Working above ground or where there is a

risk of falling
• Hazards and controls associated with working
at height
Work at any height involves a risk of falling. The
significance of injuries resulting from falls from
height, such as fatalities and other serious major
injuries, have been dealt with earlier in this
chapter as has the importance and legal
requirements for head protection.
• Access equipment
• There are many different types of access
equipment but the following four categories
will be considered here:
• Ladders
• Fixed scaffolds
• Mobile scaffold towers
• Mobile elevated work platforms
• Ladders
• The following factors should be considered when using
ladders:
• Ensure that the use of a ladder is the safest means of
access given the work to be done and the height to be
climbed.
• The location itself needs to be checked.
• Workers who are to use ladders must be trained in
correct method of use and selection.
• The work activity must be considered in some detail.
• Fixed scaffolds
• Scaffolds must be capable of supporting
building worker, equipment, materials, tools
and any accumulated waste.
• There are two basic types of external scaffold:
• Independent tied
• Putlog
• Prefabricated mobile scaffold towers
• Mobile scaffold towers are frequently used
throughout industry. It is essential that the
workers are trained in their use since recent
research has revealed that 75% of lightweight
mobile tower scaffolding is erected, used,
moved or dismantled in an unsafe manner.
• Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)
• Are very suitable for many different types of
high level work such as changing light bulbs in
a warehouse.
• Roof work
• Before any roof work is started, a risk
assessment should be undertaken. This should
include an assessment of the structural
integrity of the roof and the methods to be
used to repair the roof and a COSHH
assessment of any hazardous substances to
be.
• Protection of other persons
• Members of the public must be protected at
all stages of the construction project and at all
times of day and night.
• Inspections and maintenance
• Inspection- equipment for work at height
needs regular inspection to ensure that it is fit
for use. A marking system is probably required
to show when the next inspection is due.
• Maintenance- inspections and even thorough
examinations are not substitutes for properly
maintaining equipment.