UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
The Management of Working at Heights
APPROVED CODE of PRACTICE
Scope
This Approved Code of Practice aims to:
•
•
set standards for the management of working at heights by departments,
provide a framework for systems in departments for the working at heights
Application
This Approved Code of Practice is intended for implementation in all UCL’s constituent academic
and administrative departments, institutes, schools and divisions in UCL, with the exception of
Estates and Facilities - Construction and Maintenance. In this document the term “department” is
used generically to apply to all UCL management “entities” whose Head annually reviews and signs
a statement of safety policy. UCL requires the Heads of its constituent units to manage safety
aspects of their work to the same standard as that of academic research, teaching, administration
and service provision as appropriate.
Introduction
This document, a UCL-approved Code of Practice (UCL-A CoP), provides a mechanism by which
departments can fulfil their duty to assess and manage the risk to health and safety arising from
working at heights.
This Code of Practice forms part of UCL’s general arrangements for health and safety and is also
part of a department’s own arrangements for health and safety under its Statement of Safety Policy
(SSP). It will assist the department to comply with the requirements of UCL in accordance with
legislative requirements if departments follow this advice, they will normally be doing enough to
comply with the UCL-A CoP. Departments may use alternative methods to those set out in this
Code but if so will have to show that they have met, as a minimum, the standard set out in this
ACoP.
This ACoP and Appendices have been drawn up by Safety Services making use of guidance
issued by the Health and Safety Executive and other “best practice” where appropriate. They are
approved for use in UCL and its constituent Institutes, Divisions and Departments by the Health and
Safety Management Team (HSMT) and are published after consultation as widely as possible with
interested parties. The ACoP applies to all staff, contractors and students involved in work at
heights as well as those persons e.g. contractors, service engineers, visitors, cleaners etc. who
may, from time to time, have to enter areas where such work is being carried out. This ACoP does
not apply to persons working under the direction of Estates and Facilities – Construction and
Maintenance.
The Risk
The principles and practices described in this code are aimed at mitigating the risk of injury and
damage to health caused by working at heights as a result of a lack of systematic, planned
management. Risk may be perceived as less if the work is temporary or an occasional operation
(e.g. use of ladders to mount a display) but in fact it may pose greater risk than where work at
heights is a regular activity.
Abbreviations
HSMT
Health and Safety Management Team
HSE
Health and Safety Executive
DSO
Departmental Safety Officer
SSP
Statement of safety policy (UCL or departmental)
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
Legislation addressed by this UCL-ACoP
Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Covers the prevention of falls and persons being injured by falling objects, including window
cleaning. Regulation 13(1) – (4) revoked by the Working at Heights Regulations 2005.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
Requires that any personal protective equipment for a work activity is suitable, and the requirement
for it to be inspected and maintained.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Requires the employer to ensure that any work equipment is suitable for the purpose for which it is
used or provided.
The employer shall ensure that work equipment is inspected and maintained in an efficient state, in
efficient working order and in good repair.
Use, repairs, modifications, maintenance or servicing of the work equipment is restricted to those
who have been designated and are competent and trained to do such operations.
The Temporary Work at Height Directive
The Directive covers all access equipment used for temporary work at heights with specific
requirements covering scaffolding, ladders and rope access equipment and positioning techniques
(such as boatswains' chairs and similar equipment used offshore). It was superseded by the
Working at Heights Regulations 2005.
Working at Heights Regulations 2005
Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007
The application of the 2005 Regulations to work concerning the provision of instruction or
leadership to one or more persons in connection with their engagement in caving or climbing by
way of sport, recreation, team building or similar activities.
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1.
Application of this UCL-ACoP
UCL – ACOP
This advice applies to all work where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause
personal injury.
It also applies to the provision of or leadership in caving or climbing by way of
sport, recreation, team building or similar activities.
This advice does not apply to Construction and Maintenance works carried out
by or on behalf of the Estates and Facilities Division.
1.1
Guidance
With the exception of the work managed by Estates and Facilities Division where
separate arrangements will apply, this advice applies to all UCL Departments,
Divisions, Schools, and Institutes.
The advice applies to all staff, students and visitors, e.g. contractors and service
engineers, who are involved in working at heights.
The guidance does apply to UCL projects involving fieldwork and any activities such as
caving, climbing sports, recreation, team building, etc., and should be read in
conjunction with UCL policy on Fieldwork.
1.1
2.
Definition of Working at Heights
UCL – ACOP
This definition extends to obtaining access to or egress from any work at height,
except by a staircase in a permanent place.
2.1
Guidance
2.1
3.
Any work on, below, or above ground level where there is risk of personal injury
through falling and / or a potential risk to people below the work site being
injured by falling objects.
