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MELA EHS Handbook Instruction - Climbing & Working at Heights

Application

This instruction applies to all Ericsson employees and contractor/partners performing

climbing and working at heights activities within Europe and Latin America.

The main requirements related climbing and working at height are detailed in the Global
Climbing and Working at Heights Instruction. This MELA EHS Handbook Instruction
summarizes key Global requirements and defines additional requirements according to MELA
needs.

Mandatory local laws, government regulations, customer requirements and workers union
agreements and arrangements supersede requirements from this instruction. The instruction
or other requirements mentioned above, whichever is the most stringent shall apply.

1 Definition
Working at In general, ‘Work at height’ means work in any place where, if there were no
Height precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal
injury. Within MELA, working at height is defined as:

 Working at a height of 2m (distance between feet and ground) or lower

depending on the local legislation
 Working 2m (distance between feet and ground) or closer from a
skylight or an unprotected edge of a flat rooftop (the minimum distance
might be more than 2m depending on local regulation)

The MELA or local regulation height, whichever is stricter, shall be applied.

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Climbing Climbing is the activity of using one's hands, feet, or any other part of the body
to ascend a steep topographical object.

Free climbing Climbing without the assistance of any fall protection device. Any person
climbing must be secured against falling at all times. Free climbing is strictly
prohibited.

Collective Collective protective equipment protects more than one person at any one time,
protective e.g. guardrail, scaffolds, nets etc.
equipment

Drop zone A “Drop Zone” is a defined area at the base of a structure identified as where
items could fall and potentially cause injury or damage.

PPE Personal Protective Equipment (protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other

garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury).

MEWP Mobile Elevating Work Platform (e.g. cherry picker or scissor lift)

Crane man Suspended personnel platform lifted by a crane.

basket

2 Introduction
Climbing and working at height is one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries in
the industry. Common incidents include falls from structures and through fragile surfaces.

This instruction defines the additional minimum MELA EHS requirements when working at
height to ensure the health and safety of individuals who may perform such activity directly
or indirectly.

The general goal is to ensure risks associated with climbing and working at height are
identified, assessed and effectively eliminated or controlled wherever possible to protect
the public, employees and any other party.

3 Requirements
The following Zero Tolerance Safety Rules are of relevance in this instruction:

 No alcohol or drugs while working or driving

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 Protect yourself against falling from height

 Always use correct Protective Equipment

 Do not walk within a drop zone

3.1 General Requirements

The general requirements for any climbers and persons working at height are the following:

 Be trained and certified in the specific activity being undertaken and have a valid
medical certificate if required by local legislation

 Be authorized to work at height and/or climb under agreed scope of works

 Define and visually signal the exclusion zone (e.g. cone, temporary barrier). The drop
zone definition shall be done based on the structure´s height.

 Have and use adequate working at height equipment and Personal Protective
Equipment in alignment with local legislation and/or Ericsson´s policies. The
equipment shall:

o Meet recognized international safety standards

o Be visually checked before each use and inspected before first use and every
12 months by a certified / competent person
o Be destroyed or tagged-out and discarded when damaged or if older than a
certain age defined by manufacturer´s instructions or local regulations

 All work within two meters from an unprotected edge requires full use of safety
system. Examples are guardrail systems, safety net systems, warning line systems,
safety monitory systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

 Lone working or unsupervised working at height activity is strictly forbidden. No

climber is permitted to climb towers, masts, stub towers, or perform any other work at
height without performing local risk assessment and without the presence of at least
one other rescue-trained, and equipped climber (with rescue kit).

