HR Services

UEL Health and Safety Handbook

POLICY ON WORKING AT HEIGHT

This policy is a sub-policy of the main University Health and Safety PolicyStatement

1.0 Introduction

Working at height is a high-risk activity. Falls are the largest cause of accidentaldeath in the construction industry and need to be avoided by provision ofsuitable access equipment being properly used. However, it must be stressedthat working at height takes place throughout our University, not just in theconstruction areas, and this sub-policy applies to all such work.

According to the HSE, since 2001 an average of 50 people in Great Britain, havedied at work each year as a result of a fall from height. A further 8,702 havebeen seriously injured. This gives an indication of the care needed when work atheight is being undertaken

Proper safety standards are essential for all working at height and the nature ofthe precautions required must be assessed for each individual task. Thissub-policy sets out responsibilities, precautions and provides general guidancefor good practice relevant to all working at height.

2.0 Scope

This sub-policy applies to all working at height on UEL premises. IndividualSchools and Services may have additional arrangements for certain aspects ofwork at height, such as access for roof work, which supplement or augment thissub-policy.

3.0 Purpose

Therefore the purpose of this sub-policy is to ensure:

working at height is avoided where possible;when working at height is unavoidable, all hazards are considered and

sufficient safe systems of work are in operation that will actively reduce therisk of injury to all persons involved;compliance with relevant legislative requirements;best practice is adopted.

4.0 Definitions

4.1 Working at height

All falls from any height need to be prevented. Work at height means work inany place, including a place at or below ground level or when a person isaccessing or exiting from such a place (except via a staircase in a permanentworkplace) where if regulatory measures are not taken, a person could fall adistance likely to cause personal injury.

4.2 Short duration work

Short duration work is measured in minutes rather than hours. It includes jobssuch as replacing a few tiles, making minor adjustments to equipment,inspections and access to other areas/locations. Work at height is stilldangerous even if it lasts for a short time and appropriate safety measures areessential.

4.3 Safe systems of work

A safe system of work is a method of completing a job which eliminatesidentified hazards and controls risks. Good planning can significantly reduce therisks involved in working at height and a safe system of work achieves thecontrolled completion of the work with the minimum of risk for the individualsinvolved. Specific types of working at height must be done under a safe systemof work, guidance for which is detailed in section 7.0.

4.4 Ladders

Ladders refers to fixed ladders, all portable ladders, section ladders, extendingladders, combination ladders and stepladders.

4.5 Working platform

A working platform constitutes any platform used as a place of work or as ameans of access or egress from/to a place of work (e.g. scaffolding, trestle,mobile platform, etc).

5.0 Legal Requirements

5.1 The Work at Height Regulations 2005

The overriding principle of these regulations is that UEL must do all that isreasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling. The guiding principles formanaging work at height are as follows:

Avoid work at height if you can.If work at height cannot be avoided, prevent falls by selecting and usingthe right access equipment.Where you cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or othermeans to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should oneoccur.

All work at height must be properly planned and organised

Ensure that no work at height is carried out if it is safe and reasonablypracticable to do it other than at height;Ensure that the work at height is properly planned, supervised and carriedout as safely as is reasonably practicable;Ensure that emergencies and rescue procedures are planned for;Take account of the risk assessment findings carried out under regulation 3of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

All work at height must take account of weather conditions that could pose arisk to the health and safety of any person working at height

Ensure that any work is postponed until the weather improves sufficiently.

Anyone involved in working at height must be competent and appropriatelytrained

If a person is being trained they must be supervised by a competentperson;Competency and training refers to anyone involved in organisation,planning, supervision and the supply/maintenance of equipment in respectof working at height;Where a risk of falling remains, ensure that those persons working atheight are trained in how to avoid falling and how to avoid or minimise anyinjuries should they fall.

The place where work at height is undertaken must be safe

The place of work and the means of access must have features to prevent

falls from height.

