TALLER

INFORMATION

Safely Working at Heights

Safety
 SAFETY NEWSLETTER: WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Any activity that is performed 6 ft (1.8 m) above the Before beginning any assignment,
ground is considered Working at Heights. This be sure to watch the training video
includes such activities as installation, demolition, “A8 - Job Hazard Analysis” and fill
operation, repair, and cleaning. out the DC-85 “Job Hazard Analy-
Outline A-137 “Working at Heights”, par. 5. sis” form.

Before What should you use?

working at
heights,
remember:
Ladders Scaffolding

Never use...
Make sure it is of the right material for your task. Ensure it is of the approved material and type.
Boxes (e.g. electrical work = fiberglass). Use for tasks taking longer than 30 minutes.
Books Do not work for periods longer than 30 minutes. Use when the work assignment requires more
Barrels Ensure it is in good condition. than one volunteer.
Rolling Platforms
Cans
Buckets Type Type
Chairs
or any other
unstable object

Straight Stepladder Baker Supported

Scaffolds
Never say... Confirm that the wall or Stepladders should not Light Duty Jobs. Medium or
structure will safely exceed 10 ft (3 m) in Heavy Duty Jobs
For example:
I don't have time to set support the ladder. height.
Changing light For example:
up a ladder or a scaffold! Make sure there is Use when there is no
space for a 4:1 leaning wall to support a bulbs Plastering
It's not that high! Cleaning elevated Demolition
ratio. straight ladder.
It will just take a second! areas Bricklaying
If used to access
another level, make sure
the ladder is well
supported and extends
3 ft (1 m) above the
And always... Types of Material
point of support.
Check the safety label
and read the instructions.
If the label is missing or Steel
damaged, report it to Aluminium
your overseer. Types of Material
Make sure it supports
the combined weight
of the volunteer and Wood
any equipment that Fiberglass
will be used. Aluminium
Be aware of overhead
obstacles or any other
hazards in the area.
Confirm the ground
is level, firm and not Remember:
slippery. If working above 6 ft (1.8 m), measured from the ground to your feet,
Work with a partner. Fall Protection Equipment (E5) must be used.
STEPLADDER
Watch the training video E1 "Safe Use of Stepladders". YES NO
1 Feet

1 Inspection Slip-resistant pads

Perform the inspection from the bottom up. (in good condition)
2 Steps
Sturdy
If you determine that a Complete and undamaged
stepladder is not in good Slip-resistant
4
condition, inform your 3 Side rails
overseer. Not cracked
2 Not bent
3 5 Remember, metal or 4 Safety Devices
metal-reinforced wood Locking mechanisms
1 ladders MUST NOT be used Braces in place
when there is a possibility of 5 Ladder
contact with electricity. Clean (free of grease and oil)

2 Set Up

The area The ladder

should be: should be:
Clear of hazards Fully opened Do not stand above the second rung from
Level With safety locks the top of any ladder.
Solid ground and braces in place Never sit on the rungs.
No more than one person at a time (unless
A non-slippery Facing the work
the label permits it).
surface area
Never use a ladder on top of scaffolding, or
near a ledge, handrail, or stairs.
Do not use it as a straight ladder.
3 Proper Use Never use it to make a platform or scaffold.

When climbing, maintain 3 points of

contact (2 hands and 1 foot, or 2 feet
and 1 hand).
Always face the ladder when climbing.
When working, maintain 3 points of Never move the ladder while standing
body contact with the steps, such as 2 on it. When needed, climb down and
feet and 1 hand, or 2 feet and your body. move the stepladder closer to the work
Work between the side rails, activity.
not stretching beyond arm’s reach.
Carry tools in a belt or raise them in a
bucket.

STRAIGHT LADDERS
Watch the training video E8 "Extension Ladders”.

Inspection 1 Feet
YES NO
1 Perform the inspection from the bottom up. Feet pivot freely
2 Side Rails
Not cracked
5
Not bent
4 3 Safety Devices
If you determine that a Working properly
3 ladder is not in good 4 Steps
condition, inform your Sturdy
2 overseer. Complete and undamaged
Slip-resistant
5 Rope
1
Undamaged (in good condition)
2 Set Up 3 ft Side rails should extend 3 ft
(1 m)
(1 m) above the point of
support.
Carry ladders horizon- Check for overhead Slowly lift the
4
tally with the help of obstacles in your work opposite end hand Extension ladder sections
another person. area. Locate and stay a over hand on each must overlap by at least 3 ft
safe distance from rung until the top of 3 (1 m) for ladders up to 36 ft
When transporting
power lines! the ladder rests (12 m) long.
with a vehicle, be sure
to check local transit Lay the ladder on the against the structure. 12 ft
2 Maintain a leaning ratio of 4:1.
(4 m)
regulations. ground with the feet Move the feet of the e.g. On a 12 ft (4 m) wall, the feet
against the wall. ladder away from 3 ft of the ladder should be 3 ft (1 m)
1
the wall to achieve a (1 m)
away from the base of the wall.
1
4:1 ratio.

3 Proper Use
When climbing, maintain 3 points of contact Do not stand above the second rung from
(2 hands and 1 foot, or 2 feet and 1 hand). the top of any ladder.
Always face the ladder when climbing.
When working, maintain 3 points of body contact with the Never sit on the rungs.
steps, such as 2 feet and 1 hand, or 2 feet and your body. Never move the ladder while standing on
Work between the side rails, not stretching beyond arm’s it. When needed, climb down and move
reach. the ladder closer to the work activity.
No more than one person at a time (unless the label Secure the work area if in a high traffic area
permits it). by cordoning it off and placing signage.
Carry tools in a belt or raise them in a bucket.
A second person should hold the ladder steady until it is
secured.

SCAFFOLDING
Watch the safety video E3 "Using Scaffolding".

After the qualified volunteer has assembled, leveled, and Inspection YES NO
secured the scaffolding, consider the following:
Has it been approved by a
trained and qualified volunteer?
Casters
Are the wheels locked?
Check the tag UNSAFE
safe to use CAUTION
TO USE Decks
daily before
Clean (Free of oil and grease)
using.
Safe Caution Unsafe
to Use to Use Consult with the project overseer
before working with electricity.
Proper Use

If the scaffold has no side ladder, use a
portable ladder and secure it with a
safety chain.
Never climb on the cross braces.
When climbing, maintain 3 points of
contact (2 hands and 1 foot, or 2 feet and
1 hand).
Never work if there is someone under the
scaffold.
Use skirting boards, meshes and nets to
prevent objects from falling, and keep
tools securely tied off or in pouches or
buckets.
Watch out for overhead objects such as:
lights, pipes, sprinklers, electrical lines,
etc.
Secure the work area by cordoning it off
and placing signage.

Make sure the frame Only trained and By following the recommendations
and deck are clear of qualified persons and guidelines given by Jehovah's
people, tools, and should dismantle organization, we will be able to work
materials before scaffolding. at heights safely.
moving scaffolds.