going to be used:Do not overload the working platformRatio = Height of tower:Minimum base dimension3:1 for for outside3.5:1 for inside on firm, level groundWhen moving a tower scaffold:Check for power lines or overhead obstructionsCheck for holes or dips in the groundDo not allow people or materials to remain on tower

Tower Scaffolds

Mobile & Suspended Access EquipmentTrained and competent operatorsEmergency and evacuation proceduresHandover certificate provided by installerControl areas of site where people may be struck by falling itemsProtect equipment from adverse weatherSecure equipment at end of day

MEWPSWhen using a MEWP, ensure that:Operatives are trained and competentPlatform is provided with edge protectionIt is used on firm and level ground. Ground may have to be prepared in advanceTyres are properly inflatedOutriggers are extended and chocked as necessaryEveryone knows what to do if platform fails in raised position

MEWPSWhen using a MEWP, do not:operate close to OH lines or other dangerous machineryAllow a knuckle, or elbow, of the arm to protrude into a traffic route when working near vehiclesMove equipment with platform in raised position (unless equipment is designed for this)Wearing a harness with a lanyard attached to the platform can provide extra protection against falls

MEWPS

Suspended Access Cradles/PlatformsMost accidents happen due to:unsafe access to and from cradleInsufficient or poorly secured counterweights and holding down systemsFailure of the cradle platform or componentsFailure of winches, climbing devices, safety gear and ropes usually due to poor maintenanceFailure to follow manufacturers instructions on erection & dismantling

Suspended Access Cradles/PlatformsWhen using cradles, ensure that:Equipment is selected, installed and tested to ensure suitabilityIt is only used by trained & competent workersAdequate edge protection is provided, and that materials cannot fall from or through cradle baseEquipment fits closely to buildingBuilding is capable of carrying loads, particularly counterweights. Advice of a structural engineer may be needed

Suspended Access Cradles/PlatformsWhen using cradles, ensure that:Adequate stops are provided to prevent cradle running off trackAdequate operating instructions and technical support is availableCradle is not overloadedLoads are placed on cradle as uniformly as possibleThere is safe access onto cradle. Access at ground level is safestProvide safety harnesses attached to inside of cradle

Boatswains ChairsUsed for light, short-term workOnly used where it is not practicable to provide a working platformUser should be attached to suspension system by harness and lanyard

Safety HarnessesLast resort!Will not prevent falls - only minimise risk of injuryPerson may be injured by shock loadAllow for free-fall of no more than 2mPeople should be able to attach themselves before they are relying on protection by the harness

Safety HarnessesAny attachment point must be capable of withstanding the shock loadEveryone wearing a harness must know how to check, wear and adjust it before use and how to connect themselves to the structure or safety line as appropriate

Safety Harnesses

LaddersOnly to be used as a workplace for short-term workOnly suitable for light workIf ladders are to be used, make sure:Work can be reached without stretchingLadder can be fixed to prevent slippingGood handhold is available

LaddersCarry light tools in a shoulder bag or holster on beltHeavy or bulky loads should not be carried up or down a ladderCheck stiles are not damaged, buckled or warpedMake sure no rungs are cracked or missing

LaddersDo not use makeshift or home-made ladders or carry out makeshift repairsDo not use painted ladders (can hide defects)Ladders made for DIY use may not be strong enough for site workSet on a firm, level surfaceAlways secure by rope or other stabilisation device

LaddersWhen using ladders, ensure:Ladder is angled to minimise risk of slipping (one out for every four up)Top of ladder rests against solid surfaceBoth feet of ladder are on firm footing and cannot slipIf ladder is more than 3m long, or used as access to a workplace, it is secured from fallingIf ladder cannot be fixed, it is footed by a second personLadder extends above any landing place where people will get on and off (about 1m)Extending ladders have an overlap of at least 3 rungs

Ladders

Step-LaddersEasily overturnedNot designed for any degree of side loadingNever work on top step unless designed for this purpose

Roof WorkOpenings & lights can be protected by barriers or with covers either secured in place or labelled with a warningUse purpose made roof ladders or crawling boards to spread the weight of workers and materialsEdge protection at eaves level is usually needed

Roof WorkFor work on roofs, ensure:Safe access onto and off the roof e.g. a general access scaffoldsafe means of moving across the roof e.g. roof ladders secured on the roof apex or crawling boardsSafe means of working on the roof e.g. scaffold or MEWPDo not throw debris from top of roof - use enclosed debris chutes or lower debris in containers

Roof Work

Roof Work

Protection Against Falling ItemsKeep platforms clear of loose materialsProvide toe boards, solid barriers, brick guards or similar at open edgesIf scaffold is erected in a public place, nets, fans or covered walkways may be needed

Protection Against Falling Items