12 Working at Height 12

Working At Height
Document No : Page No : 01 of 29
Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

Modification Revamp & Upgrade Prepared by Reviewed by Authorized by
(MRU)
Amendment Sheet :
Rev No Date Description of Change
Contents :
1.0 Purpose……………..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
2.0 Scope and Field Application……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….2
2.1 Scope……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
2.2 Definations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
3.0 Management Responsibility..…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...5
4.0 Designing / Planing of Work at Height…………………………………………………………………………………………..6
5.0 General Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
6.0 Working at Height………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….7
6.1. Protactive Equipment and System………………………………………………………………..……………………..7
6.2 Straight Ledder , Extension Ledder……………………………..……………………………………………………10
6.3 Scaffolding….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...15
6.4 Crane suspended personnel platform………..……………………………………………………………………..23
6.5 Main Lift and Scissor Lift….…………………………………………………………………………………………..……27
5.6 Additional Requirements……………………………………..……………………………………………………………28
7.0 Inspection Requirements…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28
8.0 Training and Communications…………………………………………………………………………………………………….28
9.0 Emeregency Response………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..29
10.0 Records……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….29
1.0 Purpose
L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 1 of 29

Working At Height

(MRU)
The purpose of this procedure is to provide principles & methodology for protection of employees
from the hazards of working at heights.
This procedure provide guidance on
• Working at Height
• Temporary Access Equipment (Scaffolding, Ladders, Powered Access etc.)
• Roped Access
• Personal Fall Protection Equipment
2.0 Scope and field of application
2.1 Scope
This principles describes the principles used to protect employees from the hazards of working at
heights.
Working at height procedure shall be applicable whenever there is an elevation difference of 1.8 M
or more, and where there is a fall potential due to absence of any physical protection such as a
permanent platform with complete guardrails. Work at height standard will also be applicable at
less than 1.8 M elevation difference where the fall hazard exists.
2.2 Definitions
Working at height
Elevated working positions above 1.8 M where the hazard of a fall exists and where there is no
physical protection such as a permanent platform with complete guardrails.
Working at heights will also be applicable at less than 1.8 M elevation difference where the fall
hazards are possible.
The typical examples of working at height are: Working from all types of ladders, scaffolds,
mechanical lifts, inside confined spaces (silos), sloped roofs, areas where there are no overhead tie-
off points, working near excavations etc.
Anchor Point
A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or retractable lifelines.
Area supervisor (Section Engineer/Area-in-charge)
A person who is authorized to verify that all conditions for working at heights have been met, to
define ongoing precautions to maintain safe working conditions during the work, to authorize the
work to occur, and to cancel the Work permit allowing the work.
Continuous Tie-Off

Working At Height

(MRU)
The requirement that a person be tied off at all times when working in an elevated areas where the
potential for falls exists.
Double Lanyard
A system utilizing two lanyards connected in a "Y" configuration, which allows one lanyard to be
attached to an anchor point while the second lanyard is being moved to a new anchor point, thus
providing protection from falls at all times.
Double Action Locking Snap Hook

A device for securing lanyards that requires two separate locking pins be depressed before the snap
will open.
Full Body Harness

Device to protect body of a person in case of fall by distributing the fall-arrest forces over the body
(chest, waist and thighs). Refer IS 3521, 1999.
Lanyard
A flexible line to secure the wearer of a safety harness to a lifeline or fixed tie-off point.
Retractable Lifeline (Fall Arrestor)

A retracting lifeline which allows free travel without slack rope but locks instantly when a fall begins.
These devices must limit the force of deceleration not more than 365kg and are only recommended
for vertical descent.
Rope Grab
These are automatic lifeline devices which act by inertia to grab the vertical lifeline should a fall
occur. Rope Grab shall be 19mm for synthetic rope or 12mm for wire cable.
Bay length
The distance between the centers of two adjacent standards, measured horizontally.
Lift
The assembly of ledgers and transoms forming each horizontal level of a scaffold.
Brace
A tube placed diagonally with respect to the vertical or horizontal members of a scaffold and fixed
to them to afford stability.
Longitudinal brace

Working At Height

(MRU)
A brace generally in the plane of the longer dimension of the scaffold, particularly in birdcages .
Guardrail
A member incorporated in a structure to prevent the fall of a person from a platform or access way
Sole plate
A timber, concrete or metal spreader used to distribute the load from a standard or base plate to
the ground.
Gin wheel or block

A single pulley for fibre ropes attached to a scaffold for raising or lowering materials.
Safety Net
A device used as a fall-protection device for people working at height. Safety nets alone shall not be
the means of fall protection and shall be used only as a secondary fall-protection. Safety nets are
also used to protect people working below from falling personnel and materials.
Safety net mesh openings must have a maximum size of 10 cm x 10 cm and be secured at each
crossing to prevent elongation of the opening. All nets must meet IS: 11057- 1984 standard.
Shock Absorber
A device used in combination with lanyards that is designed to reduce the force when fall is broken.
Scissor Lifts
A Scissor lifts is equipment used for lifting persons and have access to elevated positions to work at
height. It is essentially used to carry persons with small loads of tools and tackles only. It is not to be
used as working platform and cannot carry load of raw steel material.
Man Lifts
A Man Lift is equipment used for lifting persons and has access to elevated positions to work at
height. Its functions are same as that of Scissor Lifts but with an advantage of articulation of boom
holding the man basket which makes the man to reach conveniently to various intricate heights and
location.
Competent Person
A person who is appointed having a combination of training, education experience, acquired
knowledge and skills enabling him with the capability to perform specified tasks to a pre-
determined quality, which may be assessed against defined criteria.
3.0 Management Responsibilities

