Working at Height Risk Assessment

Site:

Describe the work activity:

Describe the existing environment:

Hazards Identified Y N Persons at Risk Y N

Structure not of adequate strength
Materials could fall/be displaced Operatives
Fragile materials involved Persons below
Roof lights are in the work area Persons nearby
Building occupied Occupiers of adjacent property
Surface materials slippery
Weather conditions
Fall from open edge(s)

Work at Height Assessments

Managing the risks of working at height will be under a hierarchy of controls these being:-
1 To not work at height
2 If you have to, work from the existing structure
3 If you cannot, work equipment to be provided to prevent a fall
4 Use equipment that gives collective protection
5 Use equipment that minimise the consequences of a fall
6 Use methods which minimise the effects of a fall
7 Prevent by training, supervision and provision of information.

Note
As part of this assessment, prior to working at height we need to query if the same results can be
achieved by the avoidance of working at height, if not the following hierarchy must be considered:-
The Work Activity
Where It Is
The Duration of the Work
Prevention of Falls
Migrate the Effects of Falling
Assessment and Selected Equipment
The Work Activity
Y N Possible (P)
Will it involve the need for additional work platforms
Will it be over or near other persons
Will it be over or near circulation routes
Will windy condition effect the activity
Will wet conditions effect the activity
Will mechanical plant be used
Will it involve manual handling by one person
Will it involve manual handling by multiple persons
Will the work involve strip out/demolition
Will the work involve soft strip activities
Will the work involve repair work
Will the work involve handling and fixing something
Will the work involve movement of items
Will the work involve stripping off and replacement of coverings
Will it require mechanical means of hoisting/lowering materials
Is it a simple task
Is it a complex task with high degree of familiarity
Is it a complex task with high degree of unfamiliar
Is it less than a complex task with a high degree of familiarity

Where is the proposed work at height

The approximate height is: Up to 3 metre Y N P
3m to 6m
6m to 10m
10m and above

Y N P
From a safe/suitable area with adequate methods to prevent falls
From a safe/suitable area having structural integrity
From a safe/suitable area but near by to openings/edges
Is there suitable safe access
On the façade of a building
On a flat roof area
On a sloping roof area
Over a staircase
Over/nearby a glazed roof/roof lights
Is it over/alongside fragile materials
Above recently excavated/back filled soil etc
Above a reasonably flat area/surface
Above obstructions/undulating surfaces
Alongside excavations
Working near water
Can persons fall from the proposed area/or access to it
Will separate access be required
If yes, describe what equipment might be suitable:-

Note
If none of the above reasonably describe the work position please do so
Comments:-
Duration of the work activity
Y N P
Will it involve more than one person
Will it take up to half an hour
Will it involve over half a day
Will it involve 5 days
Will it involve 10 days
Will it be repetitive periods of many times

Use of the existing structure before requirements for work platforms

Y N P
Is the structure safe to use
Will the structure remain safe to use as the work proceeds
Are the openings/edges from which a person could fall
Will openings be formed/generated by the work as it proceeds
Will work be over or alongside fragile materials
Will overhead obstructions be a problem
Will the work surface remain fairly flat and suitable and safe

Prevention of falls – consider using the collective systems

Y N P
Standing scaffolds
Bridcage scaffold
Handrail guardrails and toe boards
Crash deck
Mobile elevated work platform – Scissor type
- Hydraulic boom type
Mobile tower scaffold
Podium steps
Easidec system
Fences and signs
Trestles and boards
Temporary staircase
Cradles
Fixed boarding over openings
Having lights or coloured lines at fall positions

Prevention of falls – for the individual/short time working

Y N P
Fall prevention/work restraint system
Step ladder
Ladder
Stilts
Rope access system
Bosons chair

To migrate the effects of falling – consider the following:

Y N P
Safety nets
Crash deck
Air bags
Handholds
Fall arrest system
Additional training
Note
Prior to selecting any work equipment we have/will consider the following:
The work environment. What will support the equipment. Are there space restraints.
Are other people nearby. The duration of the activity. Prevention of falling materials. Emergency
procedures. Installation and dismantling of the equipment. Trained persons for erection and
dismantling. Potential loadings. If appropriate for the work activity

Equipment
The following list of equipment has been selected for this project/work activity based on the
foregoing information:-

Planning of the activity

A method statement attached will be acceptable.

Assessor Date