Equipment used for working at height must be appropriately inspected

If it is not reasonably practicable to include features to prevent a fall andthey would not allow the worker to carry out the work safely, equipmentmust be provided to prevent a fall occurring (as far as reasonablypracticable);If the risk of falling cannot be entirely eliminated, the potential distanceand effect of the fall must be minimised;Equipment provided for work at height must be the most suitable available,provide collective measures (e.g. guard rails) with priority over personalprotection (e.g. safety harnesses), and take account of the workingconditions and risks to the safety of all persons at the place where theequipment is to be used;Equipment, temporary structures and safety features must comply with therequirements laid out in Schedules 2 to 6 of the Regulations;Ensure that each location where work at height is to be undertaken ischecked on every occasion before that place is used. This must takeaccount of checking the surface of every parapet, permanent rail, etc;Ensure that any equipment included within Schedules 2 to 6 of theRegulations is inspected after assembly or installation and as often as isnecessary thereafter to ensure safety;Any equipment which belonged to another organisation must beaccompanied with a clear indication that the last inspections have beencarried out. Likewise for any equipment leaving UEL;Any work platform where someone could fall more than 2m must beinspected in-situ prior to use (but not more than 7 days before). Anymobile platform must be inspected at the site of use rather than each timeit is moved within the site boundary. The person inspecting the platformmust prepare a report before going off duty providing the details laid out inSchedule 7 of the Regulations and provide a copy within 24 hours to theperson who requested the inspection. Reports should be available at theconstruction site until the work is completed and then at the employersmain office for another 3 months;General inspection records should be kept until the next inspection hasbeen completed.

The risks posed by fragile materials must be properly controlled

Ensure that no person at work goes onto or near a fragile surface, where itis reasonably practicable to carry out work safely without his/her doing so.Any person working on or near to a fragile surface must be provided withsuitable work platforms, coverings, guard rails, etc. to minimise any risksand employers must do all that is reasonably practicable to minimise thedistance and effect of a fall.

Ensure that the risks from falling objects are properly controlled

In order to prevent any potential injuries employers must do all that isreasonably practicable to prevent anything falling;Alternatively, ensure that no-one is injured by anything falling;Ensure that nothing is thrown or tipped from height if it is likely to injure aperson or be stored by such a method that its movement is likely to injureanyone;Any workplace where there is a risk of personal injury by a falling object orperson, ensure that the area is clearly indicated and that unauthorisedpeople are excluded and unable to reach it.

5.2 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

A suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks for all working at heightactivities is required for the purpose of deciding what control measures arerequired to ensure the safety of all persons. All working at height must be riskassessed with significant risks recorded using our corporate health and safetyrisk assessment documentation.

5.3 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER) Regulations1998

These regulations make the following requirements in respect to all equipmentprovided for use at work. All work equipment must be:

suitable for the intended purpose;safe for use;maintained in a safe state of repair and regularly checked;provided for use to persons who have received adequate information,instruction and training in the equipments safe operation/use;fitted with all necessary suitable safety measures or protective devices e.g.warnings and guards;used with correct safe working load specifications.

5.4 British and European Standards

All equipment used within our University must meet the relevant British and/orEuropean Standards. For example:

wooden ladders - BS 1129:1990;aluminium ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight staging - BS 2037:1994;step stools - BS EN 14183: 2003;pre-fabricated mobile access and working towers - BS EN 1004: 2004ladders, mobile ladders with platform - BS EN 131-7:2013

6.0 Hazards

Falls during working at height can occur from ladders, through gaps or holes inworking platforms, through fragile materials and whilst accessing areas. Inaddition, serious injury can result from material falling or being thrown fromheight. Accidents occur to people working at height during maintenance,cleaning, demolition, access and inspection type activities.

7.0 Procedural guidance

(Please refer to section 5.1 for specific requirements under the Work at HeightRegulations 2005)

7.1 Necessity of working at height

The best way to avoid a fall from height is to make sure that nobody everundertakes working at height. Therefore working at height should always beavoided where possible by asking 'do we need to do the work?' If the workneeds to be done can it be completed in a controlled manner from a safe place?For example, if a gutter needs to be inspected, can it be done from a poweredaccess platform?

7.2 Precautions for all working at height

The following precautions are required for all working at height. It is theresponsibility of the Director of Facilities (or nominee), duly authorised personor relevant line manager to ensure all aspects of this section have been carriedout prior to work commencing and to ensure that a safe system of work toinclude a working at height permit (as required) is fully implemented.

