WORKING AT

HEIGHTS

ENGR. JOBELLE B MALAYGAY

DOLE Accredited OSH Consultant
E: jbmalaygay@gmail.com
C: 0977 018 8767
 OBJECTIVE

At the end of this topic, participants will be able to:

• Know what is work at heights and hazards associated

with it.
• List systems of fall protection for protecting workers.
• Identify the hazards associated in the use of scaffoldings,
ladders and other temporary structures.
• Enumerate the safety requirements for the safe use of
scaffolding and ladders.
OVERVIEW
(INTRODUCTION)
OVERVIEW
(INTRODUCTION)
 OVERVIEW
(DEFINITION)

WHAT IS WORK AT HEIGHTS?

• Working at height means:

Working in any place where, if
precautions are not taken, a
person could fall and injure
themselves. This includes
places above, at or below
ground level.
 HAZARDS IN WORK AT HEIGHTS

• Falls hazards are present at most every workplace and

many workers are exposed to these hazards daily.
• Falls are the number one cause of fatalities in the
construction industry accounting for approximately 56% of
all fatalities.
• Any walking / working
surface can be a
potential fall hazard,
whether a worker can
fall from an elevation or
simply fall from the same
surface they are walking.
 HAZARDS IN WORK AT HEIGHTS

WHY EVEN GOOD WORKERS IGNORE FALL

PROTECTION?

• They’re in a hurry.
• They don’t think a situation is dangerous enough to
require it.
• They think they’re experienced enough to avoid injury.
 3 DANGEROUS ATTITUDES THAT LEAD
TO FATAL FALL

• “I Don’t Work Very High”

• “I Have Good Balance”
• “I’ll Catch Myself”

Any of these things could result in an otherwise ‘balanced’

worker plummeting to their death.
 FALL HAZARDS
(CATEGORIES)
Slips happen where
there is too little friction
or traction between the
footwear and the
walking surface.
Trips happen when Falls usually take
your foot collides place from one level
(strikes, hits) an to another.
object causing you to
lose the balance and, Falls are of two
eventually fall. types:
• Fall at same level
• Fall to lower level
FALL HAZARDS
(CAUSES)
 HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FALL?

DID YOU KNOW?

Many worker believe that they have time to regain their
balance before the fall, this is not always true.

The following table indicates how far you can fall in just a few
second.
Time (seconds) Distance (meters) Distance (feet)
0.5 1.2 4
1 5 16
1.5 11 36
2 20 64
2.5 31 100
3 44 144
4 78 256
 HIERARCHY OF FALL PROTECTION

1. Hazard Elimination - Avoid work at height where possible or

locate plant and equipment in safe locations where there is no
risk of a fall.
2. Fall Protection (guard) - is the backup system planned for a
worker who could loose his balance at height, in order to control
or eliminate injury potential.
3. Fall Restraint - It is a system preventing injuries by means of
preventing a person who works within 2 meter from the edge of a
height from inadvertently falling off the edge.
4. Fall Arrest - It is a system to prevent injuries by means of
arresting an inadvertent fall . (by preventing a person from hitting
the ground at a high speed.)
5. Administrative Controls – this is the last sort of defense as this
is only precautionary controls.
HIERARCHY OF FALL PROTECTION
 FALL PROTECTION

Fall protection is the backup system planned for a worker

who could loose his balance at height, in order to control or
eliminate injury potential.

1. Railing
2. Hole protections
3. Safety Net
4. Safety Harness and Lifeline
 FALL PROTECTION

Harnesses
must be
sized for the
4. Lifeline and Safety Harness worker.
Workers
Is a length synthetic fiber or steel wire must weigh
rope attached to an independent point more than
of anchorage. Is typically used in 130lbs. and
conjunction with a fall arrest device, less than
such as a rope grab. 300lbs.
• Vertical Lifeline
Retractable Lifeline
• Horizontal Lifeline
• Retractable Lifeline

Vertical Lifeline
 TYPES OF FALL PROTECTION
(FALL RESTRAINT)

• Fall restraint system prevents

people from reaching a fall
hazard through a tie off system.
• This system allow a person
access to conduct their duties
but prevent them from reaching
a point where a fall could occur.
• Restraint systems are generally
positioned more than 2meters
from the hazard. This is
because common practice is for
the worker to be connected to
the system by a fixed length
1.5meters lanyard.
 TYPES OF FALL PROTECTION
(FALL ARREST)

• A fall arrest system provides

maximum freedom of
movement for workers to
conduct their duties.
• In doing so it allows them to
reach the point where a fall
could occur, such as the edge
of a roof for gutter
maintenance.
• However, in the event of a
fall, the fall will be arrested
and so allow the person to
either effect a self-rescue or
be rescued.
 USE OF SAFETY HARNESS

A Safety Harness must only by used if there are no other

reasonable or practical options that would provide adequate fall
protection. Proper anchorage (hooking of Safety
Harness).
Chest strap
tightened at
mid chest “D” ring
between
shoulder
blades
Proper snugness
shoulder to hips

Leg straps snug Butt strap

but not binding supports
the load

Harnesses must be sized for the

worker. Workers must weigh more
than 130lbs. and less than 300lbs.
 PROPER ANCHORAGE / HOOKING OF
SAFETY HARNESS

Below is the proper way of anchoring/hooking the Safety Harness.