 Always be attached when working at height. Free climbing is strictly prohibited in

line with the Ericsson Zero Tolerance Safety Rules
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 Abort the climb if it is unsafe or if there are any cause for concern (e.g. gusty winds,
high winds, ice, snow, lightning strikes)

3.2 Risk Assessment

All reasonable measures (appropriate and proportionate, in regard to all the circumstances)
shall be taken to avoid working at height if there is another safer method to perform the task
(e.g. using a drone). The following requirements related to risk assessment shall be followed:

 All persons on site must perform a daily on-site assessment before any work can start
(e.g. pre-start meeting, toolbox talk, Last Minute Risk Assessment). All potential
hazards associated with the working at height shall be identified, such as:

o Local conditions: e.g. access to site (e.g. rooftop) and access to

communications (e.g. mobile coverage)
o Climbing route (e.g. anchor points)
o Fall from height
o Exclusion zone (e.g. falling objects)
o Slips and trips from the ladder/platform/rooftop
o Electromagnetic fields (not only limited to telecom antenna e.g. FM radio
transmitter)
o Weather conditions (e.g. rain, fog, heavy winds, snow, ice): refer to the MELA
EHS Handbook Adverse Weather Instruction for further requirements. No
climbing is allowed if winds exceed Beaufort Scale 6 (or lower depending on
local regulations) or in the presence of lightning
o Condition of the equipment and structure (e.g. corrosion)
o Any other local hazards (electrical, animals etc.)

 Before the activity can start, all preventive measures related to the site risks shall be
taken in the following order:

1. Elimination of the fall hazards associated with the work task entirely. (For
example, perform as much work as possible at ground level).

2. Utilize fall prevention controls by selecting the most suitable controls from
the following order of preference:

o Guardrail systems (work platforms with approved handrails,

scaffolds, etc.)
o Mechanical lifting systems (MEWPs, JLG, scissor lift, man-baskets,
etc.)
o Climbing systems (stairways, fixed or portable ladders, etc.)

3. If there is no alternative and climbing must be performed, it shall be done

with the appropriate PPE
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Refer to Ericsson animation related to planning and risk assessment:

https://play.ericsson.net/media/t/1_kmnb2fvk

3.3 Working at Height Preparation

Once the local on-site assessment (e.g. pre-start meeting, toolbox talk, Last Minute Risk
Assessment) has been performed, the following actions shall be taken before the activity can
start:

 All necessary authorizations and documents to access the site have been received and
checked

 All the activities are clear and understood by the team (e.g. climbing route including
the anchor points and rest platforms). All risks (e.g. mutual risks if more than one team
works on site) are known and mitigated.

 The potential exposure to electromagnetic fields is within exposure limits as indicated

with portable RF monitors. If not, the equipment (e.g. antennas) must be shut down
or the intensity reduced. If there are no local exposure limits set by regulations, the
ICNIRP recommendations shall be followed. ) Refer to the MELA EHS Handbook
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Instruction for further
requirements.

 Additional measures including, but not limited to exclusion zones, are taken where
work is to be completed near overhead power lines.

 The weather forecast is known and safe for the duration of the activity

 The general conditions of the structure are safe (safe access to roof, presence of
certified and tested anchor points, safe surface, structure is inspected and certified
etc.).

 All collective protective equipment (e.g. permanent guardrail and other fall protection
measure), PPE (e.g. harness, lanyard, ropes) and work equipment (e.g. Mobile
Elevating Work Platform, fixed ladder) are meeting international safety standards,
have an up to date inspection and are being visually checked for any defects before
any use.

 Emergency equipment (e.g. rescue kit) are readily available and emergency
procedures are known. Rescue plan/toolbox talk to be done (e.g. what to do, who to
call etc.)

 If relevant for the project, any other Ericsson requirement (e.g. Remote Assurance
audits) are undertaken
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The “Go / No Go” decision must be taken based on the above. If any condition detailed above
is not met, the decision shall be “No Go” until the activity can be performed in a safe manner.

3.4 Collective Protective Equipment

If working at height cannot be avoided, all reasonable measures shall be taken to use
collective protective equipment on site. A personal fall arrest system is not required when a
properly designed guardrail system is present. Requirements for guardrail systems include
the following:

 The top edge height shall be at least 1 meter high or more as per local regulations and
surround the walking/working level.

