Document No OHSS-SWP02-WAH-00

Section Safe Work Procedures

Revision No 0
Document Date 15/01/2022

SAFE WORK PROCEDURE / SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

Workplace: Scaffolding & Ladders Operation: Working at Heights
Personal Protective Equipment Required (PPE)

Barrier
Protection

Permits Required Licences/Training Required

Working at Heights Working at Height

Permit Training

Safety Notes / Main Hazards / Comments

The main hazards associated with working at heights are:
 Height
 Falling of workers/tools/equipment
Safe Use / Operation
WORK FROM SCAFFOLDING
1. Scaffolding shall comply with any legislative requirements pertaining to scaffolding – SANS10085
2. Access scaffolding, with the sufficient materials, must be erected, used, and maintained safely in accordance
with the applicable legislation, standards and relevant Code of Practice. (i.e. SANS 10085)
3. Scaffolding must only be erected, altered, or dismantled by persons who have adequate training, experience
and are competent in this type of work and under the continuous supervision of a competent person as
required by the applicable legislation, standards and relevant Code of Practice.
4. Scaffold inspection registers must be maintained in the Safety File.
5. In the event of special scaffolding, it shall be designed by a competent person, appointed in writing with the
duty of the design, inspection, and approval of such scaffolding.
6. Check the ground area before setting up scaffolding.
7. Please base plates/jacks first and then follow with the standards or frame as per scaffolding.
8. Set up platforms and brace the scaffold.
9. Ensure safe access and egress points.
10. Ensure scaffolding is safe for all the types of works to be performed.
11. Scaffolding inspector to check and sign off the scaffolding prior to working.
12. Scaffolding to be inspected after a change, after incidents or accidents and every 7 days as per SANS10085.
WORK FROM LADDERS
1. Where an extension ladder is used, it will be supported on a firm footing – level, compact ground with a person
supporting the ladder at the bottom.
2. Where the ladder is not an extension ladder i.e. less than 5m in length, no person will be required to support
the bottom unless specifically instructed.
3. Should a straight ladder be used to access a platform/roof or other work area, such ladder must extend past
the landing by 1m. Should the ladder exceed 5m, a person will support the ladder at the bottom, or the ladder
will be secured at the top.
4. Only extension ladders manufactured for the purpose will be used.
5. Materials and equipment will be carried in bags or hoisted up, as a person must have three points in contact
with the ladder at any one time.
6. Personnel must always face the ladder when ascending or descending.
7. Any ladder damage will be reported to the Site Supervisor, so that corrective action may be taken.

This Document is property of OHSS and may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed without prior permission.
 Document No OHSS-SWP02-WAH-00
Section Safe Work Procedures
Revision No 0
Document Date 15/01/2022

GENERAL
1. Only use tool / equipment if you are trained and authorized to use the tool / equipment.
2. Always check your equipment before you start to work.
3. Report any problems to your site supervisor.
4. Always make sure that your area is safe to work in.
5. Always use your safety harness and ensure it is attached properly to a solid structure.
6. Ensure that there are sufficient handrails at 900mm high and full floorboards.
7. Ensure that a safe access is provided and use it.
8. Secure your tools and equipment so they can’t fall.
9. Never throw objects down from any height.
10. Know the site fall protection plan, accident procedure and evacuation procedure.
11. Warn others below that you are working above them.
12. Keep your area tidy – Don’t leave objects close to drop off edges.
13. Report all safety problems to your supervisor.
14. Protect the public and other employees from falling objects, material, and tools.
15. Work safely and don’t take chances a fall can kill you.

SAFE WORK/OPERATING PROCEDURE COMMUNICATION / ACCEPTANCE

By Signing this document, I hereby declare that, I understand and accept the safe working procedure and declare
that I will adhere to the contents of this document.
NAME SIGN NAME SIGN

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

The above safe working/operating procedure is in accordance with the OHSA 85 of 1993. This is a
minimum requirement and as such needs continued adherence and inspection to check currency,
reliability and sufficiency. The OHSA section 14 requires each employee to work safely. OHSS
Consulting (Pty) Ltd encourages any employee to submit recommendations and comments to the
safety department for consideration. Any correspondence concerning safety adherence,
implementation and improvements are welcome.

Please contact OHSS or your department manager.

This Document is property of OHSS and may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed without prior permission.