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

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

Operational Analysis and Control (OAC)
Model
Analyse the Operation

What can cause harm?

What are you doing about it?
Is it enough?

Manage the Operation

What has to be done?

What resources do you need?
When does the operation need reviewed?

Effectiveness Review

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 nonemployees, 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.

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

The OAC e-learning package can be accessed free at
www.confinedspaces.com;
Click here to open the "Work Safety - Manage Safely" e-learnin
g 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.

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

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)

Outcomes of exposure
(non-exhaustive list)

Scaffolding (fixed & mobile)

Ladders
Trestles
Roofs
Edge of drops (e.g. floor-openings,
pits)
Stairwells

Physical injury

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

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
image

Insert control
image

Insert
protective
Clothing
image

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

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.

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

Control - Access Equipment (contd)
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.

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

Controlling the Hazard
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.

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

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.
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

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

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.

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

Duty Holders

Responsible for

Managing Director

Ensuring compliance.

Safety Managers

Providing professional safety advice.

Business Activity Managers

Complying with the requirements.

Employees

Co-operating with the requirements.

Safe Working Procedure - Working at Heights

Documentation
Product control sheets.
Maintenance and inspection logs.
Plant certificates.
Competence certificates.