WORKING AT HEIGHT – USER

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 SAFETY BRIEF

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY DURING THE TRAINING DO

NOT GET PANIC AND KINDLY FOLLOW THE TRAINER
INSTRUCTIONS.

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General Introductions

Introduction to the concept of work at Height

Basic Definition for a Height
Working Above ground level ( Ladder & scaffold safety)
Working Below Ground level
Work at height safety hazards
Employees responsibilities for work at height
Employers & Management responsibilities to ensure safe
work at Height
Fall Prevention Support materials
Fall Protection PPE ( Harness, Arrestors, lanyard etc)

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Aim of the Course
 The aim of the course will be to provide delegates with the knowledge &
skills necessary to perform routine work at height under the supervision of a
competent person in a safe & effective manner.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the training the delegate will be able to demonstrate
a knowledge of the following:

 Regulations relating to work at height.

 What is working at height?
 Hazards associated with working at height.
 Selection, inspection & use of personal fall protection equipment.
 Anchorage.
 Self rescue & ‘Suspension Trauma’.

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This training is delivered in accordance with the BS
8454:2006– Code of Practice for the delivery of
training and education for work at height and
rescue and with reference to the Work at Height
Regulations 2005 and project procedure for work at
height.

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Useful References
The Work at Height Regulations 2005
BS EN 354: 2010. Personal fall protection equipment – Lanyards.
BS EN 355: 2002. Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Energy
absorbers
BS EN 358: 2000. Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of
falls from a height - Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards.
BS EN 361: 2002. Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Full body
harnesses
BS EN 362: 2004. Personal protective equipment against falls from a height- Connectors
BS EN 363: 2008. Personal fall protection equipment – Personal fall protection systems
BS EN 364: 1993. Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Test methods.
BS EN 365: 2004. Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - General
requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking
and packaging
BS EN 795: 2012. Personal fall protection equipment – Anchor devices
BS 8513: 2009. Personal fall protection equipment - Twin-legged energy absorbing lanyards
- Specification
BS 7883: 2005. Code of practice for the design, selection, installation, use and maintenance
of anchor devices conforming to BS EN 795
BS 8437: 2005 + A1: 2012. Code of Practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal
fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace.
BS 8454: 2006. Code of Practice for the delivery of training and education for work at
height and rescue 7
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LIFE SAVING RULES (LSR)

Violation of any of these Rules may lead

to disciplinary actions up to removal
from Project.
Safety Moment

Prevent falls always when working at height

Remember our motto,

‘The safer, the better…’

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Definition of Work at height
Working activity exposing worker to a fall risk from more
than 1.8 meters height from a permanent and stable level.

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The Work at Height Regulations 2005

? ‘Work at height’ means:

?! ?
! ! Work in any place, including a
place below ground level.

Obtaining access to or egress from

such a place while at work
(with the exception of a staircase
in a permanent workplace).

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WHY ARE WE HERE?

FACT:

WORKING AT HEIGHT IS DANGEROUS!

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Working at Height is dangerous:

Falls from height remain the most common cause

of workplace fatality.
Statistics 2010/ 2011 (UK).
 38 recorded fatalities.

 3177 major injuries.

 3598 ‘3’ day injuries.

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Reference documents

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The Work at Height Regulations 2005

What is the minimum height at which a worker MUST

!? ? from the consequences of a fall?
be protected
?! !  Most often it is stated to be 1.8meters above
ground level.
 However it should be based upon a
RISK ASSESSMENT!

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 Any
Questions?

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Hierarchy of Control

A  Avoid.

P  Prevent.

M  Mitigate.

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Hierarchy of Control

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 Any
Questions?

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Fall Prevention & Personal
Fall Protective Equipment

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Fall Prevention & Personal Fall Protective
Equipments
a) Shock absorber
For working at b) Connectors
height there shall c) Anchor device
be appropriate d) Fall arrest device
protection devices e) Retractable device
suitable for the f) Temporary lifeline
specific use, g) Hard lifeline
constituted by h) Harness
different
elements,
according to the
technical
standards
required, following
the manufacturer’s
instructions.

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Full Body Harness

Body wear: full body harness

 Holds the body as a fall stops

(arrests)
 Distributes fall forces
 Suspends worker ‘head up’
(post fall)
 Ergonomics – comfort in-use
 Maximum working weight
140kg

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Full Body Harness
 At least one dorsal anchor point

Asecond anchor point can be

present (sternal)

Awork positioning belt can be

present

It
can be equipped with thight
pad for suspension

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Full Body Harness

Pictures showing Body Harness & Lanyard

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Make Visual Inspection of Your full Body Harness

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PFPE Inspection & Donning
Inspection frequency? EVERY TIME!!!
Pre- use inspection, visual & function test.

• Label.
• Metalwork.
• Webbing.
• Stitching.
• ‘Keeps’.
• Buckles, catches, carabineers,
‘J’ hooks etc. (function).