7.2.1 Risk assessment, method statements and working at heightpermits

Prior to working at height commencing, a risk assessment must be undertakenby a competent person and be recorded in line with our University riskassessment procedure. Any person requested by their line manager to assist inthe risk assessment process will be competent and trained in the riskassessment process. It is the responsibility of Heads of School/Directors ofService, etc to ensure that such persons receive appropriate information,instruction and training in risk assessment as required.

The risk assessment must identify a safe system of work detailed in a safety

method statement being specific and relevant to the work to be undertaken. Therisk assessment and method statement must be signed by the competentperson and communicated to all those involved in the working at height activity.

A risk assessment, safe working procedure/method statement and permit towork (if deemed appropriate by the UEL representative responsible) covering allwork to be carried out at a height from which a fall could result in personalinjury, must be authorised and in operation for the duration of the task.

A permit to work system is a formal written system used to control certain typesof work that are potentially hazardous. A permit to work is a document whichspecifies the work to be done and the precautions to be taken.

They form an essential part of safe systems of work for many maintenanceactivities. They allow work to start only after safe procedures have been definedand they provide a clear record that all foreseeable hazards have beenconsidered.

General risk assessments and method statements are to be used for routineworking at height operations.

7.2.2 Prevention of falls

Generally:

do not work at height unless it is essential;ensure that the working platform is secure;ensure that the working platform will support the weight of those personsusing it and any materials;ensure that the working platform is stable;ensure that there is adequate working space to undertake the work;ensure that the working platform is footed on stableground/support/structure;ensure that all open edges are protected by use of guard rails, barriers, etc.

7.2.3 Working platforms

The nature and duration of the work will influence the type of working platformmost appropriate for the work. Much working at height can be seen to be donefrom scaffolding but there are other means of access e.g. mobile elevated workplatforms, tower scaffolds, personal suspension equipment (rope access andboatswain's chairs) and ladders that offer both advantages and disadvantages inuse. Risks associated with erecting the equipment in addition to using it must be

use. Risks associated with erecting the equipment in addition to using it must beassessed. Consideration must be given to the following when selecting the typeof work platform or means of access to the workplace:

space available - can you fit them in?the type of work to be undertaken - will there be heavy loads on theplatform?how long will the work take to complete?what are the risks associated with erecting the platform?how difficult will the platform be to maintain?how many people need to use the working platform?can the workingplatform be stabilised?can part of a proposed or existing structure be used as a safe workingplatform?

Working platforms should be free from openings/trapping points, be constructedso as to prevent materials from falling and be free from tripping/slippinghazards. Work platforms must be erected by appropriately trained andcompetent persons only.

7.2.4 Edge protection

Wherever a person could fall from height and sustain personal injury, the firstline of defence is to provide adequate edge protection. This must meet theminimum legal standards and consist of:

a main guard rail at least 950mm above the edge;a toe board at least 150mm high;an intermediate guard rail or other barrier so that there is no gap greaterthan 470mm.

Edge protection must be strong and rigid enough to prevent people from fallingand be able to withstand other loads likely to fall on them e.g. stored materials.They must be fixed to a structure for adequate support.

7.2.5 Fall arrest equipment

Providing platforms and edge protection may not always be possible orreasonably practicable. In such situations either safety nets or harnesses will berequired. This equipment does not stop people falling, but will minimisepotential injuries if they do. Any nets provided must be properly installed bycompetent riggers as close as possible below the working platform involved to

competent riggers as close as possible below the working platform involved tominimise the potential fall distance. Rescue plans must be in place should aperson fall into a net.

If harnesses are used, they must be securely attached to sufficiently stronganchor points and MUST ALWAYS BE WORN. This requires user training andactive monitoring by management. Rescue plans for someone who falls whilstwearing a harness must be sufficiently robust to ensure a rapid rescue operationtakes place e.g. within a few minutes.

N.B. All control measures to avoid a person falling must be considered first.

