Work at height - general

Work at height must be properly planned and carried out in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations.

When planning work at height the hierarchy of control must always be followed ensuring options at the top of the hierarchy are considered before moving down.

1. Avoid working at height - assemble on the ground and lift into position using a crane or by fixing guard-rails to structural steelwork on the ground before lifting and fixing at height.
2. Prevent falls from occurring - use an existing safe place of work such as parapet walls, defined access points, or existing edge protection.
3. Prevent falls by providing collective protection - scaffolding, edge protection, handrails, podium steps, mobile towers, MEWPs etc.
4. Prevent falls by providing personal protection -using a work restraint (travel restriction) system that prevents a worker getting into a fall position
5. Minimise the distance and/or consequences of a fall using collective protection -safety netting or airbags.
6. Minimise the distance and/or consequences of a fall using personal protection -industrial rope access (working on a building facade) or a fall-arrest system (safety harness and fall-arrest lanyard) using a suitable, high-level anchor point.

Where adverse weather conditions, particularly high winds, severe icy conditions, heavy rain or extremes of temperature could compromise worker safety, work should be stopped.

Work at height equipment is to be inspected by competent persons following adverse weather to establish if it remains safe for use.

Review storage of vulnerable materials, tools and equipment when severe weather is forecast - relocate or robustly secure as appropriate.

A suitable means of access is to be provided to all work at height equipment to ensure workers can get to and from their workplace safely.

Stairways must be used on scaffolding to buildings 2 storeys and over.

Single lift ladders may be used for scaffolding in public areas ensuring the ground to first lift ladder can be removed after each shift. Refer to our Site Security policy for further instruction.

Makeshift platforms or equipment are never permitted.

The most suitable equipment appropriate for the work must be selected for working at height, taking into account the working conditions, the nature of the work, and potential safety risks.

Equipment from which users could fall 2m or more must be visually inspected by competent persons before its first use, every seven days, after any modifications, or following any event that could affect its strength or stability.

Inspection results must be recorded in a statutory register, and if a contractor or third party uses their own register, a copy must be obtained.

Defects must be promptly addressed by competent persons. If a defect is severe or the equipment is incomplete, access and use must be robustly prevented, with clear notices displayed to indicate that the equipment is not to be used.