 The guardrail system must

meet international safety
standards and have sufficient
resistance to prevent any fall
according to the
manufacturer´s specifications.

 When guardrail systems are

used at hoisting areas, a chain,
gate, or removable guardrail
section must be placed across
the access opening between
guardrail sections when
hoisting operations are not
taking place. Example of collective protective equipment

3.5 Anchor Points

Anchor points for personal suspension, fall arrest or restraint shall be inspected, recorded, and
tagged in compliance with international safety standards and local regulations. The tag shall
detail the inspection and expiry date and state whether the anchor point is for fall arrest or
restraint purposes. Primary steelwork or other suitable anchor points may be used if deemed
safe to do so by a competent person.
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3.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

3.6.1 General Requirements

The following general PPE requirements shall always be followed:

 All climbing equipment & PPE shall meet recognized

international safety standards and local regulations

 Each item of climbing equipment shall be identified with a

unique serial number

 Be visually and tactilely checked for any damage before

each use and inspected before first use and every 12
months by a certified / competent person. PPE must be
discarded when damaged or if older than a certain age
defined by manufacturer´s instructions or local regulations

 Persons on site shall verify each other’s PPE to ensure that

it is adequately worn (buddy system).

o Harness, lanyards, rope grab and bolt bags are worn

correctly.
o Lanyards, clothing and boot laces are properly Buddy system PPE check
secured to prevent snagging.

3.6.2 Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment

It is critical that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used for all work at
height. The following items of PPE shall always be used by all climbers and persons working
at height:

 Full body harness and lanyard incorporating a shock absorber

 Lanyards, positioning line, ropes, connectors and eye protection, as required

 Boots used for climbing should be well fitted, have a strengthened sole, reinforced toe
protection and a distinct heel.

 Gloves of adequate strength and warmth that do not impede movement.

 Adverse weather clothing shall be used if needed. Such clothing shall be of adequate
strength and warmth and be waterproof.
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 Head protection, including climbers’ helmets, shall be of an approved international

standard with chinstrap and should be selected depending upon the environment
where used.

 Dielectric PPE shall be used if any electrical activity is planned

Refer to the Global Personal Protective Equipment Instruction and the MELA EHS Handbook
Personal Protective Equipment Instruction for the detailed requirements.

3.7 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) and Crane Man Baskets

 When using a MEWP or Crane

Man Basket, everyone shall
follow the Operator and on-site
lift plan instructions in
coordination with the Person In
Charge of Work (PICW).

 The MEWP Operator shall as

part of his/her induction duties,
explain and agree the MEWP
emergency / rescue plan
including a demonstration of the
Emergency Stop and MEWP
Emergency Lowering procedures

 Suitable means of communication shall be agreed and maintained between the

Operator and the personnel within the MEWP or crane man basket and all parties
involved with the task on site

 MEWPs and crane man basket shall only be operated by suitably qualified and
experienced operators. They shall only be operated under safe working condition as
detailed in the manufacturer´s specifications (e.g. maximum load, maximum wind
speed etc.).

 Personnel within a Man basket/MEWP will wear safety helmets, harnesses and
positioning belt. The employee’s personal work positioning rope restraint must be
connected to an anchor point. The work positioning rope restraint is to be short
enough to prevent the employee from being ejected, yet long enough to allow the
employee to perform work.

 All tools and equipment shall be securely attached with tool tethers inside the Man
basket/MEWP to the individual.