7.2.6 Falling material

Housekeeping is of paramount importance and can prevent materialaccumulating with the potential to fall and cause injury. NOTHING SHOULDEVER BE THROWN FROM A HEIGHT and waste material should either be loweredto the ground in a controlled manner or dropped down an enclosed rubbishchute. See example in Appendix 1.

Access to areas underneath or adjacent to work at height should be prevented.Where this cannot be reasonably maintained debris netting, fans, coveredwalkways or similar safeguards to stop falling material causing injury should beused. Particular care is needed where there is public access close to workoccurring at height. If possible, try to arrange for work to be carried out whennumbers of passers-by will be minimal e.g. out of hours.

7.2.7 Training

Persons undertaking work at height must have the appropriate knowledge,information, instruction, skills, training and experience to work safely, or beunder the supervision of a designated competent person. Competence must beassured in the following areas:

be able to recognise the risks and necessary controls to complete the worksafely;be fully conversant with the agreed safe system of working, including wherenecessary the installation/wearing of safety harnesses,requirements/installation of edge protection and operation of mobile accessplatforms, etc;safe operation of equipment.

All such training should be recorded and repeated as necessary.

7.2.8 Weather conditions

Adverse weather conditions need to be anticipated and suitable precautionsplanned for all external working at height. Work platforms should always beinspected prior to work at height commencing to determine whether conditionshave changed and to enable safe working. When deciding whether to continueor suspend work, consideration should be given to:

wind speed;controls already in place to prevent falls from height ;the position/height of the working platform in respect of any material beinghandled;the work being undertaken.

DO NOT work at height in icy, wet or windy conditions. Avoid excessiveexposure to sunlight by wearing appropriate clothing, using sun-creams andwearing sun glasses to avoid excessive reflective glare.

7.2.9 Short duration work

It may not be reasonably practicable to provide full edge protection for shortduration work, but it still needs to be considered during the risk assessmentprocess. Where it is not reasonably practicable to provide full edge protection, asecurely attached safety harness must be considered appropriate for personnelworking at height. All personnel who wear a safety harness must be trained inits correct use. As stated previously, a robust rescue plan must be in place.

Mobile access equipment provides both edge protection and a working platformand may be suitable for short duration/minor work.

7.2.10 Prevent unauthorised access

Make sure unauthorised access to all access equipment and working platforms isprevented. This may be achieved by implementing a permit-to-work system orby blocking off/securing access to the area(s) concerned.

7.2.11 Working on or near to fragile material

At no time may anyone work on, from or pass over fragile material, unless

At no time may anyone work on, from or pass over fragile material, unlessplatforms, coverings or other similar safe means are provided that adequatelysupport and protect the individual. Support platforms must be at least 600mmwide and of greater width if the work requires it. Platforms must be long enoughto provide adequate support to do the work safely. Precautions are required toprevent people and materials falling from the platform. Edge protectioncomprising of a top rail, intermediate rail and toe-board is required.

Safety netting installed beneath work at height will provide collective fallprotection in the area that it covers. Harnesses will also provide fall protectionbut will require adequate attachment points. Information, instruction, trainingand supervision for people working at height is essential.

Protection must be provided when anyone passes or works less than 2 m from afragile material. In such situations fragile materials must be securely covered, orfull edge protection provided to the perimeter or along the full length of thefragile material to prevent access to it. Appropriate precautions are to be takenwhen installing such protection (e.g. safety netting or harnesses). Where it isnot reasonably practicable to provide such protection, for example, in caseswhere proximity to the fragile material is irregular or for a short time span, useof safety harnesses may be appropriate.

Designated boundaries can be established that are useful in identifying safework areas and/or routes to and from them. If these are used:

the boundary should be at least 2m from the fragile material;the boundary does not need to comply with full edge protection standards,but there should be a physical barrier (a painted line or bunting is notacceptable);all persons should receive appropriate information, instruction and training.

7.2.12 Worker considerations

Any person required to work at height must be physically fit and provided withsuitable PPE to include non-slip footwear as appropriate, identified via the riskassessment process. When moving/carrying activities e.g. step ladders, etc. areidentified via the risk assessment process, individuals will receive manualhandling training and an appropriate manual handling risk assessment will becompleted by line managers.