A place is ‘at height‘ if a person could be injured falling from it, even if they are at or
below ground level; e.g. by a hole, edge or falling on to a dangerous surface. Any
means of accessing the work except by permanent staircase falls within the scope of
this Guidance.
Requirements
UCL – ACOP
3.1
All work at height must be properly planned and organised.
Guidance
A plan of work will include a risk assessment, the selection of work equipment, i.e. tools
as well as means of access and egress, supervision and training, emergencies and
rescue, so as to ensure the safety of all involved.
3.1
UCL – ACOP
3.2
Do not work at height unless it is absolutely unavoidable.
Eliminate the need to work at height in the design stage.
Page 4 of 18
Guidance
Consider whether there are ways of doing the job which avoid working at height. It
may be possible to carry out cleaning work, for example, from the ground or catwalk
using long-handled cleaning tools.
Prepare as much of the work as possible at ground level.
When planning for work at height, consider where the work will be done. The first
choice will be any existing structure which allows safe access and provides a safe
working place. Where it is not possible to work safely from the existing structure, an
extra working platform will be needed.
3.2
Consider whether the task could be transferred to a competent contractor.
UCL – ACOP
3.3
Precautions must be taken to prevent falls.
Guidance
3.3
Ensure the provision of suitable guard rails, toe boards, fall arrest devices, safety
nets/air bags for any work activity that is to be undertaken where a person might fall.
UCL – ACOP
3.4
If there is an increased risk of injury when falling, e.g. work above a dangerous
surface, then suitable precautions will also be required.
3.4
Although the fall may not in itself be from a height, there is a risk of hitting something
whilst falling. How you fall and what you hit on the way down can, and will, affect the
outcome.
Where possible remove or cover any danger below the work area. Precautions must
be taken to prevent falls onto dangerous surfaces, e.g. into traffic routes, or onto
dangerous surfaces such as glass, spikes, benches of chemicals or apparatus.
Equally measures should be put in place to prevent anyone striking such things during
the fall.
UCL – ACOP
3.5
Precautions must be in place to prevent any person being struck by a falling
object likely to cause personal injury.
Guidance
Tools used as part of the working at heights or the equipment being worked on at
height (or some component of it) could fall onto someone below.
Means of preventing this include, fencing off the area below the work, limit access to
the area below the work, installation of netting, provision of edge protection, tool belts,
and a suitable surface to rest the tools on.
Guidance
3.5
4.
Management responsibility, supervision and other duties
UCL – ACOP
4.1
Guidance
4.1
UCL – ACOP
4.2
The Head of Department (HOD)
The Head of Department is responsible to Provost and Council for the safe
management of working at heights in accordance with the UCL Statement of
Safety Policy (SSP) and the Departmental Statement of Safety Policy (DSSP).
The duties of the HOD for ensuring the safe management of working at heights are the
same as those for all other aspects of safety management as described in the UCL
SSP. The HOD authorises specific staff to work, or supervise work at heights based on
that individual’s competence.
Managers
The Head of Department delegates the duty to ensure safe working at heights
to the relevant senior departmental staff.
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Guidance
4.2
UCL – ACOP
4.3
Guidance
4.3
UCL – ACOP
4.4
Guidance
4.4
UCL – ACOP
4.5
Guidance
4.5
This delegated duty is the normal pattern for the supervision of work. If the manager is
absent from the department they should delegate the day -to-day management of the
work to a named member of the team who is suitably skilled and experienced to carry
out the necessary management duties. These management duties include assessment
of risk and ensuring the implementation of the risk control measures required by their
assessments. It is the duty of the person supervising the work to ensure that all staff
students and visitors are informed of any precautionary measures they must observe.
Staff and Students
Staff and students working at heights must observe the control measures
required as a result of the risk assessment of their work and any other
measures as directed by UCL or the Department that are designed to protect
their health and safety. In taking due care for their own safety they shall have
regard for the safety of others. This duty applies also to visitors to the
Department.
These duties are in accordance with and do not exceed the duties imposed on any
person under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Graduate students are treated
for the purposes of this ACOP as if they were employees. Visitors to the Department
who are undertaking work may be treated as if they were employees but care should be
taken to supervise their work. Despite the fact that they may be experienced, they are
not likely to be knowledgeable about UCL and its systems and procedures.
Departmental Safety Officer (DSO)
The DSO is appointed by the Head of Department to monitor the day-to-day
standard of safety management in the department. Where appropriate i.e. the
department exists on more than one site, it may be necessary to appoint one or
more deputies.
The HOD should appoint a Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) to assist in monitoring
the department’s compliance with this ACOP.
It is not the duty of the DSO to carry out risk assessments but to ensure that they have
been carried out and to bring to the attention of the Head or departmental management
any non-compliance with departmental arrangements for safe working at heights.
Visitors
Visitors engaged on work at heights must observe the risk control measures
required as a result of risk assessment (Section 5), and take due care for their
own safety and that of others.
