HSE TOOL BOX TALK

Topic: Working at Heights TBT No: QF 19-02-8/45

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TBT Content(s) / Discussion(s)

Working at heights is one of the most hazardous activities in the construction industry. Noncompliance with
safe working practices can easily result in serious injury or death.

Height standard
A person is not allowed to work above 2.4 meters without an approved method of fall protection. Suitable
methods of fall protection in order of preference are:
1. Erecting a physical barrier
2. Providing personal fall protection devices
3. Measures to catch a person after falling
The preferred method is to stop a person from falling. Fall arrest systems and measures to catch people may
save the person’s life; however, the fall can easily result in serious injury to the person.

Physical Barriers
Physical barriers prevent a person from falling thus providing the most effective fall protection method.
The minimum standards for physical barriers are:
1. Top rail- between 900 mm and 1100 mm
2. Middle Rail- centre
3. Toe board- minimum of 150 mm above work surface

Ladders
Ladders are load rated on not less than 120kg. therefore, only one person should use a ladder at any point one
time.
Portable step ladders have the following requirements:
1. Not to be used on any work platform
2. Must be fully open
3. Feet not to be above the third highest thread

Fall Arrest Systems

The fall arrest system, unlike the fall prevention system, is designed to stop a person who has fallen. Critical
issues of the fall arrest systems are:
1. It is fitted with an energy absorber to reduce the impact
2. The lanyard should be as short as possible and must not exceed 2 meters in length to minimize
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3. Persons should not work alone when using a fall arrest system
4. Compatible components should always be used.

Care of Safety Harnesses

1. Check for damage prior to use
2. Only compatible hooks, latches, etc. should be used
3. Harness should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, heat, moisture and corrosives
4. Cleaning should be undertaken with warm water and mild soap or detergent

Protection from Falling Objects

The methods for protection from falling objects include:
1. Containment sheeting, etc.
2. Lanyards secured to tools
3. Personal protection equipment, i.e. hard hats, steel cap boots, etc.
4. Toe boards
5. Barricades and exclusion zones
6. Signs and other warning devices
7. Catch platforms

Identify the Hazards

Identify potential hazards for the intended task, examples could include:
1. Awkward access or design
2. Lack of guard rail
3. Strong winds
4. Wet/ slippery conditions
5. Work above 2.4 meters
6. People working below

Falling from heights is an ever-present risk in the construction industry. The identification of hazards and the
application of effective control measures will significantly reduce the risk and could easily save your life.

THERE IS JUST ONE WAY TO DO YOUR JOB AND THAT IS TO DO IT SAFELY

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Comments/Feedback

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QF 19-02-8 Rev. A