06 Working At Height

Question 1

What safety elements would you check for on a scaffold?

Answer 1

1. Erection/alteration by competent/licensed workmen (check scaffold tags)
2. Inspection takes place before use, after alteration or event affecting its stability and every 7 days (check scaffold tags)
3. Materials and components are not defective
4. Ground conditions are stable (use of undamaged sole boards/base plates)
5. Arrangements for ground floor access and egress
6. Sufficiently tied and braced
7. Not overloaded with excessive amounts of waste and/or new materials
8. Fully boarded working platforms (min 600mm width) - double boarded with polythene sheets between boards
9. Toe boards (min. 150mm high)
10. Guard rails (min. 950mm high)
11. Intermediate rails (max. 470mm gaps)
12. Stacking of materials does not exceed height of toe board
13. Use of sheeting and netting
14. Clear walkways
15. Harnesses and lanyards where edge protection cannot be provided
16. Traffic management procedures in place around scaffold

Question 2

What licenses for scaffolding are needed on a project?

Answer 2

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Question 3

If you are inspecting a flat roof, what would you consider before accessing it?

Answer 3

1. Is it necessary to go on the roof or can inspection be undertaken from elsewhere (e.g. neighbouring buildings, with binoculars, CCTV etc.)?
2. If it is necessary to go on the roof, can safe access be achieved?
3. If a scaffold exists, has a competent person checked it is safe to use?
4. If a cherry picker/MEWP is needed, is it being managed and safety checked by a certified supplier?
5. Is there a safe route once on the roof?
6. Does the roof have edge protection (min. 950mm high)?
7. Is a fall arrest system installed and has the surveyor had appropriate training in its use?

Question 4

If you are inspecting a flat roof, what hazards should you be aware of?

Answer 4

1. Fragile coverings (asbestos cement, plastic, rotten timber etc.)
2. Fragile roof lights (may be obscured by dirt)
3. Unguarded edges / low parapets
4. Loose copings
5. Rusted, rotten or moss covered access ladders / fire escapes
6. Slippery covering (moss, algae, ice etc.)
7. Trip hazards (protruding services, roof lights, cables laid over covering)
8. Animals (birds, vermin, bees/wasps)
9. High winds

Question 5

You have been asked to inspect a flat roof that has no edge protection. Should you go on to the roof?

Answer 5

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Question 6

What is the hierarchy of risk control measures when working at height?

Answer 6

Working at Height Regulations 2005:

1. Avoid working at height if possible (as far as reasonably practicable test)
2. Use an existing safe place of work
3. Provide work equipment to prevent falls
4. Mitigate distance and consequences of a fall
5. Provision of instruction, training and supervision

Question 7

Would you incorporate the working at height regulations in your specification?

Answer 7

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