Working At Height

(MRU)
Project Manager/Yard head/LT HEIC - MRU Representatives

Project Manager shall
• Implement this procedure at site.
• Provide required resources to ensure safe equipment/facilities for implementation of the
procedure.
HSE Manager
HSE Manager shall
• Provide advice on this procedure, and oversight inspections to verify compliance.
• Verify that this procedure is implemented by all personnel;
• Ensure training of employees in work at height, usage of fall prevention equipment, erection
& dismantling of scaffoldings
HSE Engineer
HSE Engineer shall
• Monitor the compliance and enforce the requirements of the procedure.
• Conduct work at height inspections and monitor the medical fitness of the work at height
employee with the aid of medical team.
• Undertake periodic inspections of implementation of work height by using the work at height
checklist
Scaffolding Supervisor
Scaffolding Supervisor shall
• Ensure that the quality of scaffolding materials, supply of fall prevention equipment.
• All the requirements for storage and preservation of scaffolding materials
• Trained on safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding.
• Shall ensure only competent personnel are engaged for scaffolding work.
• Shall communicate the hazards and control measure of work at height to the working crew.
• Undertake periodic inspections of implementation of work height by using the work at height
checklist
Scaffolding Inspector
Scaffolding Inspector shall
• Inspect scaffolding are safe for working and provide tags as per the tagging procedure.
Employee
• Complying with the requirements of this procedure.

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Report any equipment defect immediately.
4.0 Designing / planning of work at height

The following hierarchy of controls is central to this work at height specification and must be
applied in all cases when planning work at height and selecting the most suitable access equipment
and control measures:
Avoid
• Avoid work at height where possible.
• Design out the need for temporary access.
• Use existing access and places of work - use a safer alternative (e.g. avoiding the need for
people to be exposed to the risk of falling while erecting, altering and dismantling
scaffolding).
Assess the suitability of existing places of work, permanent accesses/stairways before
resorting to temporary access and the risks involved.
• Innovative design and planning - Pre-erect protection on the ground avoiding elements of
work at height e.g. pre-fix guardrail edge protection to structural steelwork before lifting in to
place by crane where ever possible

• Avoid handling materials and equipment at height, where possible.
Prevent
• Choose the most suitable equipment to prevent falls from height of people.
• Prevent objects falling from height.
• Use collective fall prevention measures (e.g. guardrails and toeboards) before resorting to
personal measures (e.g. a fall restraint lanyard and harness, work positioning or rope access
equipment).
• Select and use the correct equipment (specification, design, testing, maintain and inspection
of equipment).
• Inspect service and maintain equipment.
• Testing where necessary (e.g. foundations, anchor ties etc.).
Protect
• Segregate work areas with physical barriers or similar.
• Physical protection measures (e.g. sheeting, safety nets, pavement gantries) to protect against
falling objects.
Mitigate the risk
• Reduce the fall distance or potential severity (e.g. use shorter ladders or stairways before long
ladders).

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Use collective protection measures (e.g. safety netting) over personal (e.g. fall arrest harness
and lanyard).
• Warning signs and sentries.
• Planning for emergencies and rescue.
• Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision.
Personal Protective Equipment
• The last resort (e.g. fall arrest safety harness and lanyard or head protection for falling
objects).
As a general principle of this specification, no person shall be exposed to a risk of a fall or the risk of
being struck by falling objects without suitable precautions being taken in accordance with this
hierarchy of controls (above). This includes falls below ground e.g. a trench, basement or open
vessel.
5.0 General requirements
• Identification of hazards and assessment

• Reduce the risks to an acceptable level (through use of well designed and engineered fixed
platforms, ladders etc. or alternatively, through use of a well-designed scaffold, as necessary)
• Use other required personal protective equipment (PPE) like a full body safety harness.
• Working from ladders shall be discouraged. Rope ladders shall not be used for working at
height.
• Make shift arrangements viz., drums, barrels; chairs, etc. shall not be used as work platform
to work at height.
• Homemade or improvised work at height equipment or access equipment is strict Working
from ladders shall be discouraged. Rope ladders shall not be used for working at height.
6.0 Working at Height
6.1 Protective Equipment and Systems
6.1.1 Guardrail System / Working platform:
• Guardrail systems (consisting of top rails, mid-rails and support uprights) shall be
installed on all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms and stair/ladder landings where
personnel could fall 1.8 m or more.
• Working platforms from which a person may fall more than 1.80 m should have a
guardrail and end guardrails fixed inside the standards at a height of between 910 mm
and 1 150 mm above the level of the decking. If the guardrails are set higher than 915

Working At Height

(MRU)
mm, a second lower guardrail or higher toe board should be provided to limit the gap to
765 mm
• The mid-rail shall be provided halfway between the platform and the top rail on the
inside of the posts. Toe guard shall be of minimum 150mm height
• There shall be no gap (or a minimal gap no greater than 25mm) between the toeboard
and the surface of the platform
• Ladders should preferably project at least 1 m above the top landing place with the
landing rung level with or slightly above the level of the landing platform.
• The vertical distance between two successive landing places should not exceed 9.0 m.
• The maximum horizontal travel distance on a scaffold platform to the nearest exit (e.g.,
ladder) shall not exceed 15 m (50 ft.)
• Screens or panelling from the toe board to the mid or top rail will be required when
equipment or material is piled higher than the toe board and is capable of being ejected
from the working surface to the level below.
• Only authorized Scaffoldar shall be allowed to modify the scaffolds. Every floor opening
including opening for temporary maintenance/construction work, into which any person
can fall must be guarded by a standard guardrail system or by a metallic grating duly
fixed in position.
• Where gates or openings are required in the guardrail system to facilitate material
movement,personal fall arrest or restraint systems must be used.
• Climbing of scaffold braces, runners, etc., is not permitted, except as required by scaffold
craftsmen during scaffold erection, alteration and dismantling.
• Portable ladders shall not be used on top of scaffold platforms.
• Working Platform shall be fully decked with scaffold boards.
• Scaffold boards shall be secured to prevent displacement.
• Working Platform shall be erected on stable scaffold.
• Every Working Platform shall be provided with a ladder or any other safe means of
access.
• Barriers shall be provided on open edges, holes and openings in the platform
• A Working Platform shall be designed to support the weight of the personnel and
equipment to be used.
• The minimum width of Working Platform shall be as follows,