 It is not allowed to leave the MEWP/crane man basket to access elevated structures
unless it is to access flat roofs if authorized by local EHS regulations and if specific
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control measures to ensure fall prevention are in place. Contact your EHS SME if this
needed.
o If on a roof top, then the basket should be landed in safe area a minimum of
2 meters from an unprotected edge or skylight or with the basket gate opening
to allow the direction of travel away from the unprotected edge or skylight at
a safe distance from RF exclusion zones and a safe distance for fume emitting
chimneys.
o When transferring from the MEWP Basket anchor point to the roof top anchor
points or vice-a-versa, the person shall switch from fall restraint into Fall
Arrest via a double lanyard with shock absorber, care should be taken to only
be attached to both separate anchors for the minimum amount of time.

3.7.1 Ladders

Please refer to the MELA EHS Handbook Ladders Instruction for detailed requirement related
to use of ladders.

3.7.2 Towers and Structures

A preliminary check on all towers and structures shall be conducted prior to work commencing
with a pre-climb visual inspection of the tower or structure carried out from the ground, prior
to any climb being undertaken, any defects shall be reported and repaired.

Only when the climbers are satisfied that there are no observed defects shall the climb be
made. Climbers shall continue to pay close attention to the condition and interrupt the climb
whenever it is not safe to continue.

The climbing method shall be determined taking into consideration the existing fall arrest
system installed on the tower and structure. The fall arrest system installed on the tower or
structure must be checked and tagged in order to be used. If the installed fall arrest system
(e.g. rail system) is defective or without current certification tag, alternative and safe climbing
methods (e.g. double lanyards fall arrest system) shall be undertaken.

For all climbing:

 Climbers shall be attached at all times and maintain a

three‐ point stance when climbing. This is done by
constantly having any three from a combination of two
hands and two feet always in firm contact with the tower
being climbed.

 During the work on the structure, the restraint system shall

be anchored on a fixed anchor point or safe primary
steelwork above the working point.

 Climbers shall not work in each other’s´ exclusion zone Structure anchor point
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 Suitable rest periods utilizing rest platforms where fitted or by using positioning
lanyard shall be taken.

For all climbing, refer to the following animation videos for the adequate climbing methods:

 Rail system: https://play.ericsson.net/media/t/1_7mwgqzr9

 Tower structure without rail: https://play.ericsson.net/media/t/1_y7qioe1v

 Monopole: https://play.ericsson.net/media/t/1_ljkd4so5

 Fixed ladder: https://play.ericsson.net/media/t/1_anpimgr8

3.7.2.1 Wooden poles

Wooden poles can be dangerous and can sometimes break (e.g. rotten materials). Specific
measures must be taken before work can be allowed on wooden poles. Please refer to the
MELA EHS Handbook Wooden Pole Instruction for detailed requirements related to climbing
on wooden poles.

3.7.2.2 Pylons

 Only Trained and accredited personnel will climb Pylons carrying electricity
distribution cables.

 Pylons not carrying electricity cables shall be treated as towers.

 Pylon specific PPE will be required

 Pylon owner policies and processes shall be followed at all times

3.7.3 Climbing During the Hours of Darkness

In exceptional circumstances (activities not finished until darkness or urgently requested by

the customer), and if it is not prohibited by local regulations, work may be authorized by the
Customer Project Manager or MSCOO in consultation with the EHS organization for work to
be carried out during the hours of darkness. If work is carried out during darkness, the
following preventive measures shall be taken:

 Only access during the hours of darkness if deemed safe to do so.

 All equipment shall be prepared, and activities shall be planned during the daylight
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 A detailed briefing shall take place immediately before the climb, during which
relevant risk assessments should be referred to and all risk control measures
discussed. All those involved in the work activity shall also be involved in its planning.

 Ground to Tower communications shall be tested and back-up phones or radios made
available.

 Suitable lighting will be required, whether it is head torches for climbers, or floodlights
on the ground or structure. Head torches for climbing is preferable to avoid glare from
lights shining from the ground.

 If the work at height is prolonged and or complex it will reduce the risk if suitable
lighting is fixed to the structure around the work area.