7.3 General access scaffolds

All scaffold must:

be designed, erected, altered and dismantled by competent trainedpersonnel and such work must be directed by a competent supervisor;never be erected over people or busy areas. This risk must be controlled byscheduling the work during quiet times such as early mornings oralternatively, closing pavements/areas with permission from localauthorities;be placed on a firm and level foundation that is capable of supporting theweight of the scaffold and any other potential loading;be braced and tied into a permanent structure or otherwise suitablystabilised as per any manufacturers instructions;only be sheeted after informing and obtaining guidance from the supplier;have platforms that are fully boarded and of adequate width for theintended work and access;consist of scaffold boards that are adequately supported and do notoverhang excessively;be designed to prevent falling materials;have platforms at least four boards wide;provide ladders or other safe access onto the work platform;only be altered by a competent scaffolder;be erected following manufacturers instructions;be checked for suitability for the task prior to use or whenever it is alteredor adversely affected (e.g. in high winds);be inspected by a competent person before first use, after substantialalteration, after any event likely to have affected stability and at regularintervals not exceeding 7 days.

When scaffolding is left unattended it should be secured in such a manner tostop unauthorised access for example by removing ladders at ground level.Waste materials should be removed via mechanical hoists or more often rubbishchutes (see Appendix 1). Scaffolding erected on public highways or on anyroads, pavements, paths or routes used by the public must be authorised by therelevant Local Authority.

7.4 Tower scaffolds

Tower scaffolds are quick to erect and can provide safe access but many areinvolved in accidents due to incorrect operation and use. A wide range ofprefabricated towers are available and the manufacturer or supplier shouldprovide an adequate instruction manual detailing advice on the erectionsequence and bracing requirements. If the equipment is hired, the hirer shouldprovide this information. If a tower scaffold is to be used:

all manufacturers instructions for erection, use and dismantling must be

all manufacturers instructions for erection, use and dismantling must beadhered to;the person erecting the tower should be trained and competent;an instruction manual should be kept with the tower scaffold for reference;the tower must be vertical with the legs supported on firm level ground andwheel brakes on;wheels and outriggers must be locked when the tower scaffold is in position;a safe means of access to and from the work platform must be providede.g. internal ladders with secure handholds at all landing places;edge protection in the form of guard rails and toe boards to all platforms(including intermediate ones) must be provided;tie the tower rigidly to the structure it is serving or provide additionalsupport if the tower is sheeted; may be exposed to strong winds; is usedfor grit blasting/water jetting; or where heavy items are lifted up theoutside or where the tower base is too small to ensure stability for theheight of the platform;in exposed conditions or outside, the height of the working platform shouldbe no more than 3 times the minimum base dimension;internally on firm level ground, the height of the working platform shouldbe no more than 3.5 times the minimum base dimension;always check the safe base to height ratio in the instruction manual;suitable edge protection to platforms must be provided where a personcould fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. Guard rails should be atleast 950mm high, toe boards at least 150mm high and intermediate guardrails provided to ensure that no unprotected gasps exceed 470mm.

DO NOT:

use a ladder footed on the working platform;apply horizontal loads;overload the working platform;fix ties to the centre of thin walled aluminium tubes;move the tower by applying force at the platform level;climb up the outside of the tower unless it has been specifically designedfor this.

When moving a mobile tower scaffold the route must be checked in advance forpower lines and overhead obstructions and holes/dips in the ground. The towermust be cleared of all materials and people prior to it being pushed/pulled at itsbase. Anyone moving a tower scaffold must have received manual handlingtraining and be in possession of a manual handling risk assessment covering thetask.

Tower scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person. The requirement forinspection is different for small towers under 2m, and for towers of 2m andabove.

If the working platform is less than 2m in height, the tower must be inspected:

If the working platform is less than 2m in height, the tower must be inspected:

after assembly in any position;after any event liable to have affected its stability; andat suitable intervals depending on frequency and conditions of use

If the working platform is 2m or more in height, it must be inspected:

after assembly in any positionafter any event liable to have affected its stability; andat intervals not exceeding seven days

A new inspection and report is not required every time a mobile access tower ismoved to a new location on the same site. However, if any part of the tower hasto be removed as part of the moving process, then a pre-use check should beundertaken by a trained and competent person to make sure the tower hasbeen reinstated correctly.

