Working at Height

Those working at height should have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience. If they’re being trained, they should always work under the supervision of someone competent.

Suppose it’s low-risk, short-duration (less than 30 minutes) tasks using ladders. In that case, it may simply be a case of ensuring employees receive instruction on how to use the equipment safely and appropriate training.

Training often takes place on the job. It doesn’t always take place in the classroom.

Always consider measures that protect everyone at risk (collective protection) before measures that only serve the individual (personal protection).

Collective protection is equipment that doesn’t require the person working at height to act to be effective, such as a guard rail.
Personal protection is equipment that requires the individual to act to be effective. For example, putting on a safety harness correctly and connecting it to an anchor point with a lanyard.

By law, you must:

• Consider if bad weather conditions could compromise safety
• Check that the place where work at height is being undertaken is safe. Every single time before work is carried out.
• Stop materials or objects from falling. If it isn’t practical to prevent objects from falling, make sure that suitable measures are taken to avoid any injuries, such as exclusion zones
• Store materials and objects safely so they won’t cause injury if they are disturbed or collapse
• Plan for emergencies and rescue. The hirer should always ensure that emergency recovery is adequately planned, along with regular recovery drills.

Any equipment used for working at height must be assembled or installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and in keeping with industry guidelines. At Sunbelt Rentals, we inspect and maintain our equipment after every single hire. Ensuring it's as safe as it possibly can be.

Working at height encompasses any task performed above ground level where there is a risk of falling and causing injury. This includes activities such as construction work, maintenance, installation, or repair tasks conducted on ladders, scaffolding, rooftops, platforms, or elevated surfaces.

Even working near openings or edges where a fall hazard exists can be classified as working at height. Ultimately, any work that involves exposure to a potential fall hazard qualifies as working at height.

You should conduct a working at height risk assessment whenever there's a potential for tasks involving elevated work. This includes activities like construction, maintenance, installations, or repairs where workers operate above ground level.

Additionally, any job near openings, edges, or fragile surfaces that might pose a fall hazard warrants a risk assessment.

In essence, if there's any risk of falling and causing harm, it's essential to perform a comprehensive assessment to identify and address potential dangers.

The working at height hierarchy refers to a prioritised approach to managing risks associated with working at height. It outlines steps to be followed to minimise the risk of falls and injuries.

The hierarchy typically includes the following steps:

1. Avoiding working at height whenever possible by considering alternative methods to complete the task safely from ground level.

2. Where working at height cannot be avoided, using appropriate equipment and measures to prevent falls, such as guardrails, scaffolding, or work platforms.

3. If preventing a fall is not reasonably practicable, utilising equipment and measures to mitigate the consequences of a fall, such as using fall arrest systems or safety nets.

4. Ensuring that any work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent individuals who are trained in working safely at height.

This hierarchy helps prioritise actions to effectively manage risks and promote safety when working at height.

A working at height rescue plan outlines procedures and protocols for rescuing workers in the event of a fall or other emergency while working at height. It specifies the steps to be taken, the equipment needed, and the personnel responsible for carrying out the rescue.

You need a working at height rescue plan whenever there's a possibility of workers being exposed to a fall hazard during their tasks. This includes situations where workers are operating on elevated surfaces, working near openings or edges, or using equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, or platforms.

Essentially, any work activity that involves a risk of falling and causing injury necessitates a rescue plan to ensure prompt and effective response in case of an emergency.

Whether you need a permit for working at height depends on the job and its risks. While UK laws like the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Work at Height Regulations require employers to assess and manage these risks, they don't specifically demand a permit for such work.

However, employers must still take steps to control risks, offer appropriate training and equipment, and ensure that working at height is safely organized and overseen.