Visitors are non-departmental employees including contractors, maintenance workers,
cleaners, etc. (though they might be UCL employees) who are required to work at
heights or in areas where work at heights is being conducted.
Visitors (including observers, contractors, etc.) should be provided with relevant safety
information including the precautions necessary to ensure their safety while on site.
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5.
The risk-assessment for working at heights
UCL – ACOP
5.1
Guidance
If work at heights cannot be avoided a detailed risk assessment should be
conducted before the work commences.
This must determine what health and safety measures need to be adopted to
avoid or reduce risk.
The Risk assessment should be undertaken by the supervisor of the work in conjunction
with the person(s) doing the work.
The risk assessment should consider the following:
5.1
UCL – ACOP
•
the activity
•
the means of accessing and working at height e.g. ladder and working platform
•
the condition and stability of the work surfaces
•
the duration of the work
•
the equipment that will be used at height, e.g. tools and their weight
•
personal protective equipment
•
the environment, e.g. weather, temperature, lighting
•
the physical condition of the people involved e.g. age, fitness, pregnancy, vertigo
•
•
•
the training and supervision of the people undertaking the work at heights
maintenance and storage of the equipment used for working at heights
emergencies and rescue.
5.2
Assess what activity will be done at height, this will determine what means will be
used to access and work at height.
Ensure sufficient space for the person working at height and the tools they will
use.
Introduce control measures to prevent persons falling from the height.
Prevent tools being dropped causing harm to those below.
Where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated limit the distance and
consequences.
Guidance
•
Plan to do as much of the work as possible at ground level (preparative work to be
done at ground level)
•
Reduce the need to reach or overstretch
•
Check that there is a safe method of access to and from the work area, e.g. working
platforms
•
Provide sufficient space and a suitable surface to rest tools on
•
Make sure work platforms and any edges from which people may fall (e.g. roofs and
holes in platforms), have guard-rails and toe boards or other secure barriers.
•
If the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, consider the need to use fall arrest or safety
nets, especially when working on or over fragile or dangerous surfaces.
5.2
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UCL – ACOP
5.3
Guidance
Determine and specify the equipment will be suitable for the job and conditions
on site.
Ensure that the person undertaking the task will be able to move safely and has
enough room to manoeuvre when working at height.
Ensure that equipment is safe before using it, especially any provided by another
company.
Ensure whoever assembles and erects the equipment has been properly trained.
Select the equipment which is most suitable to access and work at height e.g. ladders,
trestles, scaffold, scissor lift, cherry picker.
Note: Ideally ladders should only be used to access height; where reasonably
practicable they should not be used as a working platform.
5.3
Provide a secure platform which:
• will allow the worker(s) to move around freely without overstretching
• is rigid, will not slip: use an anti slip device, lock the platform in position, tie it off, or
ask someone to foot it
• can support the weight of the personnel and equipment to be used on it
• facilitates easy access, egress and rescue in the event of an emergency
• does not allow any person being caught between it and any adjacent structure.
UCL – ACOP
5.4.
Ensure the condition of the work surfaces and the ground is stable, not sloped,
fragile or slippery as this could lead to a fall involving the worker or work
equipment.
Guidance
Where possible use an existing structure which will allow safe access and provide a safe
working platform. Where this is not possible, a safe working platform must be provided.
Site the equipment used to access the height on stable ground, avoid fragile or unstable
surfaces. Ensure the equipment is securely footed.
Provide a stable means (ladder, working platform etc) of accessing the height which will
not overturn. Where necessary and wherever possible it should be secured to an
existing structure.
Take account of the gradient of the ground, especially where mobile platforms are used.
Use the wheel locks on these.
Floors of the trestle or working platform should be clean, dry, and not slippery.
5.4
UCL – ACOP
5.5
Guidance
Fragile areas e.g. glass roof lights, should be delineated and crawling boards provided for
access and egress.
Plan how long the work will take taking account of the usual duration plus extra
time for:
• access to and egress from to the working area
• persons working at height may tire more easily
• any equipment which has to be removed at the end of each day
• any effect the environment may have on the work.
Persons working at heights may tire more easily, especially if they are working with arms
upstretched.
The work plan should allow for rests.
There should be safe access to a rest area.
Time and assistance, possibly mechanical means, should be provided for removal of the
equipment at the end of each working day where necessary.
5.5
If working outside, could working hours be affected by lack of daylight?
Page 8 of 18
UCL – ACOP
5.6
Guidance
Provide for equipment to be used at height. Precautions must be in place to
prevent any person being struck by a falling object likely to cause personal injury.
Consider other risks such as trailing power cables.
To prevent falling objects which could cause personal injury to persons in the area below,
consider the need for the following:
• Fence off or prohibit access to the area beneath the work area
• Provide a place where tools or equipment used at height can be stored safely when
not in use.
