Before working at height
1 Before any work or access onto a roof, fragile materials should be identified and precautions decided.
2 Roof-edge barriers (or scaffolds) must be erected to prevent people and materials falling.
3 Access ladders must extend at least 1 metre above the stepping-off point and must be secured.
4 Where access ladders rise above 9 meters, a safe intermediate platform must be provided.
5 Ladders must be rested at the correct angle (1unit out for 4 units up).
Hazards of working at height
1 Where there is a likely hood of falling from height, guard-rails and toe-boards must be erected.
2 Hazards resulting from adverse weather conditions must be anticipated and suitable precautions taken.
3 LPG cylinders should be located at least 4 meters away from the heat source. Spare bottles area to be kept to a minimum.
4 Don’t allow rubbish to accumulate as this is liable to cause accidents. Use a chute or lower materials properly.
5 Wet, wind or icy weather can seriously affect safety.
Stepladders
1 Can a mobile scaffold tower or MEWP be used instead? (Whoever operates the MEWP should hold a valid International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) training card for the machine)
2 Check treads, stiles and hinges and restraining rope before using a stepladder.
3 If the stepladder is damaged, either destroy or return to the supplier.
4 Use on a firm level base.
5 Don’t work higher than two-thirds up stepladder as it becomes unstable
6 Don’t use boards between the treads on steps to provide a working platform – they are not designed for this loading.
7 Don’t paint wooden steps, use clear varnish.
8 Don’t lean outwards or sideways from the steps, move them.
9 Ensure steps are fully extended before you go up.
10 Report all damage immediately.
For safer working solutions contact Rarden safety Solutions
Safe use of ladders – Before-use checks
1 Ladders must be stored correctly and inspected regularly.
2 Check for splits or cracks in the stiles and rungs.
3 Ensure that none of the rungs are missing or loose.
4 Don’t use painted ladders, this can hide damaged parts.
5 Report defects, label as defective and remove from site.
Use of ladders
1 Work should only be carried out from a ladder when the job is of short duration and can be carried out safely.
2 Ladders should be set on a firm base and leaning at the correct angle which is one unit out to four units up.
3 Ladders must be tied near to the top and extend a safe distance above the landing stage, unless a hand –hold is provided.
4 If it can’t be secured at the top, secure it at the bottom.
5 For added safety, if possible and necessary, the base of the ladder should be staked or buried to prevent slipping.
6 Ensure footwear is free from excessive mud or grease before you climb the ladder.
7 When climbing up or down, use both hands on the stiles. Always face the ladder.
8 Don’t overreach from a ladder, always move it.
9 If using extension ladders, each section must overlap.
◦2 rungs – for ladders up to 5 metres (closed length)
◦3 rungs – for ladders 5-6 metres (closed length).
Remember
The vast majority of ladder accidents occur because the ladder is not secured at the top.
The post Working at Height appeared first on Rarden Safety Solutions - Health & Safety Consultant Southampton, Hampshire.