Working At Height

(MRU)
Sl No Purpose Minimum
widths
1 For access, inspection, gangways and 430 mm
runs
2 Only Workmen 600 mm
3 Men, tools, material and wheel barrows 800mm
4 For use in dressing or 13000mm
roughly shaping stone*
5 For use in dressing or 1500mm
roughly shaping stone*
*
These scaffolds should be specially
designed.
6.1.2 Safety nets
Safety nets alone shall not be used as a fall protection system. This procedure outline
the requirements of industrial safety nets made from man-made fibres and designed to catch
personnel and/or debris falling from height.
• All safety net systems shall meet the requirements of Indian Standard (IS: 11057- 1984)
or other applicable mandatory standards.
• Safety net mesh openings shall have a maximum size of 10 cm x 10 cm and be secured at
each crossing to prevent elongation of the opening.
• A continuous length of net having no joints, shall be used to cover the span between
supports.
• When in use, the safety net shall have sag at the center not less than 1/5th and preferably
not more than 1/4th of the length of the shorter side. (IS: 11057- 1984 )
• Safety nets shall be installed as close as possible to the working level but in no case more
than 6 M below the working level.
• Safety nets shall be installed along the length of the building to cover each roofing bay.
• Material, equipment and other items that fall into the net are to be promptly removed.
• Safety nets are to be inspected before use and then daily for wear or damage caused by
falling materials.
• Before starting roof work, the perimeter nets shall also be in position.
• Safety nets shall be tied as close as practicable to the underside of the work area, with
sufficient clearance to prevent contact with the surface below if someone falls into them.
• Anchorage for safety nets with be capable of withstanding 6kN of force, & safety netting
must be tied to a suitable structure - never fix nets to scaffolding unless it has been
designed for the purpose.
• The framework should slope downwards towards the building and be maintained at a
suitable angle of 10° to 30° to the horizontal by tension wires above

Working At Height

(MRU)
• When erected, perimeter nets should project horizontally at least (2 + H/5) metre beyond
the outermost working point above the net, where H = the vertical distance in meters
between the net and the outermost working point above. In a normal roofing work
situation this would mean an outward extension of approximately 2.5 meters.
• Safety net installation shall be inspected by the concerned work supervisor (Section
Engineer/Area-in-charge).
Inspection and care of nets

• All the safety nets shall be preserved as per the manufactures instructions.
• Manufactures certificate shall be made available at site.
• Safety nets shall be provided immediately after installation or relocation
• Nets shall daily be inspected for cuts and damage from abrasions, chemicals or heat.
• Nets shall be stored in dry, shaded areas with good air circulation.
• Accumulation of combustible materials in suspended nets shall be prevented.
• While welding or oxy cutting is being performed, nets shall be examined to ensure that
the welding slag has not caused any damage.
6.2 Straight Ladders, Extension Ladders
6.2.1 General
• The design of ladder shall confirm to IS 3696 (Part 2):1991 or other applicable
standards(International Projects)
• Make shift ladders shall not be permitted.
• Metal ladder shall be either of steel complying with IS-1977:1975, or of aluminium alloy
complying with the suitable grade of IS 617:1975.
• All ladders shall be designed to carry their intended load safely.

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Side rails (Stiles) of metal ladders shall be of sufficient cross-section to prevent excessive
deflection in use.
• Slip-resistant shoes, lashing or other effective means shall be used to avoid danger of
slipping.
6.2.2 Stock Ladders

• Overall length of stock ladders shall not exceed 10 m.
• The width between side rails at the base shall in no case be less than 290 mm for ladders
up to 3 m in length.
• In the case of metal ladders, metal rungs shall be made of solid round steel rods or steel
pipe and securely fastened to the side rails by riveting, bolting or welding.
1m
6.2.3 Step Ladders

• The overall height of step ladders shall not exceed 6m.
• Ladders shall be provided with an automatic locking device or
spreader to hold it in an open position.
• The minimum width between side rails at top step, inside to inside,
shall be not less than 300 mm with a spread of 25 mm for each
300 mm of length of spread ladder.
6.2.4 Extension Ladders

Working At Height

(MRU)
• The overall length of the extension ladder shall not exceed 18m.
• The sliding section shall not exceed two in number.
• Locks and guides shall be of such design and construction as to make the extension ladder
equal in strength to a ladder of equal length constructed of continuous side rails.
• When using an extension the overlap of any two sections should be as follows:- Closed
length of less than
o 5m - 11/2 rungs
o 5m - 6m - 21/2 rungs
o over 6m - 31/2 rungs
6.2.5 Trestle Ladders

• Trestle ladders shall not exceed 6 m in length.
• The sections shall be so hinged at the top that when the ladder is spread,
they form equal angles with the base.
• The rungs shall not be less than 30 mm in diameter shall be spaced not
more than 450 mm apart centre to centre.
• The minimum distance between side-rails of trestle ladders shall be not
less than 300 mm.
• A locking device or spreader shall be provided to hold the front and back
sections securely in an open position.
6.2.6 Built up Ladders (Fixed Ladder)