• The worker should remove objects which could fall from their person.
• When at height, secure hand tools to a work belt
• Provide netting to catch any falling tools or equipment
• Remove all items of equipment and materials from tower scaffolds before moving the
scaffold
Use of equipment
• Will the equipment be battery or mains operated?
• How will the mains be supplied?
If using battery operated equipment ensure sufficient spares are available at height.
5.6
It may be cost effective to hire all associated equipment e.g. netting, access tower, PPE
at the same time.
UCL – ACOP
5.7
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided not only for those working
at height but also for persons who may not be able to avoid working underneath.
Guidance
This may include; hard hats, knee pads (for crawling), gloves and safety harness/fall
arrest systems.
Any PPE must be the correct size and comfortable for the person wearing it.
5.7
UCL – ACOP
5.8
Considerations must be made for working conditions, including: weather,
temperature, and lighting.
Guidance
5.8
Working in hot and cold temperatures will make the person tire more quickly.
Cold temperatures may reduce a worker’s dexterity, as may the wearing of PPE – gloves,
bulky clothing.
Wet weather may make the means of access slippery e.g. ladder rungs, and tools less
easy to grip. Avoid work at heights in wet, cold or windy weather.
Reduced lighting will slow the task; again the worker may tire more easily.
Allow more time for work in uncomfortable temperatures and poor weather, and
incorporate more work breaks.
UCL – ACOP
5.9
Consideration must be given to the physical capability of the person expected to
or working at heights.
Guidance
Persons who suffer from vertigo, pregnant women, and persons with impaired mobility
etc should not work or be asked to work at heights.
You may also take into account the general fitness and age of the person when selecting
personnel to work at heights.
5.9
Consider any lifting and handling requirements needed to carry out the work.
Page 9 of 18
UCL – ACOP
5.10
Guidance
Before work commences Supervisors must ensure that all staff and students
working at heights receive sufficient information instruction, and training
necessary for them to work safely.
If a person is not competent to work alone or is being trained, they must be
supervised by a competent person.
The findings documented in the risk assessment must be communicated to all
who will be affected by the work including visitors and others, where necessary,
who may not be directly participating in the work.
Written records of all training must be kept for each individual worker detailing
the topics covered in their training and the dates of training.
Those working at heights must be competent both to work at heights AND to undertake
the task to be carried out at height.
Those working at heights must be trained to inspect and use equipment used to access
heights. Further training and supervision will be required to ensure safe use and rescue
procedures for specialised equipment e.g. a rope access system, safety harness or a
boatswain's chair.
Manufacturers and suppliers of equipment may be useful contacts for information on
suitable courses.
There must be adequate supervision for those undertaking work at heights.
The findings documented in the risk assessment must be communicated to all who will be
affected by the work including visitors and others, where necessary, who may not be
directly participating in the work.
5.10
A record of the training must be maintained for each individual, detailing training dates,
the equipment they have been trained to use and the topics covered in their training.
UCL – ACOP
5.11
Emergencies And Rescue. The place of work must allow an easy and timely
evacuation and rescue in the event of an emergency.
Guidance
An emergency may arise when;
installing or removing work equipment - including the working platform,
in the place of work e.g. fire,
or
from the work equipment, e.g. electric shock or failure of working platform.
The place of work must be arranged in such a way as to allow easy egress for the
workers and easy access for any rescue that might be necessary in the event of an
emergency.
5.11
6.
Control Measures for access to and working at heights
UCL – ACOP
6.1
Control Measures must be implemented to prevent falls from heights and
personal injury occurring as a result of falls.
Guidance
Collective protection measures such as safety nets should be given priority over personal
protective equipment such as safety harnesses. The hierarchy for the selection of access
equipment is such that ladders and rope access should only be used if the use of other
safer work equipment such as scaffolding is not justified e.g. because of the short duration
of the work or particular features of the site.
6.1
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UCL – ACOP
6.2
On the basis of a risk assessment, users are required to select suitable and safe
access equipment for the work at heights.
Guidance
There is a variety of equipment which can be used for accessing and working at heights.
6.2
UCL – ACOP
6.3
Guidance
The following are regarded as proper and suitable equipment which may used to access
or work at heights: ladders, trestles, scaffolds, safety harnesses, cradles.
Ladders should only be used as a place to work from, if a risk assessment can
demonstrate that the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because
of the low risk, the short duration of the work or particular features of the site, and
therefore may only be used if the use of other safer work equipment such as
scaffolding or tower is not justified.
Do not use a ladder to access the place of work where a safer method is
reasonably practicable.
Use a good quality ladder.
Check ladders before use; do not use any ladder with a defect. (Note: The painting of
timber ladders could hide defects and is prohibited).
