SWP16

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

Operational Analysis and Control (OAC)Model

Analyse the Operation

Manage the Operation

Effectiveness Review

What can cause harm?What are you doing about it?Is it enough?

What has to be done?What resources do you need?When does the operation need reviewed?

Has the operation progressed as planned?Detail the changes needed?List the improvement actions?

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.


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.


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


Controlling the Hazard - Options

In priority order;

1. Eliminate where possible,

2. Use control measures,

3. Protect all those exposed to the hazard

Insert eliminate

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Insert controlimage

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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.


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.

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.


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.

Controlling the Hazard

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


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.


Business Activity Managers

Safety Managers

Managing Director

Employees

Duty Holders

Ensuring compliance.

Providing professional safety advice.

Complying with the requirements.

Responsible for…

Co-operating with the requirements.


Documentation

• Product control sheets.

• Maintenance and inspection logs.

• Plant certificates.

• Competence certificates.

Documents

SWP16