Working At Height

(MRU)
• All surfaces of the ladder shall be planed, free of splinters and edge of hand rails used shall
be bevelled.
• Rung spacing shall be uniform and not over 300 mm on centers. Rungs shall be recessed
at least 12 mm into rails/stiles.
• When height exceeds 9m, landing platform to be provided
• Other dimensions of the fixed ladder shall conform to the details shown in the above
sketch.
• Top and bottom of built-up ladder shall be securely fastened to the structure
6.2.7 Inspection of Ladders

• Metal ladders shall be inspected at least once in three months and all parts checked for
wear,corrosion and structural failure.
• All ladders shall be carefully inspected, if incidentally dropped or otherwise damaged in
use.
6.2.8 Usage of Ladders

• Ladders leading to landings, walkways or Working Platform shall extend at least 1 mtrs
above the landing and shall be secured at the upper end as shown in the below sketch.
• Ladders shall always be kept at 750 to the base.
• Ladders shall be place in firm soil with base protection.
• Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards
• Ladder shall be placed on a firm, level ground. It shall be provided with slip-resistant feet
or someone shall hold the ladder so that it does not slip.
• If the use of ladder is essential during strong winds, it shall be securely secured in position.
• No ladder shall be placed against window panes, sashes or such other unsafe or yielding
objects, nor placed in front of doors opening towards it.
• When ascending or descending, the user shall face the ladder, use both his hands and
place his feet near the ends of the rungs rather than near the middle.
• The user shall always maintain three-point-contact as shown in the below sketch.
• No ladder having a missing, defective rung or one which depends for its support solely on
nails, shall be used. Defective ladders shall be promptly and properly repaired or
replaced.
• Hand tool and objects shall not be carried in hands while climbing up or down. Waist-bag
shall be used for this purpose.
• Ladders made of metal / conductive materials shall not be used in the vicinity of overhead
electrical lines.

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Ladders shall not be used as guys, braces or skids or for any other purpose for which they
are not intended. They shall not be used in horizontal position as runways or crossover.
• Ladders shall not be spliced to increase the height.
• Use of items such as a chair, barrel or box as a makeshift ladder shall not be permitted.
6.2.9 Self-retractable Lifelines

• Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards that automatically limit free fall distance to 610 mm
or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of ~1360kg applied to the
device with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully extended position.
6.2.10 Fall Arrest systems

• Fall arrestor system is full body harness with double lanyard of 1.8 M length each, out of
which, one has to go to the fixed anchorage and another one for movement. So at any
given point of time, one of the lanyards is always tied-off providing tie-off 100% of the
time. Shock absorbers are preferred to reduce the body injury by absorbing the
shock/impact arising in case of sudden fall. Anchoring of the safety harness shall be done
above.

Working At Height

(MRU)
• The minimum width and thickness of webbing for waist straps shall be 40 mm and 3 mm
respectively. The waist belts shoulder straps, hoisting straps, sole straps and all types of
belts and harnesses shall not break under a minimum tensile load of 19.6 kN (2,000 kg).
• The length of lanyard shall not be more than 3 m in length subject to the condition that
free fall shall not be more than 1.8m.
• Anchorage points shall be high enough (preferably above shoulder height) to prevent
personnel from free falling more than 1.8 m (6 ft) or striking any lower level during a fall.
• Harness shall be tested and certified internally or externally.
6.3 Scaffolding
6.3.1 Design Scaffolding (BS 5973:1993 Standard)
Table 1
• Scaffolding shall be classified into five types namely Inspection and very light Duty, Light
duty ,General purpose, Heavy Duty, masonry special duty as explained in the above
table.
• Steel tubing used shall be of yield stress not less than 235 N/mm2, an outside diameter of
48.3 ± 0.5 mm and a wall thickness of 4 mm.

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Unprotected steel tube should generally not be used in water and particularly not in
marine structures. If used in such conditions, tubes should be thoroughly cleaned
afterwards, carefully inspected, e.g. for signs of excessive corrosion
• Working platforms should be a minimum of 600mm wide and clear access in height of
1900mm, wherever possible. Platforms for access only may be a minimum width of
500mm
• Scaffolding shall be designed by a qualified and competent Engineer.
• All posts shall be accurately spaced, erected on suitable bases (Foot Plate / Sole
Plate/base plate) and maintained plumb.
• The base plate shall have a level surface of at least 15 X 15 X 6cm or equivalent area,
concentric with the axis of the shank to which it shall be securely attached
• Longitudinal bracing is required at intervals not exceeding 30 m.
• Independent tied access scaffolding should contain ledger bracing which should generally
be on alternate pairs of standards and when the bay length is 1.5 m or less, the ledger
bracing may be fixed to every third pair of standards.
• When a working lift is required at 1.35 m height, as in a putlog scaffold, or at 2 m height,
as in an independent tied scaffold, and no firm part of the building has been constructed
to attach a tie, a scaffold should be temporarily stabilized by raking tubes or other means.
• Scaffoldar must ensure that stability measures (e.g. ties, ground rakers, buttressing, guys
and anchors, kentledge etc.) are installed and removed progressively during erection,
altering and dismantling.
• All tube & couplers scaffoldings shall be constructed and erected to support 4 times the
maximum intended loads.
• All scaffoldings having height to base ratio more than 4 shall be secured firmly with
permanent structure in X and Y direction at least every 6 meters.
• Tube and couplers scaffolds over 30 meter in height must be Designed by a competent
professional engineer (who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience have
successfully demonstrated his ability to carry out scaffold design and load calculations)
Constructed and loaded in accordance with that design.
• Standards should be joined having overlap of min 600 mm using three equally spaced
swivel clamps or end to end using sleeve/pin type couplers
Base Plate
• Longitudinal bracing should be achieved by tubes set at between 35° and 55° to the
horizontal, reaching from bottom to top of the façade. The longitudinal bracing should be
fixed as near to the standards as possible
• The joints in continuous diagonal bracing should be made by overlapping the two lengths
of the tube by a distance of at least 300 mm and joining them together with two parallel
couplers