Any fault or defect must be reported to the line manager and the ladder taken out of
service.
Ladders should be positioned and secured in order to ensure that they are stable and do
not slip during use, placed on firm footing with each stile equally supported.
Portable ladders must rest on a stable, strong, suitably sized, immobile footing so that the
rungs remain horizontal.
The feet of portable ladders must be prevented from slipping during use by securing the
stiles at or near their upper or lower ends, by any anti-slip device or by any other
arrangement of equal effectiveness.
Ladders must be used in such a way that a secure handhold and secure support are
available to workers at all times. It is easier to climb by gripping the rung than the stile.
In particular, if a load has to be carried by hand on a ladder, it must not preclude the
maintenance of a safe handhold.
Ladders used for access to a platform must be long enough to protrude sufficiently
beyond the access platform, (at least 1.05m) unless other measures have been taken to
ensure a firm handhold.
Suspended ladders must be attached in a secure manner and, with the exception of rope
ladders, so that they cannot be displaced and so that swinging is prevented.
Interlocking ladders and extension ladders must be used so that the different sections are
prevented from moving relative to one another while in use.
When using extension ladders allow sufficient extension overlap.
Mobile ladders must be prevented from moving before they are stepped on.
Use the ladder at suitable angle, ladders should be positioned at approximately 75°, a
ratio of 1 horizontal to 4 vertical, sufficiently secured to prevent the ladder slipping or
falling.
Where a ladder or run of ladders rise a vertical distance of 9 metres or more above its
base, safe landing areas or rest platforms should be provided a suitable intervals, where
reasonably practicable.
The ladder should be used in such a way that a secure handhold and secure support are
available to the user. Where the user is carrying a load and there is no handhold, the
work must be low risk and of short duration.
6.3
Always use good working practice, do not over-reach, slide down, etc.
Do not use a ladder near overhead hazards (electrical cables etc.).
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UCL – ACOP
6.4
Access towers, including tower scaffolds, can be used as a temporary scaffold
and where possible provide the working platform.
Guidance
Ensure the tower is sited on level, sound ground and that it is constructed correctly.
The tower must not have a base dimension of less than 1.2 metres.
The height of the working platform must not exceed three times the smaller of the base
dimensions.
It must be stable so there is no risk of it falling over, e.g. stabilised by outriggers.
Ladders used in conjunction with tower scaffolds must be used at the correct angle and
secured to the scaffold (either tied or footed).
Check the frame sections fit together easily and that no interlock clips are missing or
malfunctioning.
Check the welds and the frame for cracks.
Check for dents, holes, distortion, cuts and corrosion.
Remove from use:
• any length where there is dent of more than 5mm per 300mm length
• distortion or bending, greater than 5mm in a one metre length
• any damage or corrosion that perforates the metal.
Check wheels and castors rotate freely and brake mechanisms work properly.
Check castor stems for damage and that castors cannot fall out when the tower is moved.
Check stabilisers are solid, and secure when clamped to frame uprights.
On telescopic components, operate locking clips and ensure there is no movement in the
mechanism.
On screw adjustable components, inspect thread for damage check that male and female
threads do not bind or stick.
Check platform decking is securely fixed to framework.
Check for damage to decking, check toeboards for splits and toeboard holders for cracks.
6.4
UCL – ACOP
6.5
Guidance
Ensure all components are clean, free of materials such as plaster and cement or other
contaminants that may cause corrosion or cause slipping.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used to provide safe access to
high level work.
When using a MEWP ensure that:
• whoever is operating it is fully trained and competent;
• the work platform is provided with guard rails and toe boards or other suitable barriers;
• it is used on firm and level ground. The ground may have to be prepared in advance;
• the tyres are properly inflated;
• any outriggers are extended and chocked as necessary before raising the platform;
• everyone knows what to do if the machine fails with the platform in the raised position
• it is not operated close to overhead cables or other dangerous machinery;
• the equipment is not moved with the platform in the raised position unless the
equipment is designed to allow this to be done safely (check the manufacturer's
instructions).
Some MEWPs are described as suitable for 'rough terrain'. Check the manufacturer's
instructions before taking them onto or sloping, uneven or undulating ground.
6.5
Wearing a harness with a fall restraint lanyard attached to the platform can provide extra
protection against falls, especially while the platform is in motion.
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UCL – ACOP
6.6
Mobile and suspended access equipment
Only where it is not possible to work from the existing structure and the use of a
scaffold working platform is not appropriate, a range of access equipment
including suspended cradles, boatswain's chairs or seats can be used.
Guidance
6.6
Detailed guidance on the use of suspended cradles is given in Appendix 1.
UCL – ACOP
Rope Access, Safety Harnesses , fall arrest systems and their anchor points .
