Internal Procedure

Work at Height – General Policy

Approval sheet

Document owner

Signature: Date: Select date.

WORK AT HEIGHT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Falls from height are a major cause of injuries at work, often where the work at height is of short
duration and from ‘low’ heights of less than 2 meters. Common causes of such accidents include:

• overreaching or over balancing;

• climbing with loads;
• using inappropriate equipment such as desks / chairs;
• not securely fixing access equipment;
• placing access equipment on unsuitable surfaces;
• falls from roofs with unprotected edges;
• falls through fragile materials.

1.2 This guidance applies to all work situations from where a person could fall a distance liable to cause
personal injury.

1.3 Reference to the safe use of ladders and stepladders is included in this guidance in recognition of the
fact that after a risk assessment such equipment may be the only reasonably practical means of
carrying out a task.

2.0 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 QCS 2014 Section 11 Part 1.3 and Section 11 Part 2.3.12 apply to all work situations from where a
person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury, or access to and from such a place, this
includes work at ground level where there is a risk of falling into an excavation.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 The Construction Manager is responsible for all work at height activities in their area of responsibility.

3.2 The nominated person with assistance from the HSE Team shall ensure:

• all work at height is properly planned and organised;

• the use of access equipment is restricted to authorised users
• all those involved in work at height are trained and competent to do so
• the risks from working at height are assessed and appropriate equipment selected
• a register of access equipment is maintained
• all access equipment is inspected and maintained
• the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled
Error! No text of specified style in document. Page 2 of 5
4.0 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR WORK AT HEIGHT

4.1 Work at height should never be considered as being incidental to the actual job to be undertaken. Thus
for all activities involving work at height a risk assessment must be conducted and the findings
recorded. This assessment should consider both the work to be done and the most appropriate
access equipment to be used (not just what is available on site) to achieve a safe system of work.

4.2 There is a simple hierarchy of controls for work at height as follows:

a) avoid the risk by not working at height, for example by working from existing platforms, using
long reach equipment etc. If it is not practicable to do the work safely in some other way then:

b) use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls; and

c) where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated further controls to minimise the distance and
consequences of a fall should one occur.

4.3 The detail of the assessment will depend on the level of risk involved, further advice is available from
HSE Standard 006. As a general guide the risk assessment should consider:

• The task and activity involved

• The people (medical conditions etc.)
• Equipment to be used including erection and dismantling
• The location ( proximity to roads, overhead electrical cables etc)
• The environment, poor conditions and slippery surfaces (weather, temperature etc.)
• The affect on pedestrians, falling objects

5.0 SELECTING EQUIPMENT

5.1 In selecting appropriate equipment for working at height priority should always be given to collective
protective measures to prevent falls (e.g. guardrails and working platforms) before other personal
measures. (e.g. fall arrest equipment)

5.2 Access equipment should be selected appropriate to the nature of the work being undertaken, taking
account of such factors as:

• working conditions
• duration and frequency of use
• complexity of work
• distance and consequences of a fall

5.3 Ladders and stepladders should be used only for light duty, short duration work which has been
approved by the construction manager in coordination with HSE.

Error! No text of specified style in document. Page 3 of 5

 • For example whilst a ladder may reach the workplace, if the task requires strenuous work,
carrying bulky / heavy equipment or likely to take > 30 mins then an alternative means of
access such as a tower scaffold or podium steps would be more appropriate.

6.0 USE OF EQUIPMENT FOR WORK AT HEIGHT

6.1 Equipment identification / inspection

6.1 Equipment for work at height, should be inspected prior to use and by a competent person termly/6
monthly. The inspection will depend upon the complexity of the equipment.

6.1.2 Where work equipment is hired to the user, it is important that both parties agree, in writing, exactly
what inspection has been carried out and that this information is passed to those working at height.

6.2 Using Ladders (including stepladders)

6.2.1 Ladders should not be used simply because they are readily available, the risk assessment should
determine if a ladder or stepladder is appropriate for the task.

6.2.2 Ladders and stepladders should only be used for short duration tasks (less than 30 minutes), light duty
tasks or where more suitable access equipment cannot be used due to existing features of the site
which cannot be altered.

6.2.3 Only those persons who have been trained to use ladders safely may use them.

6.2.4 All ladders should be secured against unauthorised use

6.2.5 Prior to use, it should always be ensured that the ladder is in good condition and fit for purpose.

6.2.6 Where ladders are to be used to work from it should be ensured that:

• a secure handhold and support are available at all times

• the work can be completed without stretching
• the ladder can be secured to prevent slipping

6.3 Fragile surfaces

6.3.1 All fragile surfaces should be identified on site and suitable precautions be in place to prevent
inadvertent access.

6.3.2 Warning signs should be fixed at the approach to fragile roofs where access is needed or foreseeable.

6.3.3 Work should be arranged as far as possible to avoid working on or passing near fragile surfaces.

6.4 Mobile Access Towers (Proprietary System)

6.4.1 Proprietary Mobile Access Towers (P-MAT) are the preferred method for working at height where
space allows.

6.4.2 P-MAT should be erected as manufacturer’s instructions and inspected prior to use.
Error! No text of specified style in document. Page 4 of 5
6.4.3 All erectors of P-MAT should hold a valid third party certificate accredited by PASMA.

6.4.4 All users of P-MAT will have undertaken the project Third Party Work at Height training.

6.5 Mobile Access Towers (S-MAT)

6.5.1 Scaffold Mobile Access Towers (S-MAT) are the next preferred method for working at height where
space allows.

6.5.2 S-MAT use scaffold materials to create the working tower, on this project tube and fitting or PERI, as
such require a design and erection by competent scaffolders. As with any scaffold they will require
an inspection every 7 days or after any modification.

6.5.3 All erectors of S-MAT should hold a valid third party scaffolding certificate.

6.5.4 All users of S-MAT will have undertaken the project Third Party Work at Height training.

7.0 INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING

7.1 All employees required to work at height must be competent to do so and receive information and
instruction in the risks of working at height and specific training in the equipment that they will be
using. The level of training required should be proportionate to the risk.

Error! No text of specified style in document. Page 5 of 5