BE Thorough

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Make Visual Inspection of Your full Body Harness
Check specific marking for fall-arrest devices
Body harnesses and each removable component must
be marked in a clear, indelible and permanent way
using a method that does not have adverse effects
on materials. The marking should contain at least
the following data:
 Number of reference regulation;
 Year of production;
 Name, trademark or other identification data of
the manufacturer;
 Information for the identification of the product
that should include the serial number or batch
number to trace the origin of the product.

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PFPE Inspection & Donning

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PFPE Inspection & Donning

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PFPE Inspection & Donning

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PFPE Inspection & Donning

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Connectors
All karabiners and snap hooks must be self-closing and
incorporate a locking system to prevent roll-out.

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Connectors

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Connectors

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Connectors

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Connectors

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Connectors

Snap hooks and karabiners should not be attached in the

following manner:

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Connectors

Pictures showing some examples of connectors

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Working at Height Categories

Work Restraint
Work Positioning
Fall Arrest

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What do all 3 categories have in common?

They all require a suitable ANCHOR!

Anchor MUST be capable of withstanding the forces generated by a fall!

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PFPS: European categories

Work Restraint.
The worker is attached to a system
which prevents them from moving into
an area from which a fall is possible.

Typical system consists of:

 Work restraint belt or full harness.
 Connecting device: i.e. restraint lanyard.
 Anchor.

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Restraint

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Restraint

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PFPS: European categories

Work Positioning.
Equipment holds the operator in
Position & allows hands free work.

Typical system consists of:

 Full body harness (with work belt).
 Connecting device: work position lanyard.
 Anchor.

MUST be used in conjunction with

Fall Arrest device.
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Work Positioning

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PFPS: European categories

Fall Arrest.
Equipment used to prevent the operator
from hitting the ground in a fall event.
 Limits fall distance.
 Holds the operator in a safe position
following a fall.
 ‘Arrests’ the fall, thus reducing forces
sustained by the operator.

Typical system consists of:

 Full body harness (with work belt).
 Connecting device: work position lanyard.
 Anchor.

……………………….
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Retractable Type Fall Arrester

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Retractable Type Fall Arrester

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Guided Fall Arrest Systems

 Fixed rail.

 Fixed wire.

 Flexible lifeline.

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Horizontal lifeline

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FALL ELEMENTS

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FALL ELEMENTS

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FALL ELEMENTS

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FALL ELEMENTS

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The Fall Factor

Fall
Factor
2 Fall
Fall
Factor
Factor
1
0
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FALL ELEMENTS

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FALL ELEMENTS
Total fall distance

Free fall, the distance of fall before fall arrest equipment

begins to slow down the wearer. The length of a lanyard
must be no longer than 6 ft (1.8 m – 2m).

Deceleration distance, the distance taken for the fall arrest

system to slow down and stop the wearer. Deceleration is
achieved by the operation of the energy absorber. The
process of deceleration increases the length of the total fall
distance by a maximum of 3.5 ft (1 m – 1-8m).

The change in the position of the body in the harness during

deceleration adds approximately 1 ft (0.3 m).

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 FALL ELEMENTS

Calculating the Clearance Distance at FF=2

Total fall distance =Length of lanyard 2m or 1.8M

Deceleration distance ( Shock absorber) 1.8 or 1 M
Body position change 0.3 m
Human length 1.8 m
Safety factor 1 m or

Required clearance 6.9M and above

Required clearance is the distance from foot level to the

nearest obstruction below. The 6 ft lanyard is taken to be
attached to the dorsal D ring located between the shoulder
blades.

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 Any
Questions?

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LADDER SAFETY

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Ladders

 Short duration.

 Low risk activity.

 No other means available.

……………………….

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Ladders
 Level, stable base.
 Heel 1/4 of height from
structure.
 Footed/ secured.
 ‘Belt buckle’ rule.
 Positioning?
4m  Angle of pitch is 75 degrees

1m
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Ladders
The main reasons why people fall from ladders:
 Ladder slips at top or bottom.
 Ladder flips over.
 Overstretching.
 Defective ladder.
 Slipping or lost footing.
 Ladder wobbles due to climber missing steps.
 Stepladder being used side on.

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Ladders
Daily checks
 Missing, damaged or worn anti-slip feet.

 Items stuck in the feet such as swarf, stones, grease or dirt

preventing full contact with the ground.

 Mud, grease or oil on the rungs or the stiles.

 Cracks in the rungs or stiles of the ladder.

 Missing, broken or weakened rungs.

 Cracked or damaged welds, missing or loose rivets or screws.

 Paint potentially covering any defects.

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Ladders

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WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE
SPOT THE HAZARD???

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Ladders & Defects

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Ladders & Defects

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Ladders & Defects

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Ladders & Defects

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Ladders & Defects

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Ladders
Do not position a ladder

 Where it can be knocked over. If this cannot be

avoided, have someone standing ready to warn others.

 Where people have to walk under it. If this cannot be

avoided, use barriers.

 Where it may be struck by a passing vehicle.

 Within 6 metres of an overhead power line, unless it

has been confirmed as disconnected or insulated.