HAZARDS IN THE USAGE OF SAFETY HARNESS
(PRESSURE POINTS)

Spread load
across butt strap
and belt strap if
on the harness

Excess pressure here can

cut blood flow to the legs

*Some studies have indicated permanent damage to the lower

extremities when the worker hangs for more than twenty (20) minutes.
SCAFFOLDING
SAFETY
 OVERVIEW
(LAW INVOLVED)

• Occupational Safety and

Health Standards Rule 1414

• Department Order 128-13 –

Amending Rule 1414 on
Scaffolding of the 1989 OSH
Standards

SCAFFOLDING
A temporary or movable platform
supported on the ground or
suspended, used for access
and/or working at considerable
heights above ground.
 OVERVIEW
(LAW INVOLVED)

COMPETENT PERSON
1. All scaffolds competent person
must undergo the standard scaffold
training and assessment prescribed
by DOLE and TESDA.

2. At least 2 years experience in

scaffold erection.

3. Have the following certifications:

• COSH Training Certificate from DOLE
or its accredited Safety Training
Organizations.
• Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed
Scaffold Erection Certificate.
 OVERVIEW
(LAW INVOLVED)

SCAFFOLD ERECTOR

1. All scaffolds competent person

must undergo the standard
scaffold training and assessment
prescribed by DOLE and
TESDA.

2. Have the following certifications:

• One Day Workers Safety Orientation
from DOLE or its accredited Safety
Training Organizations.
• Must be a holder of TESDA
prescribed Scaffold Erection NC II.
 FUNCTIONS OF SCAFFOLDING

• As a working platform
so that the worker can stand on the platform do the work
easily & safely.

• As a platform for placing material & logistic needed by

the workers to carry out their job.

• As a platform and walking passage

scaffolding support the platform that been used by the
worker as their walking path to transport the material &
logistic.
 CLASSIFICATIONS OF SCAFFOLDING

1. Supported Scaffolds one or more platforms supported by

outrigger beams, posts, legs, frames, or similar rigid
support.

2. Suspended Scaffolds one or more platforms supported by

ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure.
 CLASSIFICATION OF SCAFFOLDING
(SUPPORTED)

Frame Scaffold Mobile Scaffold Tube and Coupler

the most common type Supported scaffold set on Built from tubing
of scaffold because wheels or casters. connected by coupling
they are versatile, Designed to be easily devices.
economical, and easy moved and are are frequently used
to use. commonly used for things where heavy loads need
like painting and to be carried, or where
plastering, where workers multiple platforms must
must frequently change reach several stories
position high.
 CLASSIFICATION OF SCAFFOLDING
(SUPPORTED)

Ladder Jack Pump Jack Pole

A ladder jack scaffold is Platform supported by Posts with fixed
a simple device vertical poles and connection points that
consisting of a platform movable support accept runners, bearers,
resting on brackets brackets. and diagonals, also
attached to a ladder. made of wood, that can
Primarily used on be interconnected at
lighter loads because predetermined levels
of their portability and
cost-effectiveness
 CLASSIFICATIONS OF SCAFFOLDING
(SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS)

1. 2-Point Suspended Scaffold

It is platform that is suspended by rope or other non-rigid
means, from an overhead structure.
 ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING

• STANDARD – vertical scaffold tube that bears the weight of

the Scaffold.
• LEDGER – a lengthwise horizontal scaffold tube that
extends from standard to standard that supports the
transoms and that forms a tie between the standards.
• TRANSOM – A horizontal transverse scaffold member that
may support platform units and which is supported by at
least two ledgers or connected directly to at least two
standards.
• TOE BOARD – a barrier minimum 150mm to prevent
slip/fall of material from platform.
• DIAGONAL BRACING
 ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING

• HANDRAIL – a barrier consisting of pipes erected to prevent

workers from falling off an elevated work area.
• Spacing of posts – not more than 8 ft
• Must be capable of withstanding a load of 200 pounds when applied
from any direction and at any point of the top rail
• The height of the top rail should be 42 inches from the top of rail to
platform level
• Mid-rail to be placed half way
• MUDSILL (SOLE PLATE) – wooded
plate that is used to distribute the
scaffolding load over a suitable
ground area. The size of mudsill is
determined by the load carried over
a particular ground area, and by the
nature of the soil supporting.
 ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING

COUPLER – a component or device used to fix scaffold tubes

together.
The only real Composed of 2 single Use solely for fixing
loadbearing fitting coupler riveted together putlogs/transoms to the
used in scaffolding. so that it is possible to horizontal ledgers.
Used to join ledgers rotate them & use them
to standards. for connecting 2 scaffold
tubes at any angle.

