Transcript Document
Behavioural Safety Working At Height Agenda 1. What is work at height ? 2. Why we must control work at height 3. Using ladders safely 4. Common causes of falls 5. Stepladders What Is Work At Height ? Work at height is work in any place, including a place at, above or below ground level, where a person could be injured if they fell from that place. Access and egress to a place of work can also be work at height. Examples of work activities that are classified as working at height include : • working on a flat roof • working from a ladder • working at ground level adjacent to an open excavation • working near or adjacent to fragile materials. Why We Must Control Work At Height Latest figures show that 46 people died from a fall from height at work in 2005/06. This is the lowest number on record, but falls from height remain the most common kind of accident causing fatal injuries. The number of people who have suffered major injury as a result of a fall has also reduced, from 3799 in 2004/05 to 3351 in 2005/06. Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees, accounting for around 15% of all such injuries. Using Ladders Safely When can ladders be used ? • Ladders can be used if after assessing the risks the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration. • Short duration is taken to be between 15 and 30 minutes depending upon the task. • Ladders can also be used for low risk work where there are features on the site that mean a ladder must be used. Common Causes of Falls Common causes of falls include those where: You can help prevent this type of fall if you: Keep your body centred within the ladder Always keep three points of contact with the ladder Keep the rungs clean and in good condition Wear non-slip footwear, if necessary clean the soles before using the ladder Are fit to work at height The user slips from the ladder Are trained to use a ladder Keep three points of contact with the ladder Make sure the rungs are horizontal Position the ladder correctly on a firm, level surface Check the feet of the ladder daily The ladder wobbles, slips and falls Fasten the ladder at top and bottom Rest the ladder on a firm surface at the top Position the ladder properly, use the 1 in 4 rule for leaning ladders The ladder breaks Do not exceed the maximum weight limit on the ladder Only carry light materials or tools (up to 10kg) The user over-reaches Is a ladder right for the job ? If you are not sure that it is right to use a ladder speak to your Line Manager or the Safety Representative. StepLadders Before Use • Before you use a stepladder, first ask yourself: am I fit to work at height? Then think about the condition and the position of the ladder. • A stepladder in good condition has: • • • • Feet firmly attached Clean treads Secure locking devices Secure fastenings when it is extended • A stepladder in a good position: • • • • Is fully open Is locked into place Will not move at the bottom. Stands on a surface that is: • • • • • firm level (see the diagrams below for safe limits on slopes) clear dry not slippery StepLadders In Use • Only work on a stepladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time • Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg) • Do not overreach – make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles • Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task • Make sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps • Avoid side-on working Questions?