Working at Height

Presented by Nic Carstens

Health and Safety Officer

Tel: 0208 891 7111

Email: n.carstens@richmond.gov.uk

Defining ‘At Height’

A place is ‘at height’ if a person could

be injured falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level.

(HSE)

Why?

In the last six years there have been five deaths and over three thousand (HSE stats last 5 years, 3 deaths over 2000 major injuries) injuries in the education sector due to falling from height. Most major injuries in schools are caused by ‘low’ falls i.e. below two meters, and involve stairs.

Work at Height (amendment) Regulations 2007

• Builds on the older 2005 regs.• Came in force on the 6th April 2007• Increases duties and extends the scope• Emphasis on risk assessment and avoidance

Controlling Work at Height•Avoid work at height where possible•use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height•where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

Examples of Work

Equipment

•Avoid work at height

–If you don’t have to go up there DON’T!

Who must assess the risk?

The employer, self-employed, those who work at height providing

instruction or leadership and any person that controls the work of

others. That means YOU

.

Edge protection

•Prevent falls

–Use an existing place or means of access

–Use the most suitable way of working

–Select the most suitable equipment

Minimise the distance and consequences– Take other

measures to prevent injury e.g. instruction, training and information

Case Study

working at heights

Pages 12 -23

CASE STUDY :

Ladders

Is it strong enough?The UK has three categories of ladder strength -

Industrial Duty (Class 1) ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 175kg ( 27.5 stones).  This will sometimes be

referred to as "safe working load".

Trade Duty (previously Class 2, but now EN131) ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 150kg ( 23.5 stones)

Domestic Duty (Class 3) ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 125kg ( 19.5

stones)

Before you start!

• Can you avoid?• Is a ladder appropriate?•Are you fit and able?• Check the ladder condition• Check the ladder position• Assess the risk!

A ladder in good condition has: • Both feet firmly attached• Clean rungs & good tread• Undamaged stiles (the side pieces that the rungs are attached to) • Secure fastenings when it is extended• Working locking device (step ladder) • Safety info displayed! – Know your ladder

A leaning ladder in a good position:

• Is at an angle of 75°–one unit out for every four units up• Will not move at the bottom• Stands on a surface that is: firm level clear dry not slippery • Will not move at the top• Rests on a strong upper resting point (not plastic guttering or a window)• Has horizontal rungs (use a spirit level)

In Use• Only work on a ladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time • Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg) • Always grip the ladder when climbing • Do not overreach – make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles • Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task • Do not work off the top three rungs – this provides a handhold • Try to keep three points of contact with the ladder

Further reading

http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/casestudies/schools.htm

Questions?