Fixed Clamp Swivel Clamp Putlog Coupler

 ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING

• PLANK – an individual timber board or fabricated

component that serves as a flooring member of a platform

• CASTER WHEEL – a wheeled device mounted

to scaffold that enables easy rolling movement.
• JOINT PIN
• A connection fitting used to joint scaffold
tubes end to end.
• A center bolt expands the 2 segments that
grip on the bore of the tubes.
 ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING

• BASE PLATE - Spreads cross-sectional area

of the standards of large area. It is used to
distribute the load from the foot of a standard
on to a sole plate or firm ground.
• Prevents sinking of standards.
• Prevents overturning of scaffold.
• Carries the weight of scaffold.

• LADDER – means of access.

ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING
(SUPPORTED SCAFFOLD)
ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING
(SUPPORTED SCAFFOLD: H-FRAME)
ELEMENTS / PARTS OF SCAFFOLDING
(SUPPORTED SCAFFOLD: A-FRAME)
 SELECTION OF SCAFFOLDING

Basic consideration in choosing what

scaffolding to use:
• Weight of workers, tools, materials and
equipment
• Site conditions
• Height of scaffold
• Type of work that will be done
• Duration of work
Scaffold can be made of the following material:
• Tubular steel
• Tubular aluminum alloy
• Timber
 HAZARDS OF USING SCAFFOLDING

Four (4) Major Hazards involved in using scaffolding are:

• Fall of person from height.
• Fall of materials and objects from height.
• Collapse of scaffold.
• Electrocution - Working near energized or exposed
electrical lines, using electrical power tools and welding
equipment.
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ON
SCAFFOLDING

• Scaffolds more than 6m in height or a working load of 150

kg/m2 shall be designed and inspected by a Structural
Engineer and approved by appropriate authority. This shall
also be erected, installed and dismantled by TESDA certified
erectors.
• Supported scaffolds and their components should be capable
of supporting, without failure, at least four (4) times the
maximum intended load, while suspended scaffolds shall
have six(6) times factor of safety.
• Scaffold shall be erected, added, altered or dismantled only
under the supervision of the competent/qualified person in
the construction.
• Do not mix components from different scaffolding systems. A
hybrid scaffold may not be able to bear the desired weight.
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ON
SCAFFOLDING

• Mobile scaffold shall not be moved when any worker is on

the scaffold and all tools and materials are secured.

• Capacity of the casters should be designed to support

four(4) times the maximum intended load
• To prevent movement of the scaffold, casters/wheels shall
be locked.
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ON
SCAFFOLDING
• Overlap platforms not be less than 12” (30cm) only
over supports unless restrained to prevent movement.

 
• Never use scaffolds that do not have proper guardrails
installed.


 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
SCAFFOLD
• Must bear on adequate foundations. Plumbed and braced.

 
• Unstable objects will not be used as working platforms.


 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
SCAFFOLD
• Don’t use scaffolding unapproved for operation yet
(no green tag).

• Don’t hook full body harness on unstable anchorage point.

 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
SCAFFOLD
• For Suspended scaffolds, only items specifically designed as
counterweights shall be used to counterweight scaffold
system.
• Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the suspended
ropes. This shall also be secured to a structurally sound
anchorage on the building or structure.
• Outrigger beams shall be placed perpendicular to its bearing
support (usually the face of the building or structure).
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
SCAFFOLD

• Parts of the Suspended scaffolds (climbers, winches or

hoisting device) shall be opened for inspection and servicing
at least once in every 6months.
• When a Suspended scaffold has been re-positioned or shifted
from one location to another within the same workplace, the
scaffold and its attachments shall be installed in accordance
with the design and drawings certified by Structural Engineer.
• No scaffold activity shall be undertaken if the wind exceed
48kph. For erected scaffold, additional precaution shall be
considered during typhoon.
• No other work shall be allowed to commence below the
scaffold during erection phase.
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
SCAFFOLD
• Never overload scaffolds. Tools, materials, and debris are
not allowed to gather in quantities to cause a hazard.


• Never climb on the


• Handrail
• Mid-rail
• Cross-braces
• Braces of the scaffold system
 INSPECTION/CHECKING OF
SCAFFOLDING

1. Scaffolds must be inspected:

• Before you are allowed to use them.
• Before each shift.
• After any occurrence that may affect the stability or safe
use of the scaffolding (adverse weather condition).
• Whenever alterations / additions are made to the
scaffold.

2. Do a visual inspection for obvious issues:

• Damage
• Deterioration
• Missing parts
 INSPECTION/CHECKING OF
SCAFFOLDING

Scaffold Tagging System

• Scaffold tags are used to safely control how and when
scaffolds are used.
• Scaffold tag indicates type of scaffold and precautions
to follow while on scaffold.
• Green: All components present; Safe For Use
• Red: Incomplete/Unsafe; Do not use
THAT WOULD BE ALL. THANK YOU!