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Specific guidance is given, but no towers should be built with a least base dimension less
than 1.2 m.
• The factor of safety for scaffold structures, (the ratio of the overturning moment to the
righting moment) should be not less than 1.5.
6.3.2 Mobile Scaffolding
• Mobile towers should only be used on even ground, never on a slope which is sufficient
to allow them to run away
• The height to the least base dimension ratio should not be greater than 3.( Free standing
outside the building)
• Wheels or casters shall be properly designed for strength and dimensions to support four
times the maximum intended load. All wheels shall be provided with a positive locking
device to hold the scaffold in position.
• Scaffolds shall be braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces or both, for securing vertical
members together laterally, and the cross braces shall be of such length as will
automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold always
plumb, square, and rigid. All brace connections shall be made square.
• Platforms shall be tightly decked for the full width of the scaffold and scaffold boards
shall be secured against displacement. Platforms shall be provided with guard rail.
• The force necessary to move the mobile scaffold shall be applied near or as close to the
base as practicable and provision shall be made to stabilize the tower during movement
from one location to another. Scaffolds shall only be moved on level floors free from
obstructions and openings.
• The wheels or casters shall be provided with rubber or similar resilient tires
• Workmen shall not be allowed to ride on mobile scaffold.
• All materials shall be removed before mobile scaffold is moved.
• The mobile scaffold in use shall rest upon a suitable footing and shall stand plumb. The
Casters or wheels shall be locked to prevent any movement.
• Castors should be of the swivel type and fixed to the uprights of the tower so that they
cannot fall off if the leg is out of contact with the ground. The wheels should be fitted
with brakes,which should be on during use. Only castors with the appropriate safe
working load should be used.

Working At Height

(MRU)
6.3.3 Erection of Scaffolding

• Scaffold erection shall be carried out only by skilled trained workmen with the
supervision of a competent Supervisor.
• British Standard shall be referred for scaffolding materials.
• Scaffolding erection area shall be cordoned.
• Lifting of frame and other parts of Scaffolding shall be carried out using Derrick & Pulley
arrangement shown in the sketch below.
• Gin wheels and ropes are classed as lifting equipment and must be inspected and
maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
• Ladder shall be used for climbing up and down.
• Red Tag shall be provided to caution that the scaffold is under erection (Please refer to
the section “Scaffold Tagging Procedure” of this chapter for detailed information).
• Don’t leave the materials, if a scaffold is going to be left half-erected, it is essential to
lower all the loose scaffold materials down and ensure that the scaffold is braced
adequately to the building/structure.
• Double Lanyard Safety Harness shall be used by all workmen engaged in scaffold erection
works.
6.3.4 Dismantling of Scaffolding

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Scaffold dismantling area shall be cordoned and only skilled workmen shall be used for
this work.
• The scaffold being dismantled shall be provided with Red Tag to indicate it is unsafe to
work on it.
• Dismantled materials shall be lowered using Derrick and Pulley arrangement as explained
under the heading “Erection of Scaffolding”.
• Each tier shall be completely dismantled and the material lowered to the ground before
beginning to dismantle the next tier.
• Dropping materials shall be avoided to prevent damage to materials and injury to the
workmen below.
• Double lanyard safety harness shall be anchored to a strong structure or lifeline before
attempting to loosen stuck or jammed parts is essential.
• At the end of the day, if a scaffold is going to be left half-dismantled, it is essential to
lower all the loose scaffold materials down and ensure that the scaffold is braced
adequately to the building/structure.
• All the dismantled materials shall be stacked in the appropriate manner at the designated
place.
• The following precautions should be observed during dismantling
o DO NOT remove all the ties.
o DO NOT remove all the bracing first.
o DO NOT remove all the intermediate and board end transoms.
o DO NOT remove all intermediate guardrails
• Materials should be lowered to the ground and not stored on the scaffold.
• Components should not be thrown on the ground; they should be lowered hand to hand
in an orderly fashion or brought down by crane, gin wheel or other suitable means.
6.3.5 Scaffold inspection and tagging procedure
Erection / Dismantling of Scaffold

• Erection of any scaffold shall be done only by the nominated scaffolding gang under the
supervision and guidance of competent person (Scaffolding Supervisor).
• "Red colored Tag" is fixed on the scaffold when it is under erection / dismantling by the
Scaffolding supervisor.
• Once the erection is completed, Site engineer /Scaffolding supervisor shall get the
scaffold inspected by the scaffolding inspector. After inspection, if the scaffold is found to
be safe for use, the Scaffolding inspector shall fix the Green colored Tag replacing the red
tags.
• The scaffolding Inspector will fix the Green colored Tag after signing and writing the date.

