Dropped objects

Suitable arrangements to manage prevention of dropped objects must be considered, as the following hierarchy;
1. Full height containment - climbing screens, full height edge protection.
2. Collective measures - protection fans, public protection gantries, exclusion zones, Monarflex, brickguards, netting to MEWPs.
3. Individual measures - tool and equipment tethering.
4. Management arrangements - material storage, prohibiting work in certain areas.

Robust exclusion zones must be in place where not possible to eliminate the risk of dropped objects through containment or collective measures or tool and equipment tethering.

Suitable signage is to be displayed to inform all to not enter the zone at any time.

A risk assessment must be undertaken to determine the size and extent of the exclusion zone - a good rule of thumb is a minimum of 2m or a height to area ratio of 5:1, whichever is the greater.

For example, where the drop height is 20m, the exclusion zone should extend 4m beyond the drop point.

Where an exclusion zone of 5:1 or 2m cannot be achieved, additional controls such as protection decks, safety nets or other controls must be considered.

Where there is a risk of objects falling beyond our project boundary, or where a public area exists within the 5:1 ratio, additional protection must be provided. Examples could include protected walkways, protection fans and catch nets, organising footpath closures to divert the public or providing temporary pedestrian management for short duration requirements.

Where on-site access routes are through exclusion zones, they must be robustly protected by safety nets or protection decks.

Welfare accommodation or PPE free zones should be located outside of exclusion zones or be provided with additional protection above.