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WORKING AT HEIGHT SAFELY
IN GENERAL REPAIR &
MAINTENANCE
Andy Weaver
SGB Group Product Marketing Manager
WORK AT HEIGHT
The SGB View
Work at Height
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The new Regulations :
• Represent the most
significant changes affecting
work at height since 1966
• Are already having a radical
impact on many industries
Work at Height
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Key implications for all concerned
• Planning and organisational practice
• Competence
• Changes in attitude to access product
requirements
• Product selection
• Product innovation
Scope
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Everyone is affected :
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Main Clients
Purchasing / procurement
Maintenance Managers
Hotel Management
R & M Contractors
Competence
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“Every employer shall ensure that no person engages
In any activity, including organisation, planning, and
supervision, in relation to work at height or work
equipment for use in such work unless he is
competent to do so, or if being trained, is being
supervised by a competent person.”
Regulation 5 of the WAH Regulations
Planning and Organisation
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Work at Height must be :
• properly planned
• appropriately supervised
• carried out in a manner that is safe as far as
is reasonably practicable
• planned including the selection of suitable
work equipment in accordance with the
Regulations
Repair & Maintenance Access
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The Finishing, Repair and Maintenance trades
• Painting & decorating
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Plastering & tiling
Heating & ventilating
Lighting & acoustics
High curtain railing –
ballrooms etc
• Signage
• Cleaning
Internal repair & maintenance
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Common themes
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Low rise applications
Repetitive work
Short duration applications
Often low risk
Is a daily requirement
Selection of suitable work equipment
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The methods we
once used :•
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The beer or milk crate
Chairs & stools
Tables
Steps and Ladders
Anything !
Selection of suitable work equipment
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We now need to assess every
application :• the distance to be negotiated
• distance & consequences of a
fall
• duration and frequency of use
• any additional risks posed by
installation and removal
RISK ASSESSMENT…..
Selection of Suitable Equipment
Work equipment
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According to the WAHR
heirarchy we must :• Avoid working at height
• Prevent falls
• Mitigate the
consequences
of a fall
Preventing Falls
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• In much repair and
maintenance activity,the
work is often of short
duration and of a reptetive
nature
• The most often used solution
is the
Ladder or Stepladder
Ladders and Steps
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• Risk assessment required
to prove that safer
equipment is not
appropriate because of :
• Low risk and
• Short duration or site
configuration
Ladders & Steps : Definitions
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Low Risk :
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3 points of contact
Limited height (up to 5m for example)
Can be anchored for regular work
Firm, level ground
Use of effective stabilising devices
Short Duration :
• BLMA (in consultation with HSE) suggest 30 mins
NB: both above criteria must be met
New product innovations
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There is now a plethora of new low-level products
available for repair and maintenance applications
enabling work to be undetaken in greater comfort and
with far less risk to the person carrying out the
task………….
Main Product Types
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Podium steps
Room scaffolds
Hop-up step platforms
Height adjustable Stepladders
Pop-Up work platforms
Stair & spanning scaffolds
Aluminium towers
Plastic blocks
Mobile and static
Aluminium / GRP
Podium Steps
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Low- Level Internal platform to
prevent falls
• Compact – 1 person
• Generally 150kg safe working
load
• Up to 1.5m platform height (2.5m
working)
• Meet legal guardrail requirements
• Mobile
• Fixed and adjustable options
Podium Steps
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• Fit through
standard
doorways
• Easy access &
egress
Room Scaffolds
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Prevent falls
Light duty
For more than 1 person
Platform heights up to 6.0m
Narrow width
Mobile
Hop-Up Step Platforms
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• For the lowest of levels
• 500mm platform height
• Guardrailed /
unguardrailed
• 110kg – 150kg SWL
• Aluminium & alu/GRP
• Non-slip decks
• Replaces the beer crate
Height Adjustable Stepladders
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Platform heights up to 3.0m
Handrails
Platform guardrails
Toeboarded
Stabilised
Pop-Up Work Platforms
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Stable work platform
Variable height options
One-piece units
Failsafe
Simple operation
Adjustable outriggers
Lightweight & compact
Easily stored
Stair scaffolds
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• For stairways &
stairwells
• Static unit
• Through access
• Narrow – less than
700mm wide
• Stable
• Safer than a
ladder
Spanning scaffolds
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• Aluminium bridging
platforms
• Up and over access
• Ideal for Offices &
reception areas
• Platform heights up to 2m
• 2 persons + tools
Aluminium Towers
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Prevent falls
For higher applications
More than one platform
Built-in ladder access
Stabilisers / outriggers
For all trades
PASMA Trained personnel
Plastic blocks
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High density polyethylene
150kg SWL
Block,bridge & step
Totally captive unit
Easy to move
Simply slots together
Handrail available
Powered Access
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For larger external areas
• For heavier duty
applications
• May reduce the risks of
installation
• Need level ground and
operator skills
Conclusions
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• Significant changes have already taken place since
advent of WAHR in 2005
• Changes in culture for many trades.
• The lead is coming from the major contractors.
• New equipment is being developed to meet the new
requirements
• Further major changes will continue for some time
• We will not continue with the old ways!
The Role of SGB
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• Advice
• Interpreting
customer needs
• Staff competence
• Set example
• Product Innovation
• Professional
Services
Work at Height
in General Repair & Maintenance