Working At Height

(MRU)
Inspection of Scaffolding
• All the scaffolding being used at site shall be re-inspected by the scaffolding inspector
once in a week. Green Tags of the Scaffolding which are found safe shall be renewed with
date of inspection and signature of the Scaffolding Inspector.
• If any scaffold is found unsafe for use, Scaffolding Inspector shall place a red scaffold tag
and stop the usage of scaffold until rectification.
Extension and Alterations of Scaffolding

• Any extension, alteration or shifting of scaffold (except in the case of mobile scaffold)
shall be done only by the scaffolding gang under the supervision and guidance of the
Scaffolding Supervisor.
• When such work is being carried out in scaffold, a Red Scaffold Tag shall be placed on the
scaffold indicating the restriction in use of scaffold only by the scaffold gang.
• After carrying the works, the form work engineer shall inspect the scaffold and certify it
safe for use by placing the green tag if found safe. Else the red tag shall remain until
rectification is done.
Red Scaffold Tag

• This tag indicates that the scaffold is under erection or dismantling or has not been
inspected or is not safe for use (by anyone other than scaffold gang).
Specimen "SCAFFOLD RED TAG"
Green Scaffold Tag

• This tag indicates that the scaffold is complete & it has been inspected by competent
person and is safe for use. GREEN scaffold tag is valid for one week from the date of last
inspection by the scaffolding inspector. Sample tag is attached for reference
Specimen "SCAFFOLD GREEN TAG"

Working At Height

(MRU)
Holes & Openings in working platform

• Hard barriers or covers shall be provided when an opening is created.
• Only authorized personnel (in scaffolding platforms only Scaffoldar with permission from
scaffolding inspector & in fixed platform with the consent of concerned engineer) shall be
permitted to remove the barricading or hole covers.
Hole covers
Covers for holes shall meet the following requirements:
• Covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of
employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.
• All covers shall be secured when installed to prevent accidental displacement by the wind,
equipment, or employees.
• Cover thickness shall not be less than 19 mm plywood
• Shall be secured like nailed, bolted, or wired down
• All covers shall be marked with the words "HOLE COVER - DO NOT REMOVE" to Provide
adequate warning of the hazard.
Specific Requirements
Structure erection/ working on structures
• Fall protection is required whenever working in an elevated work area 1.8M higher above
the floor, where handrails do not exist.
• Welding, Gas cutting and Grinding shall not be performed on the Scaffolding materials

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Double lanyards should be used to provide continuous tie-off while moving along pipe
racks, cable trays, etc.
• Lanyard length should be kept as short as practical to limit the potential fall distance. This
is accomplished by utilizing a tie-off point overhead and not below the waistline
• When working on roofs, fall protection equipment shall be used when working less
than1.8M from roof edges, unless roof edges are protected by a Protective Barricade.
Additionally, any work on a sloped roof requires fall protection.
Pipe racks and cable trays, tank roofs, lighting towers ,Pipe racks and cable trays
• While working in pipe racks, etc; safety harness must be worn and should follow
continuous tie off.
• "Walking over pipes" is not permitted. For movement over pipes cross over bridges shall
be provided.
• No one shall climb on cable trays and shall use anchor points/lifeline independent of the
cable tray.
• Cable tray shall not be used for taking anchor support for safety harness.
Work over Roofs
Prevention of falls
• The recommended methods to prevent falls include individual fall arrest systems,
scaffolding, safety nets or a combination of these methods.
• To reduce the risk of falls, wherever practicable roofs or sections of roofs may be
prefabricated on the ground, with the completed roof or sections being placed into
position by appropriate lifting procedures.
• No materials shall be stored over the roof.
Individual fall arrest systems (Safety Belts and Lifelines)
• Fall arrest systems shall be designed so that a person equipped with a safety belt does
not fall more than 1.8 meters
• Lifeline and rope-grab fall arrestor shall be used is used on steeply sloping roofs as shown
in the sketch.
• There must be a minimum of slack in the lanyard between the person and the anchorage
point.
• Workmen using safety belts should not work alone because a worker suspended in a full
body harness should be rescued as soon as possible and within 20 minutes of the
arrested fall.
• Stand by emergency aids/ rescue equipment should be in place.
Lifelines & Safety nets

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Only nylon, polyester or synthetic fibre shall be used. The breaking load shall be a
minimum of 19.6 kN (or approx 2 000 kg)
• Vertical lines shall be used with Retractable/Rope-crab fall-arrestor to climb up and down
ladders.
• Safety nets shall be installed along the length of the building to cover each roofing bay.
• Before starting roof work, the perimeter nets shall also be in position.
• Safety nets shall be tied as close as practicable to the underside of the work area, with
sufficient clearance to prevent contact with the surface below if someone falls into them.
• If it is decided to use scaffolding as a fall protection measure, it shall be installed in such a
manner that the platform is as close as practicable to the underside of the roof and not
more than two metres below the working surface.
• Also, the platform shall extend at least two metres of it beyond all unprotected edges of
the roofing work.
• Ladder shall be provided to reach the work-platform on the scaffold.
• Mobile tower frame scaffold can be used to provide a safe working platform while
installing safety net and carrying out other activities.
Access
If temporary ladders are used for access:
• The ladders shall be secured against displacement at the top.
• The stiles of the ladder should extend at least one metre above the stepping off point
• Metal or wire bound ladders must not be used near power lines.
• An access tower with adequate side support is recommended if the height of roof is
above 15 metres
6.4 Crane suspended personnel platform:

General
• The use of a crane suspended Personnel Platform / Man-cage shall be limited as far as
possible unless there is no safer, practical, conventional means of access to an elevated
work area.
• Ladders, scaffolds, stairways, aerial lifts and personnel hoists shall be considered before
using a Crane Suspended Man-cage. If these options are more hazardous or not possible
because of structural design or worksite conditions, the hoisting of personnel from a
crane shall be carried out with adequate precautions.
• Use of Crane Suspended Platform for carrying out welding works shall be avoided, as this
may lead to damage of crane hoist rope.
Requirements for safe crane operation