Only where no other method is practicable, or when work platforms cannot
comply with all the requirements for safe work (e.g. a guardrail has to be
removed to land materials) should a way of arresting falls e.g. a harness and
lines, be relied upon.
6.7
Guidance
6.7
Detailed guidance on the use of Suspended Cradles is given in Appendix 2.
UCL – ACOP
6.8
Airbags and Safety Nets
Safety nets and airbags may be needed and can be used to protect people when
putting guardrails or other protection in place.
They can also be used during short term routine and/or unforeseen maintenance
work.
Guidance
Airbags take the form of inflatable mattresses, and inflate in a few minutes.
Airbags and safety nets can be used to break a fall from height near a leading edge
where there is no protection already in place, e.g. erecting a working platform or work
on/near fragile surfaces e.g. around roof lights in non-fragile roofs.
n.b. roof lights can be difficult to spot if they have been painted over as they can blend in
with the surrounding sheets.
The safety net or air bag should be placed immediately below the roof light/fragile
covering.
6.8
Use of secure covers over the roof lights; is also acceptable, e.g. crawling boards.
UCL – ACOP
Edge protection and guard rails.
Scaffolds and any edge which has a drop of more than 2 metres or where the fall
is on to a dangerous surface should have edge protection.
6.9
Guidance
If work at height is unavoidable, aim to protect against falls by providing a suitable
working platform fitted with edge protection and guard rails.
Edge protection (toeboards) should be high enough to stop materials and tools falling
from the platform
The space between toeboards and guardrails should be no more than 760mm.
6.9
Guard rails must be fitted to working platforms between 915mm and 1.15 metres above
the platform level.
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7.
Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment
UCL – ACOP
7.1
All equipment used for accessing and working at heights must be regularly
inspected.
Guidance
All equipment used for accessing or working at heights and means of fall prevention must
be checked before each use.
In addition a programme of regular inspection should be implemented by the department.
Inspection is necessary where the equipment is being assembled at a new site or new
location, could have deteriorated, e.g. as a result of weathering or as a result of a
circumstance which could affect the safe use of the work equipment, e.g. as a result of
being struck by a vehicle or heavy object.
The extent of the inspection will depend on the type of equipment, where it is used and
how it is used.
It can be a simple visual inspection or detailed comprehensive inspection including some
dismantling e.g. of tower scaffold.
Do not use any equipment which has or appears to have a defect. (Note: The painting of
timber ladders could hide defects and is prohibited).
The inspections should include the wear of ladders, trestles.
Any fault or defect must be reported to the line manager and the ladder taken out of
service.
If any defects need to be remedied, or modifications need to made, this should be
reported to the person managing/issuing the equipment.
7.1
UCL – ACOP
7.2
Guidance
7.2
Records must be kept of inspections.
All equipment used for accessing and working at heights must be subject to a
programme of regular maintenance.
A programme of regular maintenance should be implemented by the department.
Records must be kept of maintenance.
UCL – ACOP
7.3
The Supervisor must keep records of the maintenance and testing of equipment
used to access heights
Guidance
Maintenance records of equipment provided for safety should include:
• maintenance and testing carried out by outside contractors
• maintenance and testing carried out by competent inspectors
Maintenance and training records must be kept for at least 10 years.
7.3
Cleaning and Waste Services, tel UCL extn.32001, are responsible for arranging eyebolt
testing.
UCL – ACOP
Storage of equipment
7.4
Guidance
7.4
All equipment used for accessing heights must be stored as per supplier’s instructions.
Page 14 of 18
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
UCL – ACOP
appendix 1
Guidance
Mobile and suspended access equipment
Only where it is not possible to work from the existing structure and the use of a
scaffold working platform is not appropriate, a range of access equipment
including suspended cradles, boatswain's chairs or seats can be used.
Suspended cradles
Accidents happen during installation, use and dismantling of temporary cradles. Most
accidents happen because of:
•
unsafe access to and from the cradle;
•
insufficient or poorly secured counterweights and holding down systems;
•
•
failure of the cradle platform or components such as drop nose pins and bolts;
failure of winches, climbing devices, safety gear and ropes usually as a result of
poor maintenance;
•
failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on erection and dismantling.
Equipment should be selected, installed, thoroughly examined and tested to ensure that
it is suitable for its intended purpose.
Cradles should only be used by suitably trained and competent workers. They should
learn emergency and evacuation procedures so that they know what to do, for example,
if the power to the platform fails, or fire breaks out in the building being worked on. With
many pieces of equipment, more than one person will be needed to ensure safe
operation.
Whether a chair or seat is used, the user should be attached to the suspension system
by a harness and lanyard to protect against falls.
