Safe Working Procedure – Working at Heights

1. Safe Working Procedure – Working at Heights Learning Objectives: By the end of this program participants will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the control measures to be followed , as detailed in the safe working procedure, when working at heights. To begin we will consider the OAC model for managing safety

2. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

3. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights Set your work objectives to include; “...tasks/ activities are to be completed on time and in a manner that does not cause harm to the employees, customers, other non-employees, or the company/ organisation.” • Three key questions to start with are… • What can cause harm? • What are you doing about it? • Is it enough? Remember the process is simple but it is NOT to be considered simplistic.

4. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights The OAC e-learning package can be accessed free at www.confinedspaces.com; Click here to open the "Work Safety - Manage Safely" e-learning program. (Work Safety - Manage Safely) also A 5 Minute Safety Seminar (PowerPoint) is available from www.web-safety.com; Click here to link to Safety Exchange - Then open the 5 minute Safety Seminar.

5. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights Know where the harm is; Identify the key hazards associated with working at heights & outcomes of a fall or impact from falling objects. • Source of Hazards(non-exhaustive list) • Scaffolding (fixed & mobile) • Ladders • Trestles • Roofs • Edge of drops (e.g. floor-openings, pits) • Stairwells • Outcomes of exposure(non-exhaustive list) • Physical injury

6. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights • Controlling the Hazard - Options • In priority order; • Eliminate where possible, • Use control measures, • Protect all those exposed to the hazard Insert eliminate image Insert control image Insert protective Clothing image

7. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights • Control • Avoid working at heights, whenever possible. • Access Equipment • Using the appropriate type of access equipment and controls means… • Access equipment (e.g. MEWPs, ladders) and anything attached to it and used in lifting is to be of adequate strength and stability for each load, and • is to be designed and erected in a way that prevents the user from being crushed, trapped, struck or falling from the carrier.

8. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights • Control - Access Equipment (cont’d) • Additional fall arrest equipment is to be available when the risk of falling from the carrier is not eliminated; • by the design or • by the erection of the access equipment. • Ensure training and fitness requirements are met. • Young people must work under close supervision even after full training has been provided. Remember: Avoid working at heights, if possible.

9. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights Controlling the Hazard • Markings/ Warnings. • All access equipment is to conform to the relevant national statutory requirements and bear the statutory markings (e.g. CE marks, Safe Working Load). • All markings and warnings are to be clearly visible, audible (where appropriate), easily understood and conform to nationally or internationally recognised standards.

10. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights Controlling the Hazard • Overhead Hazards • Safe clearances are to be established and maintained when working near to or under overhead electrical cables to avoid direct contact with cables or arcing. Note: This programme links to SWP16 “Working On or Near Services” with the corresponding PowerPoint • Environmental Conditions • Consider the effects of weather conditions, including wind speed before authorising any work at height

11. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights Inspection, testing and maintenance • All work equipment is to be… • Inspected, • Tested and • Maintained • in accordance with national statutory requirements and in compliance with the accepted national standards. • Ensure that the • Work equipment is maintained by competent people, and • Where necessary, is carried out under a permit to work system.

12. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights Duty Holders Responsible for… Managing Director Ensuring compliance. Safety Managers Providing professional safety advice. Business Activity Managers Complying with the requirements. Employees Co-operating with the requirements.

13. Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights • Documentation • Product control sheets. • Maintenance and inspection logs. • Plant certificates. • Competence certificates.