Preventing Falls From Height!

Important Points

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) define work at height as being work in any place, including a place at or below ground level, (including access and egress from such a place of work) where if measures required by the Regulations were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.

• Make sure there is always a safe route onto the workplace e.g. a general access scaffold with secured ladder or stair tower.
• Working platforms should be fully boarded, with no gaps through which a person or materials could fall.
• Guard rails should be set at a height of at least 910mm.
• Intermediate guard rails should be set to ensure there is no opening greater than 470mm.
• Toe boards should be installed at every edge to prevent materials from falling.
• Lapping of scaffold boards should be avoided to prevent people tripping and falling over the uneven surface.
• Where loading bays are erected ensure they’re fitted with gates, which should be kept closed when loading is not taking place to prevent falls.
• Access ladders must stand on a firm level base and must be secured at the top and the bottom to prevent movement.
• Wherever possible use podium steps and tower scaffolds in the place of ladders and stepladders.
• Never move tower scaffolds when an operative is using it.
• Effective barriers or warning notices should be in place to stop people using incomplete scaffolding.
• After gales inspect scaffolding to ensure no damage has occurred.
• Avoid work at height in wet, icy or windy conditions if it will jeopardize the health and safety of workers.
• The scaffold should be regularly inspected by a competent person.
• Remember if you notice something out of place or damaged report it immediately.