When using cradles check that:
• the cradle has adequate guard rails and toe boards and material cannot fall from or
through the cradle's base;
• the equipment is capable of fitting closely to the building and where buffers or rollers
are fitted, they will run against suitable features on the building;
• the building is capable of carrying the loads placed upon it, particularly under the
counterweights and under the fulcrum (or pivot point) of the outrigger. The advice of
a structural engineer may be needed;
• the jib spacing matches the cradle length and, when the cradle can move, adequate
stops are provided to prevent the cradle running off the end of the track;
• the jib length and counterweights are specified to give a factor of safety against
overturning of no less than three;
•
•
•
a secondary safety rope fitted with a fall arrest device is provided and used;
adequate operating instructions and technical support is available. If the equipment
is hired, the supplier should be able to advise;
the cradle is not overloaded and loads are placed on the platform as uniformly as
possible;
there is safe access into the cradle. Access at ground level is safest. If access is
from the roof, the cradle should be secured to prevent it swinging away from the
building. Access must be possible without the need to climb up or down the
suspension ropes. Also, if access is from the roof, or other raised platform, suitable
means to prevent falls from roof edges will be required (for example, guard rails and
toe boards);
•
there is a plan for rescuing the operator if the crane fails while at a high level.
•
appendix 1
Page 15 of 18
Guidance (ctd)
Check that:
• a handover certificate is provided by the installer. The certificate should cover how
to deal with emergencies, operate, check and maintain the equipment, and state its
safe working load;
•
equipment is installed, modified and dismantled only by competent specialists;
•
•
there is a current report of thorough examination for the equipment;
areas of the site where people may be struck by the platform or falling materials
have been barriered off or similar. Debris fans or covered walkways may also be
required;
systems are in place to prevent people within the building being struck by the
platform as it rises or descends and prevent the platform coming into contact with
open windows or similar obstructions which could cause it to tip;
the equipment can be protected from adverse weather. High winds can tilt
platforms and make them unstable. Establish a maximum safe wind speed for
operation. Storms and snow falls can also damage platforms, so they should be
inspected before use after severe weather.
•
•
If a motor of a powered cradle fails it can make the cradle tip or people may overbalance
and fall while reaching out of the cradle. Therefore safety harnesses should be worn in
these circumstances. Harnesses should be attached to suitable anchorage points within
the cradle or platform (such as the motor mounting points) or attached to running lines
rigged in the cradle. The harness lanyards should be kept as short as possible, while
allowing operators to reach their place of work.
It is important that a thorough visual pre-use check for obvious faults is carried out
before each use. In addition, a weekly inspection should be carried out by a competent
person and a record made of that inspection. Before taking a temporary scaffold access
platform into use, the following should be checked daily:
• The platform should be structurally sound: lift it off the ground, say 1 m, and inspect
for excessive deflections;
•
While it is off the ground, carry out a tactile inspection of critical connectors;
•
Make sure that it runs freely up and down - try it out;
•
Check that lines of communication work properly.
At the end of the day, ensure the following:
•
the platform cleared of tools and equipment;
•
all power switched off and, where appropriate, power cables secured;
•
•
the equipment secured where it will not be accessible to vandals or trespassers;
notices are attached to the equipment, warning that it is out of service and must not
be used.
Boatswain's chairs and seats can be used for light, short-term work. They should only
be used where it is not practicable to provide a working platform. Use a chair which
consists of a seat with a back, a central suspension point and a carrying point for tools.
Whether a chair or seat is used, the user should be attached to the suspension system
by a harness and lanyard to protect against falls.
The system must comprise at least two separately anchored ropes, one as a means of
access, descent and support (work rope) and the other as back u-up (security rope)
appendix 1 (ctd.)
•
workers must be provided with and use an appropriate harness and be connected by
it to the security rope
•
the work rope must be equipped with safe means of ascent and descent and have a
self locking system to prevent the user falling should they lose control of their
movements. The security rope must be equipped with a mobile fall prevention
system which follows the movements of the worker
•
the tools and other accessories to be used by the worker must be secured to the
worker’s harness or seat by some other appropriate means
•
the work must be properly planned and supervised so that a worker can be rescued
immediately in an emergency.
Page 16 of 18
Appendix 2
UCL – ACOP
appendix 2
Guidance
Rope Access, Safety Harnesses , fall arrest systems and their anchor points .
Only where no other method is practicable, or when work platforms cannot
comply with all the requirements for safe work (e.g. a guardrail has to be
removed to land materials) should a way of arresting falls e.g. a harness and
lines, be relied upon.
Rope access can be used for inspection and some short-term light-duration work. It
should only be used where access from a working platform is not practicable.
A harness will not prevent a fall – it serves to minimise the risk of injury if there is a fall.
Fall arrest devices must be provided where there is a risk of serious injury.
Anyone who needs to attach themselves should be able to do so from a safe position.
They need to be able to attach themselves before they move into a position where they
are relying on the protection provided by the harness;
Any attachment point must be capable of withstanding the impact load in the event of a
fall - expert advice may be needed.
