1. The Regulation
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007 apply to those working at height where there is a risk Of a fall.
Each year in the UK there are approximately 50 fatalities and over three thousand major injuries caused by falls.
The regulations have been made in order to try to prevent death and injury from falls at work.
The regulations cover working "at height" meaning the person could be at risk of falling, so this may be below ground level.
2. Duty of Care:
The regulations place a duty of care on all employers, the self-employers, the self-employed and those in control of others work to the extent that they control the work.
There are three main principles:
Avoid work at height whenever possible.
If work at height cannot be avoided than use equipment to prevent falls.
Where the risk of a fall cannot be completely eliminated when using other measures to minimize the risk, such as fall arrest equipment.
Those in control of work must ensure that:
Work at height is properly planned and organized.
Where applicable weather conditions are considered.
Those involved in work at height are fully trained and competent.
The work area and equipment have been inspected and are safe.
The work has been risked assessed.
An emergency plan is in place in case of an accident.
3. Ladders: Aluminium Ladders and stepladders are the most commonly used pieces of access equipment. Before using a ladder an assessment should be made as to the suitability of a ladder for the task involved or whether an alternative place of equipment may be used which is safer.
Where the use of a ladder can be justified, then the following criteria should be followed:
Short duration work.
Light work not involving heavy lifting.
A secure handhold is available.
Ladder is secure and stillness are tied.
Do not overreach.
Ensure a 1 in 4 angles is maintained and the ladder is long enough for the job without overreaching.
4. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPS) Where it is not possible to carry out work at a height from an existing structure then mobile access equipment can be used.
Before a mobile platform is used the risk of an accident must be assessed. the work must be planned, and the operator fully trained in this operation.
The equipment should have a current inspection report and the area around the platform be clear of construction, if outside then the weather conditions should be considered as high winds can make them unstable.
When using the platform, it should be kept clear of overhead cabinets and the ground should generally be level.
Ensure that workers do not climb out of the carrier and that lift are kept clear of passing traffic or other obstacles.
For additional safety where a risk of a fall is still a possibility ensure that the worker is secured to the carrier with a harness.
After use, ensure that the power is switched off and the key removed.
Tools and other equipment should be cleared out of the carrier and if the platform is being left unattended it should be made as inaccessible to vandals as possible.
5. Scaffolding: Scaffolding should be one of the safest forms of access to working at height. This will only be the case however if suitable precautions are considered.
Scaffolding should be planned, designed and erected by competent people.
Scaffolds should adopt side working methods and wear harnessed during the erection phase.
The ground should be level and firm enough to support the scaffolding and the area should be clear of passers-by and obstacle while at being constructed.
The scaffold structure should be placed and tied into a permanent structure.
The scaffold must be able to support the load and be appropriate for the work involved.
Work areas should be fully boarded, a minimum of 600mm wide, loading areas should have fall protection gates and guard rails and toe boards should be installed to prevent falls.
Scaffolding should always be checked if conditions change e.g. in high winds.
6. Fall Arrest: Measures should be in place to prevent falls if work at height cannot be avoided. If using work equipment such as MEWPS is not possible then the use of a safety harness is required to prevent injury should a worker fall.
The use of a safety harness is early acceptable for short duration work, and the lanyard must be kept in short as possible preventing the worker from getting a class to the danger area.
Where it is necessary to work near to an open edge and there is no alternative option then a harness can be used in arrest a fall as a last resort.
This should only be done where a secure another point can be found and that all operatives are fully trained and are wearing the harnesses correctly.
Before using a safety harness ensure it has been thoroughly inspected as many man-made fibers perish over time especially if not stored properly in a clean dry area.
An emergency plan should be in place, with a method to recover anyone who does fall.
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