7.5 Mobile and suspended access equipment

Where work cannot be done from an existing structure and the use of a scaffoldworking platform is not appropriate, there is a range of mobile accessequipment that may be used. These include mobile elevating work platforms(MEWPS), suspended cradles, mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs),boatswain's chairs/seats and rope access equipment. Any person using this typeof equipment must be trained and competent to operate it and be fullyconversant with emergency and evacuation procedures.

Before any work commences that involves mobile and suspended accessequipment the following must be in place:

a handover certificate provided by the supplier/installer. It should includedetails of how to deal with emergencies, operate, check and maintain theequipment and state its safe working load;any equipment installed, modified and dismantled must be undertaken by acompetent specialist;a current report of thorough examination provided for the equipment;areas cordoned off to avoid the impact of people with the platform anddebris;safe systems of use in place for when the platform rises and descends toensure that it does not come into contact with anything/anyone;any supports are protected from damage;ensure that the equipment is protected from adverse weather.

At the end of each working day the following checks must be carried out andrecorded:

the platform is clear of all materials and tools;all power is switched off and cables secured and made dead;the equipment is secured to avoid access to trespassers and vandals;notices stating that the equipment is out of service and must not be usedare to be displayed;shift reports to be checked for any warnings of malfunctions.

7.5.1 Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can provide excellent safe access tohigh levels. Anyone using a MEWP must ensure that:

the operator is fully trained and competent;the work platform is fitted with guard rails, toe boards or other suitablebarriers;it is only used on firm and level ground;the tyres are fully inflated;outriggers are properly extended and chocked before the platform is raisedinto position;emergency procedures are in place should the platform fail in the elevatedposition;the MEWP is not operated close to overhead obstructions or cables;allow any part of the MEWP to extend over a traffic routethe MEWP is not moved with the platform in the elevated position, unless itis designed to do so.

Those responsible for the use of MEWPs must assess the risks of people fallingfrom or being thrown from the carrier, or the MEWP overturning and takeprecautions to eliminate or control these risks. If the risks cannot be eliminatedthen measures should be put into place to minimise the risk of falling from orwith the carrier. If there is still a residual risk of impact or persons falling thenthe use of fall protection equipment should be considered, for example:

when working adjacent to or in a live highway;when travelling with the carrier in a raised position where it may strikefixed objects in its path;when travelling with the carrier in a raised position over uneven ground;steel erection where the carrier has to move in and around the steelwork.

Fall protection will normally consist of either a work restraint system (normally acombination of a full body harness and lanyard) or fall arrest system. Wearing ofa harness with a fall restraint lanyard attached to the platform can provide

additional protection against falls whilst the platform is in motion.

The supplier of such equipment must provide information and instruction at thepoint of delivery.

7.5.2 Temporarily suspended access cradles and platforms

All such equipment should be selected, installed, thoroughly examined andtested to ensure that it is suitable for its intended use. Only trained andcompetent workers should use suspended access cradles and platforms. Whencradles are used the following must be checked:

there are adequate guard rails and toe boards;materials cannot fall through or from the cradle base;the cradle can fit close to the building and any buffers/rollers will run alongsuitable sections of the building;the building can carry the intended loads (a structural engineer may needto be consulted);adequate stops are installed to ensure that the cradle does not run off theend of the track;a factor of safety against overturning of no less that three is assured;a secondary safety rope fitted with a fall arrest device is provided and used;detailed operating instructions and technical support is available;the cradle must not be overloaded during use and any loads must be evenlydistributed;safe access into the cradle, preferably at ground level;ensure emergency procedures are in place should the operator requirerescuing whilst in an elevated position.

All operators within the cradle must wear a safety harness attached to a suitableanchorage point within the cradle/platform or alternatively be attached to arunning line rigged to the cradle. The lanyards to the harness should be kept asshort as possible but allow the operators to reach their place of work.

A thorough visual pre-use check for obvious faults must be undertaken prior toeach use and a weekly inspection by a competent person scheduled andrecorded.