Use cable based fall arrest systems as a means of protection when working at height or
near a leading edge.
Make sure everyone who uses a harness has been expertly trained and is competent to
check, wear and adjust it before use and how to connect themselves to the structure or
safety line as appropriate.
Ensure the equipment fits the user and is correctly fitted.
Do give consideration to gender issues.
The system must comprise at least two separately anchored ropes, one as a means of
access, descent and support (work rope) and the other as back-up (safety rope).
The work rope must be equipped with safe means of ascent and descent and have a self
locking system to prevent the user falling should they lose control of their movements.
The security rope must be equipped with a mobile fall prevention system which follows
the movements of the worker.
Ensure that there is an adequate fall height to allow the system to deploy and arrest the
fall.
The tools and other accessories to be used by the worker must be secured to the
worker’s harness or seat by some other appropriate means.
The work must be properly planned and supervised so that a worker can be rescued
immediately in an emergency.
The equipment is erected under the supervision of a competent person and then a precheck is carried out.
MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
Most web-type harnesses and lanyards have a service life of 5 years. Always check the
tag with the date of manufacture on it. If the harness or lanyard does not have a tag,
don't use it. Return undated equipment to a supervisor immediately to prevent others
from using it.
Lanyards and harnesses must be inspected visually prior to use to ensure proper
protection. Check for signs of abrasion, tears or general wear and tear.
They should be maintained to a high standard and tested thoroughly at least every six
months.
appendix 2
Harnesses and lanyards are made of man-made fibres and as such are prone to
degradation by sunlight, chemicals etc. It is important to carry out tactile pre-use checks
daily, in good light, before using the harnesses and lanyards. If there is the slightest
doubt about a harness or the lanyard, do not use it. Faults can be noticed by
discolouration, little tears and nicks, grittiness to touch etc.
Page 17 of 18
WEBBING
•
Look for cuts, fraying, broken stitching, and other damage.
•
Check for chemical or heat damage e.g. by discolouration, brittleness, or melted
fibres.
•
Ensure that grommets are intact and plastic or metal keepers are sound.
•
Inspect all metal buckles for distortion, cracks, and sharp or rough edges. All
buckles should slide easily for adjustment.
D-RING
•
Inspect for distortion, cracks, sharp or rough edges, and chemical or heat damage.
•
Ensure that the adjustment plate holding the D-ring in position on the harness is
free from cracks, heat damage, or other defects. The plate must keep the D-ring in
position without allowing it to slide out of place under its own weight.
LANYARDS
•
Check the lanyard from end to end looking for worn, broken, or cut fibres. Look for
evidence of stretching or impact-loading indicating that the lanyard may have been
involved in a fall arrest.
•
Inspect the lanyard for evidence of chemical or heat exposure. Discolouration and
brittle material are signs of exposure.
•
Check the connecting hardware for cracks, distortion, and other signs of stress.
•
If the shock absorber is part of the lanyard, check the core of the absorber by
sliding your fingers along its length to ensure that it is intact.
Discard any lanyard that shows signs of the damage described above.
•
SHOCK ABSORBERS
•
If someone wearing a harness falls, they may be injured by the impact load to the
body when the line goes tight or when they strike against parts of the structure
during the fall. An energy absorber fitted to the energy-absorbing lanyard can
reduce the risk of injury from impact loads;
•
A shock absorber must be checked prior to each use. All shock absorbers should
carry an inspection tag with the date of the last inspection. If the tag is missing, the
shock absorber should be returned to a supervisor for advice on its suitability.
•
Check the outer jacket and end loops for any signs of damage including cuts, tears,
burns, chemical damage, and stretching.
•
Stitching should be checked, especially around end loops.
•
Remove a shock absorber from service immediately if it's found to be defective.
SNAP HOOKS
•
Check the snap hook for cracks and corroded or pitted surfaces.
•
Ensure that the spring has enough tension to close the keeper securely.
•
Ensure that bill and eye sections are not twisted or bent and are free from sharp
edges. Check that the locking mechanism is working properly by attempting to
push the keeper into the open position with the mechanism still engaged. If the
keeper opens, discard the unit immediately.
•
Open the keeper and release. The keeper should sit into the bill without binding. It
should not be bent or show excessive lateral movement.
ANCHOR POINTS
•
installation of equipment to which harnesses will be fixed, e.g. a suitable anchor,
must be supervised by a suitably qualified person
•
Safety Harness Anchorage Devices are permanently installed into new and existing
buildings and are solely for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to
protect against falls from a height.
All anchorage devices whether existing or new have to be tested annually,
according to BS 7883:1997.
appendix 2 (ctd.)
UCL Safety Services Reference(s):
Working at Heights
First Published
Amended
March 2006
April 2007
Page 18 of 18