Working at Height
Common Questions

No, any work at a level above or where a fall could occur below, a datum point is work at height and must be planned.

Yes, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment must establish that the equipment is fit for purpose and that those using it have sufficient information, instruction and training in it's use.

 

 

No, the use of personal protective equipment [PPE] should always be a last resort. Measures should be put in place, such as guardrails or barriers, to protect the whole workforce having established the work on the roof is absolutely necessary.

 

 

The guard rail must only be removed by a competent pre vetted scaffold contractor or rigger after the original risk assessment has been reviewed to identify any additional precautions. The likely outcome for this short duration activity is to wear a harness with a fixed length lanyard to prevent reaching the exposed edge.

No, nobody can be asked to work at height if they unwilling or unsure It may be possible to use a hydraulic hoist [cherry picker] to allow him to sense the height involved and determine whether he may be happy in this instance.

No, where a building is normally occupied and measures are in place, for example walls, windows and barriers, to control activities this is not work at height

              

 

No, there is a mandatory requirement for cherry pickers to be hired from a pre vetted contractor

 

 

No, all aspects of the work activity needs to be considered such as:

 

Then by risk assessment if the work is of short duration, simple in application and three point contact is maintained at all times then a ladder is acceptable.

 

No, there must be no person or equipment on the platform when it is moved

 

A rostrum is a small platform on which a person performing stands to make themselves more visible. This may also be referred to as a riser e.g. for a drum kit on stage. For larger concerts, where more than one band are playing, the rostra may be rolling risers, to facilitate faster change over times.

Where chairs are to be used, battens should be in place to prevent chairs falling backwards.

Rostra of 2 metres or more, using scaffold legs, should be erected by a competent person. Ask Al for advice.

Yes. You should ask for a risk assessment and method statement, and these should mention the weight of the person (or load) to be suspended, and show by calculation how this will be achieved safely. These should be accompanied by a technical drawing or rigging plan.

Yes. You should ask to see a copy of the latest test certificates for the rigging equipment. The date of the last test should be no more than 6 months ago.

An exclusion zone is an area below the work which has been cordoned off to prevent access.

Local instructions are a venue's safe system of work for grids, and should be communicated to everyone working in the venue, when grid work is taking place.

The safe working load should be clearly marked on the grid.

Firstly you need to decide what you want to do; how many people require access; how long they require access etc. Carrying out a risk assessment should help to identify which equipment to use.

 

All equipment should be suitably maintained and checked. All access equipment should be inspected regularly, and records should be kept. For most equipment the inspections should be at least every 6 months. For scaffolding, it should be at least every 7 days. You should ask to see the inspection records.

 

For hoists, the contractor should be from the vetted list, and the operator should be carrying a license which states which equipment he/she is competent to operator. For scaffolding, only vetted contractors should be used.