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 Ladders
Before Positioning ladders (leaning or step ladders)

 Check each foot is on a clean, firm level footing. Look out

for oil, grease or loose material.

 When moving from soft/dirty ground to a smooth solid

surface, check the feet for any embedded dirt or material.

 Make sure the ladder is at the correct height. Never use

boxes or blocks etc to gain extra height.

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Ladders

Safeguard yourself at all times when working

at height …
Ladders
Positioning ladders (leaning or step ladders)

To erect a ladder, place the foot

against a fixed object and raise
the other end by progressing
hand over hand until it is upright.

Make sure the ladder is the right

way up by checking the profile of
the rungs.

The ladder must be at an angle of

75° or one unit out for every four
units up.
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Ladders
Positioning step ladders
Position stepladders with rungs facing work activity. Avoid
side on positioning as this is less stable. If ladders have
to be used side on, secure them by tying them off.

WRONG RIGHT
Make sure the stepladders are the correct length. Do not
use the top two steps unless it has a suitable handrail.
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 Any
Questions?

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SCAFFOLD SAFETY AWARNESS

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The Scaffold

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The Scaffold

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The Scaffold

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Responsibilities of scaffold users

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Responsibilities of scaffold users

 To use the scaffold safely and not to carry out any

modifications.

 To report defects and unauthorised modifications to

their supervisors. If a modification is required, it must
be carried out by an authorised scaffolder.

 To wear full body harness, including lanyards

incorporating an energy absorber.

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Scaffold–Inspection

Before using a scaffold structure, it must be visually

inspected to ensure that it is in a safe condition,

Ensure that :

 Guard rails, hand rails and toe boards are in place and
in good condition.

 Scaffold tubes are secured and free from damage.

 The Scafftag is in date.

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Scaffolds

 The structure must not be accessed by climbing the

bracing or guard rails.
 If a ladder is more than 9 metres high, a platform must
be provided.
 A ladder must extend past a platform by at least 1
metre or 3 rungs.
 Ladders must be secured enough to prevent bounce and
whip.
 The angle of pitch must be 75° - one unit out for every
four units up.

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Scaffolds & work platform loading
Do not overload the structure. Check the Scafftag for
the maximum weight allowed. If in doubt, ask your
supervisor.

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Scaffolds & work Platform loading

 Do not throw anything from the structure. Pass objects

down hand to hand or lowered by rope or gin wheel.

 Work equipment must be placed so that they do not

become a trip hazard or be kicked over the edge of the
platform.

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Scaffolds & Use of Scafftag

The Scafftag system is designed to ensure a safe

scaffolding structure by:

 Recording the date, name of competent person and

result of inspection.

 Stating the maximum load allowed on the structure.

 Stating the name of the inspector.

 Listing any special considerations concerning the

structure.

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Use of Scafftag

YELLOW
Green Check last Red
Safe to use inspection date Do not use!

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Mobile Tower Scaffolds
People and materials should not remain on the
tower, whilst it is moved – the structure can
easily be overturned when being moved.
Towers become very unstable on uneven ground
– they cannot cope with undulations and
potholes the way independent scaffolds can.

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Mobile Tower scaffolds

 The recommended access / egress procedures for

ascending and descending the tower must be observed.

 Care should be taken to avoid obstacles, particularly

overhead electrical cables, when the tower is moved.

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Mobile Tower scaffolds
 The tower should be moved by applying manual force
at or near the base.

 The tower should not be moved by mechanical means

(towing with a vehicle or lifting with a crane).

 When towers are used for such jobs as drilling,

considerable horizontal forces may result. Great care
must be taken to ensure that the tower is not
overturned.

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Mobile Tower scaffolds

The wheels must be locked when the tower is in use.

Unlocked stop up Locked stop down

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Mobile Tower scaffolds

Ladders must NEVER be placed on the top platform to

extend the height of the tower. The outward force,
when the ladder is climbed, may cause it to overturn.

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Group Discussions

Working in Groups,
Discuss following Scenario

What could go wrong ??

SPOT THE HAZARD

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Hazards on scaffolds

Slip/trip causing hazards

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Hazards on scaffolds

Gaps in work platform

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Hazards on scaffolds

Bad edge protection

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Suspension Trauma (Pre Syncope)
SUSPENSION TRAUMA IS LIFE THREATENING!
Anyone suspended in a harness is at risk!
Signs & Symptoms
 Generic trauma caused by fall event?
 Light headedness.
 Anxious/ frightened/ scared.
 Tingling or numbness in arms &/ or legs.
 Blurry vision.
 Feeling faint.
 Unconsciousness.
 Respiratory & cardiac arrest.

Death can occur within

10 minutes of onset of symptoms!
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Self Rescue
If you sustain a fall, do the following;

Shout for HELP!!!

If safe to do so, maneuver to a

safe position and deploy work
positioning lanyard.

If unable to maneuver,
deploy ‘Suspension Strap’/
R/P lanyard.

Move feet & legs to

maintain circulation.

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Practical Simulations…

Any Questions?

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