3.8 Lifting and Lowering

 It is strictly forbidden to enter the exclusion or exclusion zones during any lifting
activities in accordance with the Ericsson Zero Tolerance Safety Rules. This includes
work within a cabin.

 All lifting and lowering operations shall only be carried out by trained and competent
personnel with access to suitable and sufficient independently inspected equipment.

 Specific mechanical lifting devices shall only be used by trained and competent
personnel, examined by independently competent person and recorded.

 All lifting and lowering solutions shall include a safety (emergency) mechanical
braking system to prevent accidental release or lowering of the load.

 Lifting equipment shall be fitted with suitable devices to minimize any risk of the load
falling freely. This aims to ensure that loads are under control at all times to minimize
risks to people in the vicinity of the lifting operation. The aim is to prevent uncontrolled
free fall.

 All lifting of loads shall be subject to a test lift and check including the mechanical
braking system at 1m prior to the full lift being undertaken.

For further requirements related to lifting materials and tools on the structure, refer to the
MELA EHS Handbook Lifting Operations Instruction.

3.9 Emergency Preparedness

In some occasions, people may be exposed to serious and immediate danger. Effective
arrangements for raising the alarm and carrying out rescue operations in an emergency are
essential.
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The following are the minimum requirements related to work at height emergency:

 Each site safety plan shall have a documented site-specific emergency rescue
procedure for all potential emergency scenarios. The procedure shall depend on the
nature of the work at height, the risks identified and consequently the likely nature of
an emergency rescue. The emergency procedure shall at least contain local
emergency numbers, communication methods, alternative communications methods
in case of remote areas and necessary rescue equipment and route to the closest
emergency service hospital

 The emergency procedure must be available and acknowledged before work

commences by all persons involved.

 A first aid kit and suitable and certified rescue kit shall be available in the direct
proximity of the site next to the access ladder. There shall always be one person
trained on the rescue from height techniques on the ground already wearing the
climbing gear and having the rescue kit nearby and ready to intervene in case of
emergency. This person shall always look at the climber during the climb.

3.10 Competence and Training

Training is an integral part of Ericsson’s Working at Heights program. To maintain a safe and
productive work environment, it is essential that persons working at heights:

 Recognize fall hazards

 Evaluate the risk posed by each hazard

 Control the hazard through preventative or protective measures

 Inspect, maintain and properly use PPE

 Be competent in tower rescue/ emergency procedures

 Only carry out climbing / working at height activities and rescue to their category &
competency level

All working at height training including roof tops shall include both practical and theoretical
elements as part of the syllabus. The trainings shall be delivered by an approved training
provider and shall be repeated as per local legislation. In the absence of local regulations
defining the frequency, the trainings shall be refreshed every 24 months.
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4 Incident & Near misses

As per Ericsson´s Global EHS Incident Management procedure, the following events shall be
reported in the applicable incident reporting tool.

 All incidents (unplanned event that resulted in injury, occupational disease, ill health
or fatality or negatively impacts the environment); and

 All near misses (unplanned event that did not result in injury, occupational disease, ill
health or fatality or harm to the environment but had the potential to do so); and

 All hazards (dangerous object, event, behavior or condition which has the potential to
cause injury, ill health, property or environmental damage).

All employees and persons working on behalf of Ericsson are required to inform their Line
Manager or the relevant contact person in case of an event type listed above.

5 References
Global Instruction, EHS Incident Management

Global Instruction, Climbing and Working at Heights

Global Instruction, Lone Working

Global Instruction, Manual Handling

Global Instruction, Personal Protective Equipment

MELA EHS Handbook, Document List

MELA EHS Handbook

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Adverse Weather

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Lone Working

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Lifting Operations

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Personal Protective Equipment (under development)

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Ladders

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Wooden Poles

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MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Electrical Safety

MELA EHS Handbook Instruction, Emergency Preparedness and Response

Please contact your local EHS SME if you require any further information or clarifications
regarding this instruction

6 Change Information
Revision Changes

A First release