pwcuk
Working at height is always a dangerous occupation, so extra care should always be taken to help reduce any risks wherever possible. Working at height can be as low as 3m, up to 5m (around the height of many houses), or in some cases, much higher. When working at heights, the higher we are, the bigger the perception of falling is and as a result, many fall related injuries and fatalities are from 3m or less.
We’ve put together a list of our most crucial tips for working safely at height.
If you are unsure what safety equipment you need to get a job done, or if you’re not sure if you should call in the specialists, always get advice from a health and safety consultant that specialises in working at height.
If your premises needs work that requires an operative to work at height, whether on the roof or scaling the side of a building, you should always ensure that they are fully trained and able to use safety equipment properly. Look for a company that are IRATA rope access trained. IRATA is the International Rope Access Trade Association, an organisation that provides training, assessment and certification schemes. The most highly trained IRATA operatives are trained up to level 3.
When working at height, it is always absolutely crucial ensure that you are aware of all relevant government rules and regulations. If you are fully informed, you can make sure that all safety regulations are complied with.
In some cases, working at height can be achieved with the safe use of a ladder, however, in more difficult to reach places, other safety equipment is needed. For example, access machinery may be used to elevate workers to the right height. When working at heights of more than 5m or so, rope access provides one of the safest access methods – rope access work should be carried out by IRATA trained technicians.
No matter what height you are working at, if you are above ground level, there are always risks. Most accidents happen when people are working around 2m high and not taking safety seriously than people working on high rise buildings. As safe as you may feel at 2 or 3m high, you should always make sure you are equipped with the right safety equipment. If you don’t have the right equipment to work safely, you should consider hiring specialists with training working at height.
