Work at Height - What you need to know

1. CLIENTUPDATE
04 August 2010
Working Safely at Height
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 were Measures must be put into place to prevent
introduced in April 2005 to reduce the large persons falling from height, and the
number of fatal accidents in the workplace. regulations require collective measures to be
Falls from height are the single biggest cause provided rather than personal measures. For
of workplace deaths and one of the main example, guardrails should be provided on a
causes of major injury. roof rather than relying on a Latchway system
and harnesses.
A place is ʻat heightʼ if a person could be
injured falling from it, even if it is at or below
ground level (unless the Regulations are
followed).
The regulations place duties on employers
and any person that controls the work of
others to avoid work at height where possible,
and where work at height cannot be avoided,
measures must be put in place to prevent
persons falling from height.
Of course, the regulations do not only apply to
Employers must consider regular planned large scale construction and regular
activities such as cleaning and maintenance maintenance tasks, they also apply to all
as well as infrequent activities, such as roof industries and workplaces, e.g. accessing
repairs, and pay particular attention to work items stored on racking or shelving.
carried out by contractors.
© 2010 Peligro Risk Management Limited 1

2. Do the Work at Height Regulations 2005 • A mobile ladder shall be prevented from
ban the use of ladders? moving before it is stepped on.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 do not • Where a ladder or run of ladders rises a
ban ladders. They require that ladders should vertical distance of 9 metres or more above its
only be considered where a risk assessment base, there shall, where reasonably
has shown that the use of other more suitable practicable, be provided at suitable intervals
work equipment is not appropriate because of sufficient safe landing areas or rest platforms.
the low risk, and short duration of the task or • Every ladder shall be used in such a way that -
considerations of where the work is located e.g. • a secure handhold and secure support are
Lack of space. always available to the user; and
• the user can maintain a safe handhold when
Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations
carrying a load unless, in the case of a step
2005 deals with the requirements for ladders
ladder, the maintenance of a handhold is not
and states:
practicable when a load is carried, and a risk
ʼSchedule 6 Requirements for Ladders: assessment under regulation 3 of the
Every employer shall ensure that a ladder is Management Regulations has demonstrated
used for work at height only if a risk assessment that the use of a stepladder is justified
under regulation 3 of the Management because of -
Regulations has demonstrated that the use of $ - the low risk; and
more suitable work equipment is not justified $ - the short duration of use.
because of the low risk, the short duration of
use, or an existing features on site which he What do I need to do?
cannot alter. As an employer or a person in control of work
• Any surface upon which a ladder rests shall be carried out by others, you must must ensure;
stable, firm, of sufficient strength and of • all work at height is properly planned and
suitable composition safely to support the organised;
ladder so that its rungs or steps remain • those involved in work at height are
horizontal, and any loading intended to be competent;
placed on it. • the risks from work at height are assessed and
• A ladder shall be so positioned as to ensure its appropriate work equipment is selected and
stability during use.
used;
• A suspended ladder shall be attached in a
• the risks from fragile surfaces are properly
secure manner and so that, with the exception
controlled; and
of a flexible ladder, it cannot be displaced and
• equipment for work at height is properly
swinging is prevented.
inspected and maintained.
• A portable ladder shall be prevented from
slipping during use by -
Robust systems must be in place to ensure
• securing the stiles at or near their upper or
work carried out by contractors is properly
lower ends;
controlled. Work at height must be a key
• an effective anti-slip or other effective stability
device; or consideration during assessment of contractor
competence.
• any other arrangement of equivalent
effectiveness.
If you would like further information about
• A ladder used for access shall be long enough
managing work at height please contact us;
to protrude sufficiently above the place of
landing to which it provides access, unless
other measures have been taken to ensure a
firm handhold.
• No interlocking or extension ladder shall be
used unless its sections are prevented from
moving relative to each other while in use. Enquiries@peligro.co.uk
0845 643 9707
© 2010 Peligro Risk Management Limited 2