Working at heights: Hierarchy of control

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 5

Avoid working at height
Where possible , use a
plant equipment at
ground level rather than
a roof or change the
equipment altogether.
Example: Use a reach and
wash system to clean
windows instead of
ladder.
Prevent falls using a safe Level 4
place to carry out work Prevent falls using Prevent personal Minimise distance using
If you cant avoid working collective equipment protective equipment collective equipment
at height , then designate Such as guarded Where possible , use a If a fall cant be avoided,
a safe place where work platforms or edge plant equipment at then use collective
can be carried out with protection to prevent ground level rather than equipment , such as
minimal risk. Additional falls. a roof or change the airbags , to reduce the
protective equipment equipment altogether. impact of the fall.
should not be necessary Example: Use a reach and
as preventive measures wash system to clean
are already in place in windows instead of
place. ladder.
Example : A balcony or
parapet.

Level 8
Minimize risk by undergoing
Level 6 Level 7 training
Minimise consequence using Minimise distance using Training should focus on
collective equipment the PPE safe working practices, as
This differs to level 5 as the Fall arrest system should well as on the correct use of
netting is used to soften the only be used as a last relevant equipment.
impact of the fall , not to resort and you will need
reduce the distance. to undergo training to
use these. If a worker
falls, fall arrest
equipment stops the fall
before he hits surface. QHSE Dept. - BDG