| It not only makes sense to reduce the risk of accidents, it’s the law!
Work At Height Regulations state that all employers have a duty of care to ensure that work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner.
AFI are committed to safe working practice and can help you adhere to BS 8437:2005 - a new British Standard which brings together best practice in personal fall protection. |
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The Work at Height Regulations came into force on 6 April 2005, consolidating previous legislation. The old 2 meter threshold no longer applies – the regulations apply to working at ANY height.
Falls from height are the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury in the UK.
The Responsibility Lies With You
Whether you are an employer, or employee, self-employed or working for a large firm of contractors, the regulations apply to everyone and to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall which may cause personal injury.
To comply with the regulations you must:
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Ensure that all work at height is properly planned and organized |
Check… If the work is absolutely necessary. If you have to work at height, do everything you can to prevent a fall. Consider all the risks in advance and carefully choose the right equipment for the job and the environment. The AFI team is here to help you with any queries you may have. To avoid accidents always carry out a full risk assessment.
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Ensure that all those involved in work at height are competent |
Check Operators Are Fully Trained… Training not only improves safety, but can increase productivity, enhance awareness and save money.
AFI is committed to promoting safe working practice through comprehensive training and customer education. As an approved IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) training centre, we can provide the appropriate courses you need to suit your individual requirements.
In addition, AFI is also able to provide PASMA certified training, as well as courses endorsed by ROSPA. Call AFI Training on 0870 871511 to obtain full information.
Failure to provide adequate planning information training supervision can result in prosecution, leading to heavy fines and even imprisonment!
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Ensure a full risk assessment is carried out and appropriate equipment is selected and used |
Check Equipment Capabilities … Always make sure you have the right equipment for the job in hand.
Your AFI desk controller can advise you of which machine is the most appropriate for each circumstance.
Check Operator Safety … Make sure operators are fully trained and always wear a harness when using a boom - remember, even the best equipment is useless if not used correctly!
IPAF and the CPA, in agreement with the HSE recommend that ‘a full body harness with an adjustable lanyard is used when working from a boom type mobile elevating work platform.
AFI can provide all the safety equipment you need at your local depot. Ask about the best equipment for the job in hand.
Check the Wind Speed … Working in unsafe wind conditions is dangerous. Always refer to the operator’s manual for the maximum safe wind speed and double check by using an anemometer.
Check the Work Area … Protect both your workforce and site visitors by barricading the work area and ensure that loads are not suspended under the platform.
Be Aware … Maintain safe distances when working near power lines. At least 15m from lines mounted on a steel tower and 9m from those mounted on poles.
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Ensure that the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled |
Check the Ground Conditions …Ground conditions make a substantial difference to the performance of your machine. Following rainfall, check that the terrain is suitable for safe working.
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Ensure that equipment for work at height is properly inspected and maintained |
Check the Site Environment … Secure your site. Vandalism can cause serious damage and accidents, incurring huge costs for your company. Ask your hire desk controller about vital protection cover from AFI.
Machine Maintenance …Daily checks are part of your contractual agreement and play a vital part in protecting your workforce. AFI engineers will respond quickly to any problems.
Don’t Fall Foul Of The Law …
To download a brief guide on the Work at Height Regulations 2005
visit the Health and Safety Executive website click here.