7.5.3 Boatswain's chairs/seats

This equipment can be used for light short-term work. Their use can only bejustified where it is not practicable to provide a working platform. A boatswainchair/seat consists of a seat with a back, a central suspension point and acarrying facility for tools. The user must be attached to the suspension system

by way of a harness and lanyard as protection against falls. The user must betrained and competent in its use.

7.5.4 Rope access

This method is only acceptable for inspection and short-term light work whereaccess from a working platform is not practicable. The following checks of ropeaccess equipment must be made:

the equipment is erected and used under the supervision of a competentperson;the equipment is checked by a competent person prior to use;users of the equipment are trained and competent in its use;safe descent does not rely upon a single suspension point;the equipment is maintained and inspected on a regular basis;all tools required during use are attached to the operator with suitablechains/ropes so that they cannot be dropped;the area below the work is cordoned off if there is a risk of tools ormaterials falling.

7.5.5 Safety harnesses

In situations when it is not practicable to provide the requirements for edgeprotection and where people may still approach an open edge from which theywould be liable to fall a distance likely to cause injury, other forms of protectionwill be required. In some situations a suitably attached harness and temporaryhorizontal lifeline could allow safe working.

The following must be considered when using harnesses and temporaryhorizontal lifelines:

harnesses and lanyards are prone to degradation and daily pre-use checksmust be performed;an energy absorbed fitted to the energy-absorbing lanyard can reduce therisk of injury to the user from impact loads should a fall occur;to minimise the free-fall distance the anchor needs to be kept as high aspossible;emergency procedures must be in place to rescue anyone who does fall;operator attachment must take place from a safe position;the energy-absorbing lanyard should be attached above the wearer wherepossible;ensure that there is adequate fall height to allow the system to operateeffectively;if the user needs to move about during operations a twin lanyard should beused;installation of fixing points for harnesses must be supervised by a suitably

installation of fixing points for harnesses must be supervised by a suitablyqualified person;any person tasked to wear a harness must know how to check, wear andadjust it before use and the procedure for connecting themselves to thestructure or safety line.Each day harnesses and lanyards must be inspected visually before use.They must also be thoroughly examined periodically, at least every sixmonths.

7.6 Ladders

Ladders are most appropriately used as a means of access to a workplace.Ladders should only be used as a workplace to complete short-term, light work.If ladders are to be used for any work you must make sure of the following:

the work only needs one hand to be used at any time;the work area can be reached without the need for overstretching;the ladder can be fixed to prevent it slipping;the ladder is strong enough for the job and in good condition;a good handhold is available for the user;if the ladder cannot be fixed, a second person foots the ladder while it isbeing used (this includes whilst the ladder is being fixed). Any persontasked with footing the ladder should wear head protection;the user should be able to reach the work from 1m below the top of theladder;the ladder will not be used where there is a risk of persons or objects (i.e.doors, vehicles) coming into contact with the ladder/user. Safe workingareas must be provided with warning signage as appropriate;the work area is checked for electrical hazards as part of the overall riskassessment for the work. No work must be carried out within 6m of highvoltage cables without a suitable and sufficient safe system of work being inoperation. Aluminium ladders must not be used where any electricalhazards exist.

The ladder must be regularly checked for damage and prior to any use. Thereshould be a management system in place to ensure that this is done, to includerecord keeping. Appendix 2 contains an example ladder/stepladder inspectionchecklist. Under the 'Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER)Regulations 1998' ladders are work equipment and all those used across UELmust:

carry an individual identification plate/mark;have their own individual record/history sheet detailing inspections, defects,repairs, record of usage and record of disposal;be inspected on first receipt, before use, before use by the user, on returnto store and on a three monthly recorded inspection regime.

The person authorising the work must be certain that there is no other bettermeans of access before using a ladder. The longer a ladder is the harder it is forthe user to manually handle it, it is more difficult to foot and it will flex more inuse. Additionally, if the ladder is to be used in several locations requiringconstant movement/repositioning, there is more scope for user carelessness.

Any tools required to complete work should be light and carried in a shoulderbag or holster attached to a belt to allow both hands to be free during climbing.Heavy or bulky loads should not be carried up or down ladders and a gin wheelor other suitable equipment must be used instead.