Working At Height

(MRU)
• As using cranes to hoist personnel poses a serious risk, any crane that hoist personnel
must conform to the following:
• Be placed on a firm foundation;
• Have a minimum safety factor of ten for the load line (wire rope) of the crane.
• Move the personnel platform slowly and cautiously without any sudden jerking of the
crane,derrick, or platform;
• Have all brakes and locking devices on the crane or derrick set when the occupied
personnel platform is in a stationary working position.
• The combined weight of the loaded personnel platform and its rigging must not exceed 50
percent of the rated capacity of the crane for the radius and configuration of the crane.
• The crane operator must always be at the controls when the crane engine is running and
the personnel platform is occupied. The crane operator also must have full control over
the movement of the personnel platform.
• Cranes with variable angle booms must have a boom angle indicator that is visible to the
operator.
• Cranes with telescoping booms must be equipped with a device to clearly indicate the
boom’s extended length, or the load radius to be used during the lift must be accurately
determined prior to hoisting personnel.
• Load testing as per the design shall be carried out for design validation and shall be
witnessed by a competent person.
• All man basket shall be inspected and certified by third party.
• All man basket shall have a unique ID no., SWL, inspection date & due date shall be
displayed prominently.
• All the lifting tools & tackles used for the man basket have a valid third party test
certificate and respective color code.
• Overloading in basket is not allowed. Follow the instructions displayed on the basket as
per the recommendation of competent person.
• Separate sling must be provided from the crane hook for anchoring the safety harness.
• Ensure the continuous hooking of safety harness in the sling while working in man
basket.
• Provide Tagline to guide the basket at higher elevation.
• The man basket lifting operation must be carried out under the supervision of
experienced rigger foreman. Man basket shall be inspected by competent person once in
six months.
• Refer the LT HEIC- MRU lifting procedure and Heavy vehicle & equipment movement for
further reference on safe crane operations & lifting details.

Working At Height

(MRU)
Design & Construction of Crane Suspended Personnel Platform

• A qualified engineer competent in structural design shall design the man cage used for
lifting personnel. The man cage shall be designed so as to:
o Support platform weight and at least five times the maximum intended load.
o Minimize tipping caused by personnel movement on platforms by
having an appropriate suspension system.
o Keep tools, materials, and equipment from falling on employees below by
having a standard guardrail system that is enclosed from the toe board to the
mid-rail.
o Have rotation-resistant rope with a minimum safety factor of ten.
o Keep the platform free from sharp edges, which may cause laceration
to the occupants.
• Platforms also must have the following:
o Positive Locking Safety Latch
o Structurally sound inboard guardrails and a locking gate.
o Permanent marking or plate that clearly indicates the platform’s weight and
rated load capacity or maximum intended load;
o Access gate, if provided, that does not swing outward during hoisting and is
equipped with a restraining device to prevent accidental opening; and
o Adequate headroom for workers.
• Load restrictions for Crane Suspended Personnel Platform
The loading of personnel platforms must conform to the following requirements:
o Personnel platforms must not be loaded in excess of their rated load capacity
or maximum intended load as indicated on permanent markings.
o Only personnel required for the task to be performed -- along with their tools,
equipment, and materials needed for the job -- are allowed on the platform.
o All materials and tools must be secured and evenly distributed to balance the
load while the platform is in motion.
• Rigging for personnel platforms Crane Suspended Personnel Platform
o The Man cage is connected to the crane hook by bridle hitch with four slings
and D shackles.
o Legs of bridles must be connected to a master link or shackle so that the
load is evenly positioned among the bridle legs when a wire rope bridle is
used to connect the platform to the load line.
o Bridles and associated rigging for attaching the personnel platform to the
hoist line must not be used for any other purpose.
o Hooks and other attachment assemblies must be closed and locked to
eliminate the hook throat opening. “Mousing” (wrapping wire around a hook
to cover the hook opening) is prohibited.
o The designated slings shall not be used for any other purpose than hoisting
personnel.

Working At Height

(MRU)
Inspection and tests before hoisting personnel

• Before hoisting workers, a trial lift of the cage must be conducted in empty condition as
given below
o Load the platform to its Proof load during the trial lift. Proof load 150% of the
safe working load.
o The platform shall be hoisted till the hoist limit switch stops the hoist to check
the functioning of the hoist limit switch.
o Ensure that all boom or hoisting configurations necessary to reach work
locations will allow operators to remain under the 50 percent load limit of
the hoist’s rated capacity.
o Repeat the lift before hoisting personnel if a crane or derrick is moved to a
new location or returned to a previous location.
o The competent person shall record the findings in a checklist.
Actions required after the trial lift

• Trail lift shall be performed without personnel in the man basket.
• After the trial lift, it shall be ensured that the personnel platform is hoisted a few inches
and inspected to ensure that it is secure and properly balanced. Before workers are
hoisted, it shall be ensured that a check is performed to ensure the following:
o Hoist ropes are free of kinks.
o Multiple part lines are not twisted around each other.
o Primary attachment is centered over the platform.
o No slack is in the wire rope.
o All ropes are properly seated on drums and in sheaves.
Use of Crane Suspended Man-cage

• The personnel, who shall travel, shall be trained on use of hand signals or use continuous
radio communication.
• They shall also conduct a pre-lift meeting with the crane operator and persons
responsible for the task to be performed
• Personal Protective Equipment, including fall prevention and protection, shall be used.
• Tagline shall be used to control the movement of the platform.
• During inclement weather Crane suspended man-cage shall not be used (if wind speed
>32Km/hr lifting shall not be performed)
6.5 Man Lift & Scissor Lift:
• Before attempting to use of man lift, employees should properly train and know how to
safely operate the equipment.

Working At Height

(MRU)
• Training should include a reading operator’s manual and hands - on instruction.

• Before starting to work on a man lift the employee should ensure that it is in good
working condition.
• Employer should have a standard preventive maintenance check list that includes
inspection of all hydraulic lines, electrical controls, tires and safety device.
• Man lift operator & worker riding the man-lift shall wear safety harnesses and be
completely tide off at all time when they are in a man lift basket.
• Man lift operators should avoid coming into contact with power lines due to the potential
for electrocution.
• They should also check the area where the lift will be operated and ensure the ground is
level.
• Never operate the machine on a soft, unstable or cluttered ground.
• Never operate the machine in explosive atmosphere, during storms and in the presence
of strong electromagnetic field.
• Never operate the machine more than given value of technical characteristic like exceed
load, slope limit, number of person, permissible force.
• Never operate the machine control with sudden actions.
• Never place the machine against a structure to maintain this structure.
• Never use the machine to tow or drag.
• Never expose the batteries or electrical components to water (pressure cleaner, rain)
• Never neutralize the securities.
• Do not hit a fixed or mobile obstacle. The contact can cause premature deterioration of
the structure and lead to the rupture of certain safety elements.
• Do not climb on the hoods.
• Never leave hydraulic cylinder entirely extended or retracted before switching the
machine off, or during an extended stop period.
• Never use the machine with material or objects hanging from the guardrail or the boom.
• Never use the machine with the elements that can increase the load of the wind, never
increase the height of work by using attachments.
• Never use a machine as crane, goods lift or elevator.
• Never drive fast in narrow or badly cleared areas
• Keep speed under control on bends.
6.6 Additional Requirements
Adverse Weather conditions
Depending on the severity line management should decide suspension of working at height
under adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains, high winds, lightening etc.
Working at Height over water

Working At Height

(MRU)
In addition to fall protection, where potential to fall into water exists, all persons shall wear
Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Life Saving Apparatus (like lifebuoy etc.) shall be made
available at location before the start of work. Area supervisor shall ensure 100% supervision
by deploying an Attendant.
Self-retractable Lifelines shall be used for offshore work at height over water
Working at Height during night
Additional HIRA assessment shall be conducted for work at height during night. Risk
assessment should focus on proper illumination of the area, including access/ egress and
back-up arrangement.
Refer LT HEIC- MRU Night work procedure & Illumination checklist for the night works.
7.0 Inspection Requirements

Internal inspection of in-coming materials pertaining to work at height equipment shall be as per LT
HEIC- MRU inspection procedure and external (Third party) inspection shall be as per local legal
requirement.
8.0 Training and communications

Training shall be provided to all those are engaged in work at height. All the Scaffoldar and
scaffolding Supervisors and inspectors shall be well versed with the erection and dismantling
philosophy. The Scaffoldar shall be engaged work only after screening and medical checks. Specific
training shall be imparted to all those are engaged in
• Working over roofs,
• Work over water
• Man lifts/man basket including the operators The training shall cover
• Safety requirements of the job
• Hazards and its control
• Pre - job inspections
• Concept of work permit
• Usage of PPE
• Recuse planning
• Reporting of incidents / unsafe conditions
9.0 Emergency Response

The emergency response plan for the site/yard shall include the credible scenarios like fall from
height, elevating work Platform rescue, Basket Rescue etc. The necessary recuse equipment shall be

Working At Height

(MRU)
made available for the same and shall be practiced by mock drills Refer LT HEIC- MRU emergency
response plan guidelines for the same.
10.0 Records
Records to be maintained are as follows:
• Periodic Inspections of full body harness with double lanyard for 6 months.
• Periodic Inspections of fall arresting devices for 6 months.
• Periodic Inspections of safety net for 6 months.
• Periodic Inspections of Man basket, Man lift, scissor lift’, Goods cum passenger lift,
Single/Twin Mast working Platform for 3 years.
• Inspection records of various types of ladders for 6 months.
Sl No Name of format Format Number

1 Work at Height Inspection Checklist
2 Scaffold Inspection Checklist
3 Ladder Inspection Checklist
4 Man basket Inspection Checklist
5 Man lift Inspection Checklist
6 Gratings Inspection Checklist

12 Working at Height 12

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

12 Working at Height 12

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Working At Height

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 1 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

2.0 Scope and field of application

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 2 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

Double Action Locking Snap Hook

Full Body Harness

Retractable Lifeline (Fall Arrestor)

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 3 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

Gin wheel or block

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 4 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

Project Manager/Yard head/LT HEIC - MRU Representatives

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 5 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

• Report any equipment defect immediately.

4.0 Designing / planning of work at height

place by crane where ever possible

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 6 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

• Identification of hazards and assessment

6.0 Working at Height

6.1 Protective Equipment and Systems

6.1.1 Guardrail System / Working platform:

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 7 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 8 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 9 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

Inspection and care of nets

6.2 Straight Ladders, Extension Ladders

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 10 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

6.2.2 Stock Ladders

6.2.3 Step Ladders

6.2.4 Extension Ladders

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 11 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

6.2.5 Trestle Ladders

6.2.6 Built up Ladders (Fixed Ladder)

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 12 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

6.2.7 Inspection of Ladders

6.2.8 Usage of Ladders

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 13 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

6.2.9 Self-retractable Lifelines

6.2.10 Fall Arrest systems

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 14 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

6.3.1 Design Scaffolding (BS 5973:1993 Standard)

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 15 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 16 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

6.3.2 Mobile Scaffolding

L&T HEIC - MRU - Workig AT Height Procedure Page 17 of 29

Date : Rev : 00 Dept : MRU

6.3.3 Erection of Scaffolding