Ladders must be secured in position and are only safe when they rest on a firmand level surface. Once in position, they must be secured by rope or othersuitable stabilisation devices to ensure that the ladder does not move sidewaysor slide away from the wall. The ladder must also:

be angled to minimise the risk of slipping outwards - 'one out for every fourup' is the rule of thumb;rest at the top against a solid surface;have both feet on a firm footing so that it cannot slip;if the ladder is in excess of 3m long or used as access to a workplace itmust be secured from falling. This may be achieved by fixing at the top orbase;extend a sufficient length (approx. 1m) above any landing place from wherepeople get on and off it unless some other suitable handhold is provided;where ladders are used for a vertical distance of more than 9m, suitablelandings or platforms must be provided (as often as possible);extension ladders must overlap at the top by at least three rungs and belocked out before use;only be used by one person at a time.

The user of the ladder must wear suitable non-slip footwear, face the ladderwhen ascending and descending and be physically fit for this type of work.

Ladders must be of the correct safe working load relative to the work to beundertaken. The British Standards 'duty rating' and European Standards'maximum static vertical load' are:

Class 1 (industrial) duty rating 130kg (20 stone)=maximum vertical staticload 175kg;Class 3 (domestic) duty rating 95kg (15 stone)=maximum vertical staticload 125kg;European Standard ladders to BS EN131 (all types):(previous class 2) dutyrating 115kg (18 stone)=maximum vertical static load 150kg.

Domestic standard ladders, British Standard Class 3 are not recommended foruse in the workplace. Although they are lighter, they are not as durable andshould not be used on UEL premises.

DO NOT use home-made or makeshift ladders!DO NOT carry out repairs to damaged ladders!DO NOT use painted ladders as the paint may cover defects and damage!DO NOT use DIY type ladders for site work - they may not be strongenough!DO NOT loan ladders to unauthorised persons!

7.7 Access/work platforms

Fixed height access platforms provide a safe, secure and stable work platformwhen working at low levels for prolonged periods of time.

Maximum safe working height is normally 3mNormally for light work only.Locking guardrail - allows easy access to the platform. It can be securedafter the user is in work position to provide security/safety.Secure lockable castors required to prevent inadvertent movement of theplatform.

7.8 Step Ladders

Step ladders are designed to provide a free-standing means of access and arenot designed to account for any side loading and therefore, are relatively easyto overturn. Users of step ladders must avoid over-reaching and the top stepmust not be worked from unless it has been specifically designed for thispurpose.

The Health and Safety Executive have recently produced a new online tool calledthe Work at Height Access Equipment Information Toolkit (WAIT) tocomplement their other guidance on the topic. This can be accessed by visiting:

www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/wait/index.htm and

www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/wait/wait-tool.htm

HSE state "The WAIT tool provides basic guidance and information to help youdecide what type of access equipment is best for the work at height you areintending to carry out.

Further Information:

INDG284 - "Working on Roofs""Height Safe - Essential health and safety information for people who workat height" (HSE Publication)"Health and Safety in Roof Work" HSG33"Health and Safety in Construction" HSG150 (rev1)www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/step-by-step-guide.pdfINDG 455 - "Safe use of ladders and stepladders"INDG 401 - "Working at Height: A brief guide""The selection and management of mobile elevating work platforms" HSEInformation Sheet No. 58"Preventing falls from boom-type mobile elevating work platforms" HSEInformation Sheet MISC 614Fragile Roofs - Safe Working Practices" HSE Information Sheet GEIS 5"Roof Repair Work" HSE Information Sheet No. 60"Tower scaffolds" HSE Information Sheet No. 10British Standard BS1129:1990 (British) - wooden laddersBritish Standard BS2037:1994 (British) aluminium ladders, steps, trestlesand lightweight stagingwww.hsebooks.co.ukwww.hse.gov.ukWork at Height Regulations 2005www.irata.org Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA)

APPENDIX 1 - ENCLOSED RUBBISH CHUTE.

Rubbish chute and skip positioned to take waste materials.

APPENDIX 2 Ladder/Stepladder Inspection Checklist

Reviewed February 2014; Review date February 2016